Citrus Chicken Kebabs with Fragrant Cardamom Rice Recipe
These vibrant Citrus Chicken Kebabs with fragrant Cardamom Rice combine tender, juicy marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection with aromatic basmati rice infused with warm spices and sweet dates, served alongside cooling yogurt, fresh mint, and crunchy toasted almonds for a harmonious and flavorful meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients
Citrus Chicken Kebabs
- 1.25 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 3 tbsp fresh orange juice (plus more to serve)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 3/4 tsp turmeric
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
Cardamom Rice
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 cup dry basmati rice, rinsed well
- 2 pitted Medjool dates, finely chopped
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
To Serve
- Plain yogurt + a pinch of salt
- Fresh mint sprigs
- Chopped toasted almonds
Instructions
- Soak Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in a glass of water for at least 15 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
- Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with orange zest, fresh orange juice, minced garlic, brown sugar, olive oil, ground cumin, turmeric, and kosher salt. Toss thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly. Marinate at room temperature for 15-20 minutes or refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor.
- Prepare Cardamom Rice: Heat olive oil over medium-low heat in a medium pot with a tight-fitting lid. Add ground cardamom, cinnamon stick, and rinsed basmati rice. Toast while stirring for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add chopped dates, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to the lowest setting and cover. Cook undisturbed for 15 minutes. After cooking, turn off the heat and leave covered for an additional 10 minutes to steam.
- Preheat Broiler: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Position an oven rack approximately 5 inches from the broiler heating element and turn the broiler on.
- Thread and Cook Kebabs: Thread the marinated chicken pieces evenly onto the soaked skewers. Place the skewers on the prepared baking sheet and broil for 12-15 minutes, turning once if desired, until the chicken is cooked through and edges are lightly charred.
- Serve: Plate the cardamom rice and top with the broiled citrus chicken kebabs. Add a squeeze of fresh orange juice over the kebabs. Garnish with a dollop of salted plain yogurt, fresh mint sprigs, and a handful of chopped toasted almonds for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the citrus and spice flavors.
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning under the broiler.
- Use a tight-fitting lid on the rice pot to ensure even steaming.
- Adjust broiling time based on your oven and thickness of chicken pieces.
- For a gluten-free meal, ensure all ingredients and yogurt used are certified gluten-free.
