How To Make A Home Made Kebab 3 Ways

How To Make A Home Made Kebab 3 Ways is a medium Turkish/Middle Eastern recipe that serves 4. 650 calories per serving. Recipe by Jamie Oliver on YouTube.

Prep: 6 hrs 27 min | Cook: 1 hr 25 min | Total: 8 hrs 12 min

Cost: $45.89 total, $11.47 per serving

Ingredients

  • 16 pieces Chicken Thighs (boneless, skin‑on, free‑range)
  • 10 pods Cardamom Pods (toasted)
  • 1 tsp Cumin Seeds (toasted)
  • 1 tsp Coriander Seeds (toasted)
  • 1 tsp Fennel Seeds (toasted)
  • 1 tsp Allspice (level)
  • 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 tsp Ground Cloves
  • 1.5 tsp Sweet Smoked Paprika (1 tsp in spice mix + 0.5 tsp in amber sauce)
  • 4 leaves Bay Leaves
  • 9 cloves Garlic (8 for paste, 1 for hummus)
  • 4 heaped tbsp Greek Yogurt (thick, full‑fat)
  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil (1 tbsp in chicken marinade, 2 tbsp in hummus, 1 tbsp in amber sauce)
  • 1 tbsp Peanut Butter (smooth, unsweetened)
  • 800 g All‑Purpose Flour (white flour)
  • 200 g Whole Wheat Flour (adds richness)
  • 2 tbsp Sesame Seeds
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder
  • 550 ml Cold Water (use chilled water for dough elasticity)
  • 1 jar Canned Chickpeas (drain but keep some liquid for blending)
  • 2 tbsp Tahini
  • 2 pieces Lemon (unwaxed, juiced)
  • 1 pinch Sea Salt
  • 0.5 tsp Fenugreek Seeds
  • 0.5 tsp Mustard Seeds
  • 0.5 tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 0.5 tsp Turmeric
  • 2 pieces Ripe Mangoes (peeled and diced)
  • 2 limes Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 200 g Bulgur Wheat (cracked wheat, rinse and drain)
  • 1 bunch Fresh Parsley (roughly chopped)
  • 1 bunch Fresh Mint Leaves (finely sliced)
  • 3 stalks Spring Onions (cut into 2‑cm pieces)
  • 3 medium Tomatoes (seeded and diced)
  • 1 piece Preserved Lemons (quartered, pits removed)
  • 6 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for tabbouleh dressing)
  • 2 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
  • 5 pieces Radishes (thinly sliced for quick pickle)
  • 1 small Beetroot (cut into sticks for quick pickle)
  • 1 small Red Onion (thin slices for quick pickle)

Instructions

  1. Toast Whole Spices

    Heat a dry frying pan over medium heat. Add the cardamom pods, cumin, coriander and fennel seeds. Toast, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium

  2. Grind Toasted Spices

    Transfer the toasted spices to a pestle and mortar. Grind until a fine powder forms. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, allspice, cinnamon, cloves, and sweet smoked paprika. Grind briefly to combine.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Make Garlic‑Cardamom Paste

    Finely slice the 8 garlic cloves. Add them to the ground spice mix, along with the 4 bay leaves. Pound together until a thick, aromatic paste forms.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Prepare Yogurt Marinade

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the garlic‑spice paste with Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp smooth peanut butter. Stir until fully incorporated.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Marinate the Chicken

    Add the 16 chicken thighs to the bowl. Using your hands, massage the mixture into the meat, ensuring every piece is well‑coated. Transfer to a shallow dish, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Refrigerator 4°C

  6. Prepare Flatbread Dough

    In a mixing bowl, whisk together 800 g all‑purpose flour, 200 g whole‑wheat flour, sesame seeds, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add 550 ml cold water, mixing with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

    Time: PT10M

  7. Knead and Rest Dough

    Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 2–3 minutes until smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball, place in the bowl, cover with a damp cloth and let rest at room temperature for 4–5 hours.

    Time: PT3M

  8. Blend Hummus

    Drain the canned chickpeas, reserving a few tablespoons of liquid. In a food processor combine chickpeas, tahini, a pinch of cumin, lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 garlic clove and sea salt. Blend until silky, adding reserved liquid or a splash of water if needed.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Make Amber Mango Sauce

    In a small pan, dry‑toast 0.5 tsp each of fenugreek, mustard seeds, sweet smoked paprika, cayenne and turmeric for 30 seconds. Add sliced garlic and sauté until soft. Turn off heat, add diced mango, lime juice and 1 tbsp olive oil. Stir to combine and refrigerate.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Medium

  10. Prepare Tabbouleh

    Cook bulgur according to package instructions, drain and let cool. In a large bowl combine chopped parsley, mint, spring onions, diced tomatoes, and quartered preserved lemon. Add the cooled bulgur, drizzle with 6 tbsp olive oil, 1‑2 tbsp red wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Toss well.

    Time: PT15M

  11. Quick Pickles

    Divide a small bowl into three sections. In the first, combine sliced radishes with a pinch of salt and 1 tbsp red wine vinegar. In the second, toss beetroot sticks with salt, a splash of vinegar and 1 tbsp olive oil. In the third, mix sliced red onion with salt, chopped coriander, and lemon juice. Let sit for 10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

  12. Skewer the Chicken

    Thread a lemon wedge onto the end of each metal skewer as a “book‑end”. Follow with a tomato slice, then alternately slide chicken thighs, onion chunks, and red pepper pieces onto the skewer, packing tightly. Finish with another lemon wedge to hold everything together.

