Grilled Chicken Kafta is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish made from ground chicken mixed with fresh herbs, garlic, onions, and warm spices. Shaped onto skewers and grilled to perfection, these juicy, smoky kebabs are a lighter take on the traditional beef or lamb kafta, making them a healthy and delicious option for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground chickenoniongarlicparsleycilantroground cuminpaprikaground corianderground allspicesaltblack pepperolive oillemon juicewooden or metal skewers

directions

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes if using them.

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, finely grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley and cilantro.

Add cumin, paprika, coriander, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated, but don’t overmix.

Drizzle in a bit of olive oil and lemon juice to help bind and add moisture.

With wet hands, shape the chicken mixture onto skewers, pressing firmly to mold it into a sausage-like shape.

Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and brush lightly with oil.

Grill the skewers for 4–5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks.

Remove from heat and let rest a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 8 skewers.Preparation time: 15 minutesChilling time (optional): 20 minutesGrilling time: 10 minutesTotal time: 45 minutes

Variations

Add finely chopped chili for heat.

Mix in a spoon of Greek yogurt for extra moisture.

Replace parsley with mint for a refreshing twist.

Serve with a side of garlic sauce or tahini for dipping.

Use chicken thighs instead of breast for more richness.

storage/reheating

Store leftover kafta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second bursts until hot.You can also freeze uncooked kafta skewers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before grilling.

FAQs

Can I bake Chicken Kafta instead of grilling?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What’s the difference between kafta and kebab?

Kafta is made from ground meat mixed with herbs and spices, while kebabs are often made from chunks of meat.

Can I use a food processor?

Yes, a food processor helps mix everything evenly and finely.

How do I keep kafta from falling off the skewer?

Make sure the mix is not too wet, chill it before shaping, and press it firmly onto the skewers.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all ingredients used are certified gluten-free.

Can I make mini patties instead of skewers?

Absolutely, shape them into small patties and grill or pan-fry.

What to serve with Chicken Kafta?

Serve with rice, salad, flatbread, or hummus.

Can I cook these in the oven?

Yes, broil them on high for a charred finish or bake as noted above.

Is ground turkey a good substitute?

Yes, but chicken provides a slightly juicier result.

Can I prepare the mixture in advance?

Yes, the mixture can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

Grilled Chicken Kafta is a versatile, healthy, and crowd-pleasing dish that brings the vibrant flavors of the Middle East to your table. Whether served with dips, over rice, or wrapped in flatbread, these kebabs are perfect for both casual meals and special occasions. Give them a try for a fresh take on grilling night!