Saffron Butter Chicken Kebabs

Saffron Butter Chicken Kebabs is a medium Persian recipe that serves 4. 475 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Javad Javadi on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min

Cost: $13.40 total, $3.35 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 kg Ground Chicken (freshly minced or bought as ground chicken)
  • 220 g Fresh Parsley (washed, stems removed, roughly chopped)
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper (seeded and finely diced)
  • 1 Medium Onion (peeled and finely diced)
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 tsp Sweet Paprika (mild, not smoked)
  • 1 tsp Salt (fine sea salt)
  • 1 tbsp Chili Flakes (or Turkish chili flakes for authentic heat)
  • 30 g Unsalted Butter (cut into small pieces)
  • 0.1 g Saffron Threads (a pinch, soaked in 1 tbsp warm water)
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for brushing kebabs before baking)
  • as needed Skewers (Wooden or Metal) (soak wooden skewers in water 30 min before use)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Vegetables

    Wash and finely dice the parsley, red bell pepper, and medium onion. Keep parsley leaves separate from stems.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Mix Spices

    In a small bowl combine black pepper, sweet paprika, salt, and chili flakes.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Combine Chicken and Ingredients

    Place the ground chicken in a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped parsley, diced red pepper, diced onion, and the spice mixture. Mix gently with hands or a spoon until just combined.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Massage the Mixture

    Using clean hands, massage the mixture for about 3 minutes until it becomes sticky and holds together when formed.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Shape onto Skewers

    Take a handful of the mixture and mold it around a skewer, forming a cylindrical kebab about 2‑3 cm thick. Repeat with remaining mixture, using both small and larger skewers as desired.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Preheat Oven

    Set the oven to 180 °C (350 °F) and let it preheat while you finish shaping.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 180°C

  7. Bake Kebabs

    Arrange the skewers on a baking tray lined with parchment. Bake for 20‑25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C) and the surface is lightly browned.

    Time: PT25M

    Temperature: 180°C

  8. Prepare Saffron Butter

    While kebabs bake, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the pinch of saffron threads (or saffron‑infused water) and let it steep for 3‑4 minutes, then remove from heat.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: low heat

  9. Make Onion‑Parsley Salad

    Coarsely chop a handful of fresh parsley and a small onion. Gently massage the onion pieces with your fingers to soften the texture, then toss with the parsley.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Plate and Serve

    Drizzle the saffron butter over the hot kebabs, place the onion‑parsley salad on the side, and serve immediately.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
475
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
5 g
Fat
30 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: High protein, Gluten‑free, Keto‑friendly

Allergens: Dairy

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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Saffron Butter Chicken Kebabs

Recipe by Chef Javad Javadi

Juicy ground‑chicken kebabs seasoned with black pepper, paprika, chili flakes and fresh parsley, baked until golden and finished with a fragrant saffron‑infused butter. Served with a simple onion‑parsley salad for a classic Persian‑style dinner.

MediumPersianServes 4

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Source Video
42m
Prep
30m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 22m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$13.40
Total cost
$3.35
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Massage the chicken mixture for 3 minutes to develop binding
  • Ensure kebabs reach an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
  • Infuse saffron in butter without burning

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw chicken carefully to avoid cross‑contamination
  • Ensure kebabs reach an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
  • Hot oven and melted butter can cause burns

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