Pideli Chicken Shish Kebab Recipe

If you’re a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine, you may have already encountered the delightful world of kebabs. One standout is the Pideli Chicken Shish Kebab, a dish that combines succulent grilled chicken with the soft, slightly chewy texture of traditional Pide bread. Originating from the Ottoman Empire, this dish has been a staple in Turkish households for generations, blending rich flavors and aromatic spices to create a culinary masterpiece.

List of Ingredients

To get started, gather the following ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade

Chicken breast (2 pounds), cut into bite-sized pieces

1/4 cup Olive oil 

2 tablespoons lemon juice

 4 cloves garlic (minced)

2 teaspoons paprika (optional)

Ground cumin (1 teaspoon)

1 teaspoon ground coriander

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pide Bread

3 cups all-purpose flour 

1 packet or 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast

1 cup water (warm water)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon sugar

Optional Substitutes

Chicken Thighs can be used instead of breast for juicier kebabs

Naan or Pita Bread as alternatives if Pide bread is unavailable

Preparation Steps

Marinating the Chicken

Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.

Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.

Preparing the Pide Bread

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.

Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Shape the Dough: Punch down the dough, divide it into equal portions, and shape each portion into a flat oval or round disc.

Second Rise: Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet, cover with a cloth, and allow it to rise for another 20-30 minutes.

Cooking Instructions

Cook the chicken and prepare the bread.

Grilling the Chicken

Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers.

Grill the Kebabs: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.

Heating the Pide Bread

Bake the Pide Bread: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the Pide bread for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Warm the Bread (if using store-bought): Wrap the bread in aluminum foil and warm it in the oven for 5-7 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

To present your Pideli Chicken Shish Kebab authentically:

Plate the Pide Bread: Lay the warm Pide bread on a serving platter.

Top with Chicken Kebabs: Place the grilled chicken skewers on top of the bread.

Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro and a sprinkle of sumac or a drizzle of tahini sauce.

Side Dishes could include a fresh salad, pickled vegetables, or a dollop of yogurt.

Conclusion and Tips

Creating the perfect Pideli Chicken Shish Kebab is all about balancing flavors and textures. Remember to:

Marinate the Chicken well in advance for the best flavor.

Keep an Eye on the Grill to avoid overcooking.

Enjoy the Process and share your culinary masterpiece with friends and family.

We’d love to see your creations! Tag us in your photos or share them using #IndieFoodBlog

Happy cooking and bon appétit!