The word Seekh means skewers and the word Kebab means to roast. Therefore, chicken Seekh kebab is a mixture of minced chicken with spices, wrapped around skewers and then roasted in a large clay oven known as a tandoor. At home, we can roast over charcoal fire barbecue, under the oven broiler, air fryer, grill pan, normal pan or deep fry.
In this recipe, a frying pan is used to get the outside surface of the chicken kebab skewers to attain a brown/dark brown color. These pan fried chicken seekh kebabs are tender, juicy inside with a brown/dark brown flavorful crust outside.
Variations
In this pan fried chicken seekh kebab, the time taken to prepare the mince chicken mixture for about 50 minutes. If you are in a time crunch, try this quicker Less prep time - 15 mins chicken seekh kebab recipe.
For a health-conscious persons, try this low calorie chicken seekh kebab.
Pick Leg Meat - Use chicken thighs or drumsticks for your kebabs instead of breasts. Leg meat has more natural fat, which keeps the kebabs juicy and packed with flavor.
Retain a little fat (white soft part): While cutting the chicken pieces, leave some of the soft white fat on the meat. It melts during cooking and helps make the kebabs extra juicy.
Place a heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Then add 1 tbsp of ghee and let it melt and get hot (about 30 to 60 seconds) before adding the onions.
Why Ghee Matters: Always use solid fats like ghee or coconut oil to sauté the onion mixture. Once the mixture is refrigerated, these fats solidify, which helps the kebab mixture hold its shape.
Once ghee gets hot add 75 gram chopped onions and little salt, sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until most of the moisture is evaporated. Stir them frequently, to prevent sticking to the pan.
Add 1 tsp chopped ginger, 1 tsp chopped garlic and 2 green chilies chopped. Stir them for about 1 minute.
Reduce heat to low, then add ¾ tsp chili powder, ½ tsp cumin powder, and ½ tsp garam masala powder. Stir immediately for about 45 seconds to thoroughly combine the spice mixture, then remove the pan from the heat. Set the pan aside and let it cool completely before proceeding to the next step.
Note: I used Everest brand garam masala along with homemade chili and cumin powders.
300 grams Boneless chicken thigh pieces: Pat dry the chicken pieces using paper towel to remove surface moisture then roughly cut them in to small pieces.
1 to 2 heaped tbsp Coriander leaves: Make sure to wash and dry the coriander leaves. Then chop them very finely.
30 ml Beaten egg: Beat 1 egg well. Use 30ml of the beaten egg (approx. half an egg).
Measure out 45g bread crumbs (about 3 tbsp), ½ tbsp lime juice (about half a lime), and ½ tsp salt.
Note: You can use store-bought or homemade coarsely ground breadcrumbs. Tip: Using toasted breadcrumbs helps achieve a dark-brown crust much faster during pan-frying.
Using a ladle, transfer the cooked masala mixture from the pan to a clean plate. Next, add your chicken pieces directly into the masala bits pan.
Don’t dump the salt/lime juice with spoon on chicken pieces. Sprinkle ½ tsp salt, ½ tbsp lime juice all over on the chicken pieces. Stir well; the lime juice will lift up the flavorful masala bits stuck to the bottom of the pan and coat the chicken.
Make sure the number of portions you divided is same in both chicken pieces and masala mixture.
Why divide in to 2 portions: I have small work bowl so did it in batches.
For each batch, follow this process using an electric food chopper or mixer:
Add one portion of the onion-masala mixture to the bowl and pulse coarsely.
Add one portion of the chicken pieces to the same bowl.
Use 3 to 4 short, quick pulses to blend them together.
Important Texture Note: Keep a close eye on the consistency. The goal is a uniform, finely chopped texture—the chicken should be in very small pieces, not a smooth paste, and without large chunks.
Transfer the first batch into a large bowl (or back into the pan), and repeat the process for the remaining batches. Once finished, combine the batches together.
Add the Ingredients : Add 35 grams bread crumbs (approx. 2½ tbsp), 30 ml beaten egg (approx. half egg), 1 to 2 heaped tbsp coriander leaves over the chicken mixture.
Mix Gently - Gently combine all the ingredients. Don’t overmix the mixture then it became dense kebab.
Note: Using toasted bread crumbs gives a faster dark-brown color than regular bread crumbs while pan frying.
