Description
Succulent Persian grilled chicken marries zesty lemon and aromatic spices in a Mediterranean culinary journey. Marinated to perfection, this dish promises a tantalizing fusion of flavors you’ll savor with every delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon saffron water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Preparation and Serving Tools:
- 2 to 3 metal or soaked wooden bamboo skewers
Instructions
- Whisk together plain yogurt, freshly grated lime zest, aromatic Middle Eastern spices, and kosher salt to create a vibrant marinade for the chicken pieces.
- Transfer the seasoned chicken into a sealed plastic bag, ensuring complete coating, and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or up to 24 hours to allow deep flavor penetration.
- Remove marinated chicken from refrigerator approximately 30 minutes before grilling to bring to room temperature, promoting even cooking.
- Thread cherry tomatoes and lemon wedges onto metal or pre-soaked wooden skewers, lightly brushing with olive oil and sprinkling with additional seasoning.
- Heat outdoor grill or gas grill to medium-high temperature (375-400°F or 190-204°C), cleaning and oiling grates to prevent sticking.
- Place chicken pieces on grill, positioning skin-side down to achieve golden-brown caramelization and crispy exterior.
- Cook chicken for approximately 12-13 minutes per side, rotating once to ensure uniform browning and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Simultaneously grill prepared vegetable skewers until tomatoes develop slight char and lemon wedges become slightly softened.
- Remove chicken and skewers from grill, allowing meat to rest for 5-7 minutes to redistribute internal juices.
- Plate grilled chicken alongside fragrant basmati rice, garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro, parsley, and mint leaves for a vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Marinating overnight intensifies the yogurt’s tenderizing power, creating incredibly juicy chicken with deep, complex flavors.
- Room temperature resting allows even cooking, preventing tough, dry meat and ensuring a perfectly grilled result.
- Alternate tomatoes and lemon wedges on skewers for vibrant color and added citrusy brightness that complements the chicken’s rich marinade.
- Preheating and oiling grill grates prevents sticking and helps develop those beautiful, appetizing char marks.
- Fresh herbs sprinkled at the end provide a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness and elevates the entire dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Persian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 0 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg