• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Ahead of Thyme logo

  • Home
  • About
    • About Me
    • Work With Us
    • Press
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Resources
    • Food Blogger Business School
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Resources
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Chicken » Persian Saffron Chicken Kebabs (Joojeh Kabob)

    Persian Saffron Chicken Kebabs (Joojeh Kabob)

    4 Comments

    540 Shares
    Pin532
    Yum7
    Share
    Tweet1
    More
    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    Quick and easy, classic Persian saffron chicken kebabs (joojeh kabob) is marinated in a simple yet flavourful saffron and lemon marinade for that classic Iranian flavour. These Persian kebabs are lemony, juicy and tender, and so delicious. It's so quick and easy to prepare and takes about 15 minutes to grill. You can also cook jujeh kabob in the oven or in the air fryer. It's the perfect weeknight meal.

    Quick and easy, classic Persian saffron chicken kebabs (joojeh kabob) is marinated in a simple saffron and lemon marinade for that classic Iranian flavour. | aheadofthyme.com

    What is Joojeh Kabob?

    Joojeh kabob (or jujeh kabob) is one of the most popular dishes in Persian cuisine and one that you will see on the menu of every Persian restaurant. It is grilled pieces of chicken (either with or without bone) marinated in simple marinade consisting of lemon juice, saffron, onions and olive oil. We also added yogurt because it really tenderizes the chicken even that much more.

    Here is what you will need to make these delicious saffron chicken skewers:

    • chicken breasts - 2 pounds of boneless and skinless chicken breasts (approximately 6 breasts) cut into 1.5-inch pieces. This will give about 8-10 skewers, with 4-5 pieces of chicken on each skewer.
    • saffron powder - A high quality Persian saffron is key to get the best flavour and colour. You can use saffron powder or grind down saffron threads into a powder yourself using a mortar and pestle. Grinding the threads into a powder yourself gives the freshest flavour.
    • lemon juice - freshly squeezed lemon juice is best, but packaged lemon juice will work fine.
    • yogurt - I used plain full-fat yogurt. You can also use low-fat yogurt or Greek yogurt.
    • olive oil - I used extra virgin olive oil.
    • onions - chopped.
    • salt

    You will also need skewers, tongs for grilling, and an indoor grill pan (if you are not using an outdoor grill).

    Quick and easy, classic Persian saffron chicken kebabs (joojeh kabob) is marinated in a simple saffron and lemon marinade for that classic Iranian flavour. | aheadofthyme.com

    How to Make the Best Persian Chicken Skewers (Joojeh Kabob)

    1. Marinate the chicken. Add chicken into a zip-loc bag. Add onions, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice salt and saffron powder. Press the air out of the bag and seal tightly. Press the marinade around the chicken to coat. Place in the fridge to marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
    2. Skewer the chicken. Thread the chicken onto skewers, about 4-5 pieces per skewer.
    3. Grill the skewers. Lightly brush olive oil over grill pan. Preheat the grill over medium high heat for 5 minutes. You will notice the oil shimmer and sizzle when it's hot and ready. Place the skewers evenly apart on the grill pan and grill for 8-10 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature for the chicken reaches 165 F. Do not overlap the skewers at any time to ensure even cooking for all the skewers.
    Quick and easy, classic Persian saffron chicken kebabs (joojeh kabob) is marinated in a simple saffron and lemon marinade for that classic Iranian flavour. | aheadofthyme.com

    How to Make Joojeh Kabob in the Oven

    To bake in the oven, place the Persian chicken skewers on a baking tray and roast at 480 F for 12-13 minutes, or when the internal temperature reaches 165 F. You can add some charring by then placing under the broiler on high for 1 minute. Keep a close eye on them, because they can burn quickly.

    How to Make Joojeh Kabob in the Air Fryer

    To cook the Persian kebabs in the air fryer, do not thread them and place about 10 marinated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket at a time. Cook at 350 F for 25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You won't get the charred grill marks but they taste amazing and so tender.

