Easy Lebanese Chicken Kafta Recipe
Recipe Overview
Overview
Lebanese Chicken Kafta is a delightful dish that showcases the unique flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine. The combination of ground chicken, fresh parsley, and aromatic spices like cinnamon creates a savory profile that is both comforting and exotic. The use of cinnamon might surprise some, but it adds a lovely warmth that complements the chicken beautifully.
The preparation is straightforward, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. Chopping the onions and parsley finely ensures they blend seamlessly into the chicken mixture, enhancing the overall texture and flavor. Using a grill pan not only gives the kafta those beautiful char marks but also adds a smoky flavor that elevates the dish.
Serving the kafta with vermicelli rice and a fresh salad creates a well-rounded meal that is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. The warm rice paired with a citrusy salad is a delightful contrast that makes each bite enjoyable. This recipe is not just about cooking; it’s about bringing people together over a delicious meal.
If you haven’t tried making kafta before, this recipe is a fantastic introduction. It’s easy to prepare, and the results are sure to impress your family and friends. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the spices to suit your taste, and enjoy this Lebanese classic!
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Add half a teaspoon of salt, a fourth of a teaspoon of black pepper, and two teaspoons of cinnamon to one pound of ground chicken.
Chop one garlic clove and add it on top of the chicken.
Chop about a fourth of a cup of onions and mince them finely before adding to the chicken.
Chop about a fourth to half a cup of parsley and add it to the chicken.
Tip: Using a food processor can make chopping onions and parsley easier.
Tip: For ground chicken, combine chicken breast and thighs for the best texture.
Combine ground chicken, cinnamon, salt, pepper, garlic, onions, and parsley in a bowl.
Form the mixture into oblong shapes using your hands.
Add olive oil to a grill pan and heat it.
Place the formed kafta on the heated grill pan.
Tip: Chilling the kafta in the fridge helps them solidify and prevents them from falling off skewers.
Use utensils to flip the kafta to ensure even cooking.
Tip: Turn the kafta around on each side to get grill marks all over.
Transfer the cooked kafta to a plate.
Garnish the kafta with a little bit of parsley.
Serve the chicken kafta with vermicelli rice and a salad.
Ingredients
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Cinnamon is a common spice in Lebanese cooking, adding warmth and sweetness to dishes.
- •Ground chicken can be made at home by processing chicken breasts and thighs together.
- •Minced onions and parsley help to keep the chicken kafta moist and flavorful.
- •Forming kafta into oblong shapes is traditional, but they can also be made round.