    Time: PT10M

  13. Grill the Kebabs

    Place the skewers over a hot grill or open fire, turning occasionally. Cook for about 60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the exterior is charred and smoky.

    Time: PT1H

    Temperature: Medium‑High

  14. Cook Flatbreads

    Divide rested dough into 8 equal balls. On a lightly floured surface roll each to about 1 cm thickness. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat, brush lightly with olive oil, and cook each flatbread 2‑3 minutes per side until bubbles form and golden spots appear.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: Medium

  15. Assemble the Kebabs

    Spread a generous layer of hummus on a warm flatbread. Add slices of charred chicken, a spoonful of tabbouleh, a drizzle of amber mango sauce, and a few quick pickles. Fold or roll the bread and serve immediately.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
650
Protein
35 g
Carbohydrates
70 g
Fat
25 g
Fiber
8 g

Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten, Contains nuts

Allergens: Dairy, Peanuts, Sesame, Gluten

Last updated: March 22, 2026

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How To Make A Home Made Kebab 3 Ways

Recipe by Jamie Oliver

A full‑on Middle Eastern feast inspired by Jamie Oliver: juicy skin‑on chicken thighs marinated in a spiced yogurt‑peanut butter blend, roasted on a skewer, served in soft flatbreads with silky hummus, bright tabbouleh, tangy quick pickles and a sweet‑spicy amber mango sauce.

MediumTurkish/Middle EasternServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 8m
Prep
1h 47m
Cook
21m
Cleanup
3h 16m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$45.89
Total cost
$11.47
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Toasting the whole spices releases their essential oils.
  • Grinding the toasted spices to a fine powder ensures a smooth paste.
  • Marinating the chicken overnight for flavor penetration and tenderness.
  • Resting the flatbread dough for 4‑5 hours to develop elasticity.
  • Grilling the kebab over an open fire for at least 1 hour to achieve smoky char.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw chicken with separate cutting board and wash hands thoroughly to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Use oven mitts when handling hot skewers and flatbreads.
  • Be cautious of open flame; keep a fire extinguisher or water bucket nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken Shawarma Kebab in Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine?

A

Shawarma originated in the Ottoman Empire as a method of cooking thinly sliced meat on a vertical rotisserie. In Turkey and across the Middle East it became street‑food staple, celebrated for its layered spices and communal eating style, often wrapped in flatbread with fresh herbs and sauces.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Chicken Shawarma in Turkish cuisine compared to other Middle Eastern countries?

A

Turkish shawarma (often called döner) typically uses a richer spice blend with cardamom, fennel and smoked paprika, and is served with flatbread, yogurt‑based sauces and pickles. In Levantine versions, garlic‑heavy tahini sauce and sumac‑spiced salads are more common, while in Gulf regions the meat is marinated with more citrus and served with rice.

cultural
Q

How is Chicken Shawarma traditionally served in Turkey?

A

In Turkey, the cooked chicken is sliced off the spit, placed on a soft flatbread (lavash or pide), topped with fresh herbs, sliced onions, tomatoes, pickles, a drizzle of yogurt‑based sauce or hummus, and then rolled or folded for handheld eating.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Chicken Shawarma Kebab traditionally associated with in Turkish culture?

A

Shawarma is popular at street‑food festivals, family picnics, and weekend barbecues. It’s also a common offering at Ramadan iftars and during summer gatherings where friends gather around an open fire.

cultural
Q

What makes the Amber Mango Sauce in Jamie Oliver’s recipe special compared to typical Middle Eastern sauces?

A

The amber sauce blends mango’s sweet tropical flavor with Indian‑style tempering (fenugreek, mustard seeds, turmeric) and a hint of smoked paprika, creating a bright, fruity yet smoky condiment that cuts through the richness of the chicken.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Shawarma Kebab?

A

Common errors include under‑toasting the whole spices (resulting in muted flavor), skipping the overnight marination (which reduces tenderness), overcrowding the skewer (preventing even cooking), and cooking the flatbread on too low heat (no bubbles).

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a yogurt‑peanut butter blend for the chicken marinade instead of a simple oil‑spice mix?

A

Greek yogurt adds acidity and moisture, breaking down protein fibers, while peanut butter contributes a nutty backbone that carries the complex spice blend, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful kebab.

technical
Q

Can I make the hummus, amber sauce, tabbouleh and pickles ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. All four can be prepared up to two days in advance. Store each in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator: hummus (up to 4 days), amber sauce (up to 3 days), tabbouleh (up to 3 days), quick pickles (up to 1 week). Bring to room temperature before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when cooking the flatbreads?

A

The flatbread should develop small bubbles on the surface, turn golden‑brown in spots, and remain soft and pliable inside. It should not be overly crisp; a slight chew is ideal for wrapping the kebab.

technical
Q

How do I know when the Chicken Shawarma Kebab is done cooking?

A

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 75 °C (165 °F) and the exterior should be darkly charred with a smoky aroma. A quick cut into the thickest piece should show no pinkness.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Jamie Oliver specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Jamie Oliver focuses on approachable, rustic home cooking with a strong emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients, global flavors, and techniques that bring restaurant‑quality dishes to everyday kitchens.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Jamie Oliver’s approach to Middle Eastern cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Jamie Oliver blends classic Middle Eastern spice profiles with his signature casual, outdoor‑cooking style, often using open‑fire grilling and simple pantry staples, whereas many other channels may stick to strictly traditional methods or heavily processed shortcuts.

channel

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