    Quick and easy, classic Persian saffron chicken kebabs (joojeh kabob) is marinated in a simple saffron and lemon marinade for that classic Iranian flavour. | aheadofthyme.com

    Tips for Making Jujeh Kabob

    • Marinate the chicken. It is crucial to let the chicken marinate at least for an hour to allow the flavours to infuse and for it to get juicier. If you are able to let it marinate even longer, it will taste that much better. I prefer letting it marinate overnight, if you have the time.
    • Use a digital thermometer. A digital meat thermometer is very useful when grilling skewers for checking doneness. Simply insert halfway inside the meat to get a quick reading so that you never end up with undercooked or overcooked meat.
    • Double up the recipe. This recipe that makes about 10 skewers. You can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a crowd.
    • How to serve jujeh kabob. Serve jujeh kabob with a serving of basmati rice with saffron, grilled tomatoes, and fresh Shirazi salad with cucumber and tomato on the side. You can also serve them wrapped in pita bread with tomato and cucumber.
    • How to store. Unthread the saffron chicken from the skewers and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
    Quick and easy, classic Persian saffron chicken kebabs (joojeh kabob) is marinated in a simple saffron and lemon marinade for that classic Iranian flavour. | aheadofthyme.com

    More Skewer Recipes

    • Easy Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers
    • Chicken Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce
    • Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with Pineapple
    • Souvlaki Beef Shish Kebabs
    • Greek Lamb Souvlaki Skewers
    • Spicy Cumin Lamb Skewers

    Did you make this recipe? I would greatly appreciate a comment and rating below, letting me know what you thought of the recipe. You can also snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.

    Don't forget to sign up for my email newsletter so that you don't miss any recipes. You can also follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more recipe updates.

    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    Quick and easy, classic Persian saffron chicken kebabs (joojeh kabob) is marinated in a simple saffron and lemon marinade for that classic Iranian flavour. | aheadofthyme.com

    Persian Saffron Chicken Kebabs (Joojeh Kabob)


    ★★★★★

    5 from 1 reviews

    • Author: Sam | Ahead of Thyme
    • Total Time: 1 hour 26 minutes
    • Yield: 8-10 skewers
    • Diet: Gluten Free
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    Quick and easy, classic Persian saffron chicken kebabs (joojeh kabob) is marinated in a simple saffron and lemon marinade for that classic Iranian flavour. 


    Ingredients

    • 6 chicken breasts (about 2 lbs.), boneless and skinless, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
    • 2 small onions (about 1.5 cup), chopped
    • 1 cup plain yogurt
    • ⅓ cup olive oil
    • 3 tablespoons lemon juice (juice of 1 lemon)
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ⅛ teaspoon saffron powder

    Instructions

    1. Marinate the chicken. Add chicken into a zip-loc bag. Add onions, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice salt and saffron powder. Press the air out of the bag and seal tightly. Press the marinade around the chicken to coat. Place in the fridge to marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
    2. Skewer the chicken. Thread the chicken onto skewers, about 4-5 pieces per skewer.
    3. Grill the skewers. Lightly brush olive oil over grill pan. Preheat the grill over medium high heat for 5 minutes. You will notice the oil shimmer and sizzle when it's hot and ready. Place the skewers evenly apart on the grill pan and grill for 8-10 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature for the chicken reaches 165 F. Do not overlap the skewers at any time to ensure even cooking for all the skewers.
    4. Serve. Transfer the skewers onto a plate and serve with basmati rice with saffron, grilled tomatoes, and Shirazi salad (tomato and cucumber salad).

    Notes

    Equipment used: skewers, tongs for grilling, an indoor grill pan, and a digital meat thermometer.

    Use a digital thermometer. A digital meat thermometer is very useful when grilling skewers for checking doneness. Simply insert halfway inside the meat to get a quick reading so that you never end up with undercooked or overcooked meat.

    How to cook in the oven. To cook the Persian kebabs in the oven, place them on a baking tray and roast at 480 F for 12-13 minutes, or when the internal temperature reaches 165 F. You can add some charring by then placing under the broiler on high for 1 minute. Keep a close eye on them, because they can burn quickly.

