Taste the bold flavours of Turkey with this simple Chicken Adana Kebab recipe. Juicy chicken is mixed with fresh herbs and warm spices. The meat is grilled until tender, with a light smoky touch. Every bite is rich, slightly spicy, and full of flavour. This kebab is soft on the inside and a little crispy on the outside. It’s a street food favorite in woking town centre. You can make it right in your own kitchen with a few easy steps.
Ingredients you will need
To make chicken Adana kebab, you will need these ingredients:
- 500 grams ground chicken (minced chicken)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped or grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red chilli flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon paprika powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
How To Cook Chicken Adana Kebab?
1. Soak the skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This step helps prevent the skewers from burning while grilling. You can do this while preparing the chicken mixture to save time.
2. Shape the kebabs
Once the chicken mixture is ready, take a small amount and press it around a skewer. Damp your hands to make shaping easier and prevent the meat from sticking. Shape the meat into a long, flat kebab, about one inch thick. Make sure the thickness is even so the kebabs cook properly. Press the mixture firmly onto the skewer to hold it in place while grilling. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
3. Preheat your grill or pan
Before cooking, heat your grill, grill pan, or non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Let it get hot before placing the kebabs on it. If you use a grill, lightly oil the grates to stop the kebabs from sticking. Add a small amount of oil to the pan and let it heat up fully.
4. Cook the kebabs
Place the skewers on the hot grill or pan. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes on one side, then carefully turn them over and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes on the other side. Make sure to turn the skewers gently so they hold their shape. The outside should be golden brown with a slight char, and the inside should be fully cooked with no pink remaining. The total cooking time is around 8 to 10 minutes. If you have a food thermometer, check that the chicken’s internal temperature has reached 75°C (165°F).
5. Serve hot
Once done, remove the kebabs from the grill or pan and let them rest for a minute. Serve them hot while they’re still juicy and flavorful. Chicken Adana goes well with rice, flatbread, or salad. For extra flavor, serve with yogurt or a dipping sauce. Add a few lemon wedges on the side for a refreshing twist.
How To Serve Chicken Adana Kebab?
Chicken Adana tastes best when it is hot. Here are some simple ways to serve it:
- With bread: You can wrap the kebab in flatbread like pita or lavash.
- With rice: Serve it with plain rice or Turkish-style rice.
- With salad: A fresh salad with tomatoes, onions, and lettuce goes well.
- With yoghurt: A spoonful of plain yoghurt on the side adds a cool taste.
- With grilled vegetables: Grilled onions, peppers, or tomatoes make the meal even better.
These sides help make a full and tasty meal.
What To Drink With Chicken Adana Kebab?
Chicken Adana has strong spices, so a cool drink goes well with it. Here are some good choices:
- Ayran: This is a cold yogurt drink. It is salty and helps cool your mouth.
- Water: Plain cold water is always a good choice with spicy food.
- Lemonade: A glass of fresh lemonade gives a sweet and sour taste.
- Iced tea: Cold tea with little sugar can be a refreshing drink.
- Pomegranate juice: This sweet juice goes well with grilled meat.
Pick the drink you like best to enjoy your meal.
Conclusion
Turkish Chicken Adana Kebab is a simple yet flavorful dish that you can easily make at home. Just use fresh chicken and the right spices, and shape the mixture onto skewers for grilling. Once cooked, serve it hot with your choice of bread, rice, or salad. For the perfect meal, pair it with a cool drink like ayran or lemonade. This tasty Turkish dish is easy to make and enjoy anytime, whether you’re at home or at a restaurant in Woking!
FAQs
What is the difference between kebab and Adana?
Kebab is a general name for grilled meat. Adana is a spicy type of kebab made with ground meat and chili, shaped on a wide skewer. It comes from Adana, Turkey.
Is Adana spicy?
Yes, Adana is spicy. It has chili flakes and other spices mixed into the meat.
Is Chicken Adana healthy?
Yes, Chicken Adana can be healthy. It is made with lean ground chicken and grilled, not fried. It has protein and less fat. But if too much oil or salt is added, it can be less healthy. Eat it with salad or rice for a better meal.
How do you keep Chicken Adana on the skewers while grilling?
Chicken Adana can fall off if it’s too soft. To prevent this, use flat metal skewers, not round ones. Mix the chicken by hand until it becomes sticky, which helps it hold together. Put the mix in the fridge for one hour before grilling. Press it tightly and smooth it out when putting it on the skewer. If it still falls off, your mix may have too much oil or water. Use less next time.
What kind of meat is used in Adana?
Traditional Adana is made with ground lamb. Some places mix lamb with beef. Ground chicken can also be used for a lighter option.
