Are you craving a flavorful and exciting dinner that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than these succulent Chicken Seekh Kababs! This classic Indian dish is bursting with aromatic spices and juicy chicken, perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is designed to guide you through every step, ensuring a delicious and satisfying result. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this simple yet incredibly rewarding dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 green chili, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/4 tsp red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for at least 30 minutes)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, green chili, cilantro, lemon juice, garam masala, coriander powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands until well combined. This ensures that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the chicken.
Step 2: Shaping the Kababs
Once the chicken mixture is well combined, gently form it into elongated cylindrical shapes around the soaked wooden skewers. Make sure the chicken is firmly packed around the skewers to prevent them from falling apart during cooking. You can adjust the thickness of the kababs according to your preference.
Step 3: Cooking the Kababs
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Carefully place the chicken seekh kababs onto the hot surface, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and nicely browned. You can also grill the kababs for a smoky flavor.
Step 4: Serving
Once the kababs are cooked, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot with your favorite accompaniments like mint chutney, tamarind chutney, onion rings, or a simple salad.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Seekh Kababs:
- Soaking the skewers: Soaking the wooden skewers prevents them from burning during cooking.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the chicken mixture can make the kababs tough. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
- Adjust the spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices according to your preference. If you like it spicier, add more chili powder.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and result in unevenly cooked kababs. Cook them in batches if necessary.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: For a healthier twist, add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini to the chicken mixture.
- Use different meats: Try substituting ground lamb or beef for the ground chicken.
- Experiment with marinades: Marinate the chicken mixture for a few hours in yogurt for added flavor and tenderness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
These delicious Chicken Seekh Kababs are a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. They're quick dinner ideas that are perfect for busy weeknights, and the homemade cooking experience will surely leave you feeling satisfied. Enjoy!