Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 lbs ground chicken (thighs for juiciness, breast for leaner texture, or 50/50 blend for balance)
- 1 large red onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 jalapeños, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1½ tsp salt (or to taste)
Oils
- 2 tbsp olive oil (mixed into the meat)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing or drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get it ready for baking the kebabs.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the ground chicken, chopped red onion, jalapeños, minced garlic, ground ginger, tomato paste, parsley, ground cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, onion powder, salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Use your hands to mix thoroughly until the mixture is cohesive and slightly sticky, ensuring an even distribution of all ingredients.
- Prepare Sheet Pan: Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it with foil to prevent sticking.
- Shape the Mixture: Spread the chicken mixture evenly onto the baking tray, forming a large rectangle about 1 inch thick.
- Score Portions: Using a knife, score the surface of the mixture to divide it into even kebab-sized portions to make serving easier after baking.
- Apply Oil: Brush or drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the top to help develop a golden, slightly crispy exterior.
- Bake Kebabs: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until the kebabs are set and lightly golden on top.
- Optional Broil for Browning: For deeper browning, broil the kebabs for an extra 2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Notes
- For less heat, remove the seeds from jalapeños before chopping.
- Using ground chicken thighs adds more juiciness; breast meat creates a leaner kebab.
- Line the baking tray with parchment paper or foil to make cleanup easier.
- Broiling at the end enhances color and texture but keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- Serve kebabs hot with your favorite sides such as rice, salad, or flatbread.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Low Fat