Refrigerate: Place the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 45 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to marinate and firms up the fats so the meat holds its shape on the skewers
Take the chicken mixture out of the refrigerator. Before dividing it, check its texture—it should be just a little bit sticky so it holds onto the skewers.
If it's too wet: Mix in extra breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon at a time.
If it's too dry: Mix in beaten egg, 1 teaspoon at a time.
If it won't stay on the stick: Give the mixture a quick, gentle knead by hand to help it bind.
Once the consistency is right, gather your flat wooden skewers and roughly divide the mixture into 5 equal portions.
Timing Tip: Chilling the mixture for 45 minutes will help to hold its shape on skewers keeps and prevent breaking apart while cooking. Try not to leave it in the fridge for more than 2 to 3 hours, as the lime juice will begin to alter the meat's texture. If the mixture has been chilling for a long time and feels too hard, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes to reduce the chill before shaping.
Pour 1 tsp of oil into a small bowl and lightly grease your hands to keep the meat from sticking to your fingers.
Take one portion of the chicken mixture and gently press it into a rough cylindrical shape.
Insert a skewer straight through the center of the cylinder.
Using both hands, apply gentle, even pressure to smooth and flatten the mixture along the skewer. Aim for a 1/2 inch thickness all the way around—not too thick, and not too thin.
Repeat the process for the remaining 4 portions, ensuring each kebab is evenly packed around its skewer.
Even the Surface: Using your hands, gently roll the chicken mixture on the skewers. Apply light, consistent pressure to ensure an even surface on all sides of the skewer.
Form the Flattened Shape: Gently flatten the top and bottom surfaces of the rolled chicken mixture to form a thin, flattened skewer shape.
Use Oil as Needed: To prevent sticking and maintain a smooth texture, apply a little oil to your hands when rolling and flattening the skewers..
Choosing the right pan and managing your spacing is the key to achieving that perfect restaurant-style crust.
Why Non-Stick : It allows you to cook the chicken skewers with less oil, prevents the meat from sticking, and makes cleanup much easier.
The Rule of Non-Stick: Always choose non-toxic cookware (like ceramic non-stick) that is completely free from harmful chemicals like PTFE and PFAS. This ensures your food stays safe and healthy, even when cooking over a hot flame.
Pan Options
Option 1: Ceramic Non-Stick (Medium Heat): A premium ceramic coating safely works at medium heat. Best for cooking fewer pieces at a time. Leave plenty of space between the chicken skewers so moisture can escape, helping you attain a brown/dark brown color.
Option 2: Hybrid or Seasoned Carbon Steel (Medium-High Heat): If using these durable pans, you can safely use the stove up to medium-high heat. This higher heat allows you to cook more pieces at a time in a pan and leave a little space between the chicken skewers to still achieve a deep, dark brown color.
💡 Pro Tip for Maximum Crunch: For the crispiest crust, use a heavy, well-seasoned cast iron skillet on medium-high heat.
Add 2 tbsp of liquid ghee to a non-stick frying pan and swirl it around to coat the surface evenly. Preheat the pan over a medium flame for about 4 to 5 minutes, until the ghee is hot, but not smoking.
Note on Ghee Amount: The exact amount of ghee you need depends on the size of your pan—aim for a thin, even layer across the bottom.
Why Ghee Beats Butter: Traditional restaurants cook chicken skewers in ghee because it infuses a rich flavor and helps create a beautiful crust. Avoid using regular butter; its high water content prevents the chicken from browning and causes the fat to burn too quickly.
The Sizzle Check: Before adding the chicken, make sure the pan is at the perfect temperature. You should hear a sharp sizzling sound the second the meat hits the ghee. If it doesn't sizzle, the pan is too cold. If the ghee is smoking, it's too hot.
Give Them Space to Brown: Once the pan is ready, place the chicken skewers into the hot ghee, leaving plenty of space between each one. Spacing them out ensures they brown well instead of crowding the pan and steaming.
Develop the Crust: Cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes over medium heat. Do not move or turn the skewers.
Check and Flip: After about 4 minutes, gently lift the edge of a skewer to check the underside. Once a deep, dark-brown crust has formed, the kebabs are ready to flip.
Flip the Kebabs : Carefully flip the chicken skewers over to the other side, then immediately reduce the heat to medium-low.
