No get-together is complete without some scrumptious kebabs on the table. The whiff of kebabs make it just impossible to resist. So let's just agree that a platter of juicy kebabs is always a crowd pleaser. Grilled, pan-fried or baked, mutton or chicken, kebabs have always made us drool over them in all their forms. From seekh kebabs, shami, gilafi to tangri kebabs, there are options galore when it comes to cooking, specially with the lean meat- chicken and guess what? You can make each one of them at home too! Sure, your food delivery app has your back whenever you crave some delicious kebabs and don't want to spend time in the kitchen. But if you are in a mood to cook, here are some delicious chicken kebab recipes that you can try at home:
Here we have 13 of the best chicken kebab recipes that you can try:
1. Chicken Malai Seekh Kebab
Seekh kebabs are one of the most popular kebabs around and there have been endless varieties to it. These cramy seekh kebabs laced with a mix of bread crumbs, cream, fenugreek seeds and more is a must try though! Click here for the recipe.
(Also Read: 5 Interesting Kebab Recipes To Try At Home)
Chicken kebab recipes: Creamy, delicious and easy, this chicken kebab recipe is too delicious to resist!
2. Chicken Gilafi Kebab
A unique type of seekh kebab that has a covering (or gilaf) of chopped vegetables over the cylindrical-shaped minced meat which has been marinated with spices and skewered over iron rods. Cooked on charcoal, either in a barbeque or clay tandoor, these kebabs are sure to make you drool! Click here for the recipe.
Chicken kebab recipes: Gilafi means a covering.
3. Kalmi Chicken Kebab
Boneless chicken thigh pieces mixed in a pool of yogurt, cream and spices and fried to crispy perfection, kalmi chicken kebabs makes for a heavenly snack to nosh on! Find the full recipe here.
4. Chicken Galawat Kebab
Said to be a hallmark of Awadhi cuisine, chicken galawat kebab is made by marinating minced chicken in with raw papaya along with spices such as peppercorns, cardamom, poppy seeds, ginger, garlic and more. The kebabs are then deep-fried to perfection. Find the full recipe here.
Chicken kebab recipes: Chicken galawat kebab is known to be a hallmark of Awadhi cuisine.
5. Chicken Shami Kebab
Known to have originated during the Mughal era in the royal kitchens, shami kebabs are a delectable snack made with either with minced mutton or chicken mixed with host of spices like red chilli, green chilli, black peppercorn, etc. Find the full recipe here. Or just skip the hassle and order it quickly from your favourite food delivery app.
Chicken kebab recipes: Shami kebabs are a delectable snack made with either with minced mutton or chicken.
6. Chicken Malai Kebab
Chicken malai kebab is one variety that isn't too popular but can be a great addition to your snacks menu. If you love the combination of cream cheese, mozzarella and chicken, then this one is exactly what you need! Find the recipe here.
(Also Read: 5 Amazing Kebab Places in Delhi Every Meat Lover Must Know Of)
Chicken kebab recipes
7. Chicken Handi Kebab
No tandoor, no oven, all you need for these chicken kebabs is a wok, oil, onion and spices tossed in with chicken, cooked till a thick paste-like gravy laced around the chicken chunks! Click here for the recipe.
8. Cheese Chicken Kebab
Indulge in this cheesy, creamy and absolutely delicious kebabs made with a mix of tantalizing spices wrapped around chicken chunks and then dipped in a mix of yogurt, cheese and gram flour. Cooked in tandoor, cheese chicken kebabs are a treat to the taste buds! Find the recipe here.
9. Peshawari Chicken Kebab
Perhaps one of the easiest kebab recipes, Peshawari chicken kebabs boasts of eclectic flavours of cumin, black pepper, red chillies, ginger, garlic, anardana, coriander and more. These spices and herbs are tossed in with chicken, marinated for 30 minutes, shallow fried and served hot! Find the full recipe here.
Chicken kebab recipes: Peshawari chicken kebabs boasts of eclectic flavours.
10. Kaghzi Kebab
Unique, yummy and quite an easy one, kaghzi kebab are made by stuffing chicken drumsticks with a sautéed mix of minced chicken, dal, pine nut and seasoning and marinating it in a pool of spices and yogurt before char-grilling it on skewers. Stuffed chicken drumstick kebabs on the table, sounds interesting isn't it? Find the recipe here.
(Also Read: 11 Best Kebab Recipes)
11. Tangri Kebab
A truly satisfying snack, Tangdi chicken or chicken leg can be cooked in numerous ways- grilled, fried, sautéed, roasted and even baked. Here is an easy microwave recipe that you can try at home. Find the recipe here.
Chicken kebab recipes: Tangri kebabs are spectacular starters.
12. Chicken Boti Kebab
Generally, the boti kebab is made from mutton, this recipe uses chicken to recreate this delicacy. Chicken boti kebab is very easy to prepare and would make a delicious party snack!
13. Chicken Hara Bhara Kebab
Chicken Hara Bhara Kebab is made by blending spinach, potatoes and peas, to give the dish its distinct flavour and refreshing colour.
Tips To Make Homemade Chicken Kebabs Juicy
1. Choose the Right Cut of Chicken
Use thigh meat instead of breast for extra juiciness and flavour. Thighs have more natural fat, which keeps kebabs moist during grilling.
2. Marinate Generously
Include yogurt or lemon juice for tenderizing. Add oil and spices to lock in moisture and flavour. Marinate for at least 2-4 hours, or overnight for best results.
3. Cook on Medium Heat
Avoid high flame, which dries out the meat quickly. Grill until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for perfect doneness.
4. Baste While Grilling
Brush kebabs with melted butter or oil during cooking. Baste every few minutes for a glossy, juicy finish.
5. Rest Before Serving
Let kebabs rest for 5 minutes after grilling. This allows juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.
How To Get Restaurant-Style Finish In Your Homemade Kebabs
1. Use a Charcoal or Smoky Element
Restaurants often achieve that signature smoky aroma using tandoors or grills. At home, you can replicate this by placing a small piece of hot charcoal in a bowl inside the tray of cooked kebabs, drizzling a little ghee over it, and covering the tray for 2-3 minutes. This simple trick infuses a rich, smoky flavor that feels straight out of a restaurant kitchen.
2. Achieve Perfect Charring
The golden-brown char on kebabs is what makes them look and taste irresistible. To get this finish, cook the kebabs on medium heat until done, then increase the heat briefly at the end or use an oven broiler for a few minutes. This ensures crisp edges without drying out the meat.
3. Brush with Butter or Ghee
One of the easiest ways to give kebabs a restaurant-style sheen is by basting them with melted butter or ghee during the last few minutes of cooking. This not only adds richness and flavour but also gives the kebabs a glossy, appetising finish.
4. Garnish Like a Pro
Presentation matters as much as taste. Sprinkle chaat masala, fresh coriander, and a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. Pair the kebabs with thin onion rings or pickled vegetables for that authentic restaurant-style plating.
5. Serve on a Hot Plate
Restaurants often serve kebabs sizzling hot for added drama. You can recreate this by heating a cast-iron plate or tawa, placing the kebabs on it, and adding a few drops of ghee for aroma. The sizzling effect makes the experience feel indulgent and professional.
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About Aanchal MathurAanchal doesn't share food. A cake in her vicinity is sure to disappear in a record time of 10 seconds. Besides loading up on sugar, she loves bingeing on FRIENDS with a plate of momos. Most likely to find her soulmate on a food app.