    How to cook in the air fryer. You can cook saffron chicken in the air fryer as well. Do not thread them and place about 10 cubed chicken pieces in the air fryer basket at a time. Cook at 350 F for 25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You won't get the charred grill marks but they taste amazing and so tender.

    How to serve joojeh kabob. Serve joojeh kabob with a serving of basmati rice with saffron, grilled tomatoes, and fresh Shirazi salad with cucumber and tomato on the side. You can also serve them wrapped in pita bread with tomato and cucumber.

    How to store. Unthread the saffron chicken from the skewers and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

    • Prep Time: 10 minutes (+1 hour to marinate)
    • Cook Time: 16 minutes
    • Category: Chicken
    • Method: Grill
    • Cuisine: Persian

    Keywords: jujeh kabob, joojeh kabob, persian chicken skewers, saffron chicken skewers, chicken skewers, persian skewers

    Did you make this recipe?

    I'd love to see! Tag me @aheadofthyme on Instagram.

    Quick and easy, classic Persian saffron chicken kebabs (joojeh kabob) is marinated in a simple saffron and lemon marinade for that classic Iranian flavour. | aheadofthyme.com
    Persian Saffron Chicken Kebabs (Joojeh Kabob)
    540 Shares
    Pin532
    Yum7
    Share
    Tweet1
    More
    « Baked Jelly Donuts with Strawberry Jam
    Crispy Air Fryer French Fries »

    Stay Updated

    Subscribe now to receive all the latest recipes, tips and news directly to your inbox.
    * indicates required
    How often would you like to receive recipe updates

    Food Blogger Business School | foodbloggerbusinessschool.com

    Food Blogger Business School

    A step-by-step program that teaches food bloggers how to grow and scale their blogs into a full-time business

    in less time and without posting endless content until you burn out.

    LEARN MORE

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Yehudis says

      August 23, 2020 at 6:52 pm

      Any ideas for making this dairy free (kosher)?

      Reply
      • Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme says

        August 25, 2020 at 9:18 pm

        Unfortunately yogurt is a pretty important ingredient in the marinade. You could try using vegan yogurt but I have not personally tried it so I cannot comment.

        Reply
    2. Meredith Jay says

      July 15, 2020 at 2:24 pm

      We made these in the air fryer last night and they were phenomenal. They tasted just like the kebab we’ve had at the Persian restaurant. I’ll be trying them on the grill next.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Sam | Ahead of Thyme says

        July 20, 2020 at 2:21 pm

        Thank you so much Meredith! So happy you liked the recipe!

        Reply

    Leave a Comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome!

    Quick and easy recipes for the everyday home cook, using fresh, seasonal and wholesome ingredients -- from healthy meals to take-out to comfort foods. | aheadofthyme.com

    Hi, we're Sam and Dan! We like to help busy people eat real food that tastes good. Here, you can find hundreds of delicious, quick and easy recipes, using quality and wholesome ingredients. Read more about us

    Stay Updated

    Subscribe now to receive all the latest recipes, tips and news directly to your inbox.
    * indicates required
    How often would you like to receive recipe updates

    Food Blogger Business School | foodbloggerbusinessschool.com

    Food Blogger Business School

    A step-by-step program that teaches food bloggers how to grow and scale their blogs into a full-time business

    in less time and without posting endless content until you burn out.

    LEARN MORE

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About Ahead of Thyme

    Hello and welcome! I'm Sam -- the founder of Ahead of Thyme, where we help busy people eat real food that tastes good. Here, you will find hundreds of delicious, quick and easy recipes, using quality and wholesome ingredients. So stay a while, browse around, and make something tasty for dinner tonight.

    • RSS Feed
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Work with Us
    • Shop
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
    • Food Blogger Business School
    • Newsletter

    Browse

    • 60+ Easy Dinners
    • 60+ Chicken Recipes
    • 25+ Ground Beef Recipes
    • 40+ Pasta Recipes
    • 50+ Bread Recipes
    • 25+ Air Fryer Recipes
    • Dessert

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

    Copyright © 2021 Ahead of Thyme Incorporated