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Citrus and Spice Grilled Persian Chicken.

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A summer recipe for Citrus and Spice Grilled Persian Chicken, with the cooked dish in the background and overlay text describing it as a must-try, Persian-inspired meal.

The Persian-inspired grilled chicken is a celebration of bold flavors and a must-try.

There’s a reason yogurt-based marinades are a culinary classic. They work magic on meat, tenderizing without toughening and creating a caramelized crust that’s pure delight. The vibrant flavors and incredible textures in the Persian-inspired grilled chicken make this a dish that promises to impress.

The Magic Marinade

The marinade is a symphony of spices. Creamy whole-milk yogurt forms the base, while warm spices like turmeric, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, cloves, and a hint of cayenne add depth. A burst of citrus comes from fresh lime zest, a worthy stand-in for the traditional dried lime. Season liberally with salt and pepper to bring out the full flavor profile.

Chicken Choice

We prefer bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces for the ultimate juicy, crispy experience. But boneless works, too. You will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Are you feeling adventurous? You can swap out the chicken for beef or lamb.

Perfect Pairings

Grilled grape tomatoes and lemon wedges offer a bright counterpoint to the rich chicken. A mound of fluffy jasmine rice completes the meal. Fresh herbs like parsley, mint, and cilantro are the finishing touch.

Give this recipe a try, and let us know how it tastes!

YIELDS:
4 – 6 serving(s)		PREP TIME:
10 mins		TOTAL TIME:
5 hrs		CAL/SERV:
788

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 oz. plain whole-milk yogurt
  • 2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more
  • 1 1/2 tsp. ground turmeric 
  • 1 tsp. finely grated lime zest or ground sumac
  • 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, plus more
  • 1/4 tsp. ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp. ground coriander
  • 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1 1/2 lb.)
  • 4 whole chicken drumsticks (about 1 1/2 lb.)
  • 2 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts (about 2 lb.), halved crosswise
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes
  • 1 lemon, quartered
  • Neutral oil, for brushing and grill
  • Steamed jasmine rice (optional) and fresh cilantro, parsley, and mint leaves, for serving

Equipment needed

  • 2 to 3 metal or soaked wooden bamboo skewers

Directions 

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade

In a large bowl, combine yogurt, salt, turmeric, lime zest, cinnamon, cumin, black pepper, cloves, coriander, and cayenne. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Transfer the marinated chicken to a resealable plastic bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours.

Step 2: Prepare the Skewers

Allow the marinated chicken to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling. While waiting, thread tomatoes and lemon wedges onto skewers. Drizzle skewers with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

Prepare your grill for medium-high heat and preheat for approximately 5 minutes. Clean the grill grates and lightly oil them. Remove any excess marinade from the chicken and discard.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Place the chicken skin-side down on the preheated grill and cook until the skin is golden brown, about 15 minutes. Flip the chicken and continue grilling until the skin is charred and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) as measured by an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thighs. This should take about 10 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, tent with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Grill the Skewers

Grill the tomato and lemon skewers, turning occasionally, until lightly charred, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the tomatoes and lemon wedges from the skewers using a fork.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Serve the grilled chicken and tomatoes with rice, if desired. Squeeze fresh juice from the grilled lemon wedges over the dish. Garnish with cilantro, parsley, and mint.

This Citrus and Spice Grilled Persian Chicken is a true flavor sensation. The combination of yogurt, warm spices, and citrus creates a symphony of taste that will tantalize your taste buds. Serve it with grilled grape tomatoes and a squeeze of fresh lemon for a bright and refreshing finish. Whether enjoyed with a side of jasmine rice or on its own, this dish is a must-try for any grill enthusiast.

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