Egyptian cuisine is rich with a variety of flavors, thanks to its ancient history and the blend of diverse cultures over the centuries. One such dish is Chicken Souvlaki, known locally as “Chicken Kebab,” which makes an appearance at celebrations and everyday tables alike. This dish combines savory marinades with tender chicken, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.
The recipe presented here is not only easy to follow but also healthy and traditional, making it perfect for any occasion. The chicken, enriched with a special marinade, is grilled to perfection and accompanied by a side of richly spiced rice. This combination promises a delightful burst of flavors in every bite, embodying the warmth and hospitality of Egyptian cuisine.
Ingredients
Chicken Souvlaki
- 500g boneless chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 cloves garlic, mashed
- 1 red capsicum, minced
- ½ tsp white pepper
- ½ tsp dried chili spice
- ½ tsp ginger powder
- ½ tsp oregano
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp olive oil
Spiced Rice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 dried black lemon, opened
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup basmati rice, washed and soaked for 15 minutes
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp paprika
- A pinch of cloves powder
- A pinch of black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1¾ cups chicken broth
Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp dried mint
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 clove garlic, mashed
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix garlic, red capsicum, white pepper, dried chili spice, ginger powder, oregano, lemon juice, salt, and olive oil. Add the cubed chicken and mix well. Marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in the fridge.
- Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a pot, add butter, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, and dried black lemon. Sauté onion until golden.
- Add the washed and soaked basmati rice to the pot. Stir in cumin powder, turmeric, paprika, cloves powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to coat the rice with the spices.
- Pour in chicken broth, stir, and cover the pot. Cook on low heat for 20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto wooden skewers.
- Heat a grill pan with a little oil over medium heat, grill chicken skewers for about 3 minutes on each side, covering the pan to steam and cook faster.
- For the yogurt sauce, whisk together yogurt, olive oil, cumin, dried mint, salt, and mashed garlic until smooth.
- Serve the grilled chicken souvlaki with spiced rice and yogurt sauce on the side.
Did you know?
Souvlaki is a term often associated with Greek cuisine, but in Egypt, Chicken Souvlaki, or Chicken Kebab, carries its own unique twist. This dish exemplifies the Middle Eastern influence on Egypt, with spices like cumin and turmeric adding depth and color. The use of dried black lemon (loomy) is a typical feature in Egyptian cooking, imparting a distinctive tangy flavor that elevates the dish.
Chicken souvlaki is a versatile and simple dish, primarily because it allows flexibility in preparation methods – it can be grilled, roasted, or pan-fried depending on what is available. This adaptability makes it an excellent addition to healthy meal plans as well. The light yet flavorful marinade, with ingredients such as lemon and garlic, ensures the chicken stays tender and juicy.
Moreover, the spiced rice served alongside showcases the traditional Egyptian approach to rice dishes, incorporating a myriad of spices that bring out a harmonious flavor profile. The yogurt sauce, often a staple in Egyptian cuisine, not only adds a refreshing contrast but compliments the mildly spicy chicken and aromatic rice perfectly. Whether for Ramadan or any festive occasion, this dish is a testament to the culinary heritage of Egypt.
