Served with Turmeric Rice, Sumac Salad & Garlic Yogurt

If you love bold Middle Eastern–inspired flavors but want something easy and oven-friendly, these sheet pan chicken kebabs are for you. Juicy, spiced chicken mince is shaped into kebabs and baked until golden, then served with fragrant turmeric rice, a fresh sumac salad, and a creamy garlic yogurt sauce.

It’s the perfect family dinner, Ramadan iftar spread, or weekend hosting meal impressive but surprisingly simple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Oven-baked and easy (no skewers required)
• Packed with warm, aromatic spices
• Perfect for feeding a crowd
• Great for meal prep
• Beautiful balance of spicy, fresh, creamy, and comforting

Ingredients

For the Sheet Pan Chicken Kebabs

• 1½ kg chicken mince
• 2 medium onions
• 1 red pepper
• 2 green chillies
• Handful of fresh coriander
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp chicken tikka masala
• 1–2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 3 tsp cumin powder
• 3 tsp coriander powder
• ½ tsp cinnamon powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 tsp red chilli powder
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp black pepper
• Olive oil (for drizzling before baking)

For the Turmeric Rice

• 2 tbsp ghee
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups basmati rice
• 2½ cups chicken or vegetable broth

For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce

• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• ½ tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp sumac

For the Sumac Salad

• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tomato, thinly sliced
• Chopped fresh coriander
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Pinch of sumac
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Kebabs

• Preheat your oven to 200°C.
• In a food processor, pulse the onions, red pepper, green chillies, coriander, and garlic until finely chopped (not watery).
• In a large bowl, combine the chicken mince with the blended vegetable mixture.
• Add tomato paste and all the spices.
• Mix thoroughly until fully combined.

Lightly oil a large sheet pan. Shape the chicken mixture into long kebab logs directly on the tray (or flatten evenly and score into portions if preferred).

Drizzle olive oil lightly over the top.

Bake for 25–35 minutes, or until fully cooked and slightly golden on top. For extra browning, broil for the last 3–5 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Turmeric Rice

• Rinse the basmati rice until the water runs clear.
• In a pot, heat ghee over medium heat.
• Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and lightly golden.
• Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
• Stir in turmeric and black pepper.
• Add rice and toast for 1–2 minutes.
• Pour in broth, bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to low heat.
• Cook for 12–15 minutes until rice is fluffy and liquid is absorbed.
• Let rest covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Sauce

• Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl.
• Mix until smooth and creamy.
• Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 4: Make the Salad

• Toss sliced onion, tomato, and coriander together.
• Add lemon juice, sumac, salt, and pepper.
• Mix gently and set aside.

How to Serve

Serve the juicy chicken kebabs over turmeric rice with a generous spoon of garlic yogurt on top and fresh sumac salad on the side.

You can also serve this as:

• A kebab platter for gatherings
• Wrapped in warm flatbread
• Over rice bowls for meal prep
• With extra grilled vegetables

Ramadan / Iftar Serving Idea

This is a perfect Ramadan main dish because:

• It feeds a large group easily
• It can be prepped ahead
• The rice and kebabs can be made in advance and reheated
• It feels special enough for hosting

Prepare the kebab mixture earlier in the day and keep refrigerated. Bake fresh just before iftar, and reheat the rice gently with a splash of water.

Serve alongside dates, soup, and a refreshing drink for a complete iftar spread.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use beef instead of chicken?
Yes, beef mince works well. Choose one with a bit of fat for juicier kebabs. You can find my beef kebab recipe here.

Why are my kebabs watery?
If your vegetable mixture releases too much water, squeeze out excess moisture before mixing with the chicken.

Can I grill these instead of baking?
Yes. Shape onto skewers and grill over medium heat until cooked through.

Can I freeze the kebab mixture?
Yes. Freeze raw in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before baking.

How do I store leftovers?
Store kebabs and rice separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I make this less spicy?
Reduce or omit cayenne and red chilli powder for a milder version.