Complete the Cook : Cook the second side for another 4 to 5 minutes. For a standard batch of three skewers, the total cooking time will be about 8 to 9 minutes.
⏱️ Why Cooking Times Vary: Keep in mind that exact times can change depending on your cookware, the heat of your stove, how thickly you shaped the kebabs, and how coarsely the meat was minced.
Check for Doneness : Verify with a Thermometer - For tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken skewers every time, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature between 165–180°F.This helps you avoid undercooked or overcooked chicken, ensuring it stays perfectly juicy and tasty.
Transfer the cooked skewers to a paper towel-lined plate. Using a fresh paper towel, gently pat all sides of the skewers to absorb the surface oil. Within one minute, move them to a clean plate and loosely cover them with a lid or foil to rest before serving.
Ready to Serve: After resting for 5 to 10 minutes, your chicken seekh kebabs are perfectly juicy and ready to enjoy.
Perfect Pairings :Serve the warm skewers fresh alongside a refreshing, cool curd mint dip (pudina raita), sliced red onions, and lemon wedges for the restaurant-style experience at home.
Choose the Right Meat: Use boneless chicken thighs or drumsticks and leave a little bit of the soft white fat on the pieces.
The Texture: Coarsely grind the chicken instead of turning it into a smooth paste.
Chill the Mix: Refrigerate the ground mixture for 45 minutes before shaping; cold meat sticks to the skewers much better.
Check the Consistency: You want the mixture to be just a little bit sticky—that’s the secret to getting it to hold its shape on the skewers. If it is too wet, add breadcrumbs 1 teaspoon at a time. If it is too dry or crumbly, add beaten egg, 1 teaspoon at a time. If the mixture feels right but won't stay on the stick, just mix mixture again gently by hand. Then, try shaping it onto the skewers again.
Cook with Ghee until browned: Cook the kebabs in ghee until they are beautifully browned on both sides.
Verify the Temp: For tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken skewers every time, use an instant-read thermometer to check the thickest part of the skewers, ensuring it reaches a safe internal temperature between 165–180°F.
Too sticky: If the chicken masala mixture is too sticky(moist), difficult to wrap around the skewers, add some bread crumbs, 1 tsp at a time.
Too dry: If you add more bread crumbs in chicken mixture then it becomes too dry and difficult to wrap around the skewers. Add some beaten egg, 1 tsp at a time.
Little sticky: The chicken masala mixture will be little sticky, so that it will help the mixture to bind together to shape around the skewers.
Refrigeration firms up the mixture and allows it to marinate. This makes it much easier to shape around the skewers and prevents the meat from breaking apart while cooking.
If the mixture becomes too hard from over chilling, let the prepared skewers sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly.
Use ghee because it infuses a rich flavor while enhancing the chicken’s taste and texture. Avoid using butter, as it contains water and prevent the chicken from browning properly.
To prevent the skewers from breaking apart, flip them only once during cooking. Because the mixture is gently combined and loosely packed for tenderness, frequent turning will cause the chicken mixture to detach from the skewers.
The chicken isn't browning because the pan isn't hot enough and it’s overcrowded. Make sure the pan is preheated, and leave enough space between the pieces so they can brown properly.
Thick skewers can stay raw in the middle. To fix this, cover the pan with a lid halfway through cooking to trap heat. You can also add more oil to the pan for a shallow fry to help them cook more evenly.
Not refrigerating the chicken mixture before start to cook, chicken mixture is very loosely packed around skewers, fliping the chicken skewers frequently, cooking them in low heat the entire time.
You can use these chicken skewers in many different meals. Try chopping them up to use in fried rice, soups, or noodles. They also make an excellent filling for sandwiches, burgers, and chapati wraps, or you can use them as a savory stuffing for dosas and tacos.
Using flat wooden skewers is highly recommended because they prevent the chicken from rotating or spinning when you try to flip them. This ensures even cooking and a much better presentation.
Reuse the skewers - if wooden skewers are not burnt after cooking, you can wash them thoroughly and use them again. However, always inspect them for cracks or food residue to ensure they remain food-safe.
Fat equals flavor. Leg meat (thighs and drumsticks) has more natural fat than chicken breasts, which makes the kebabs much more flavorful and juicy.
Choose high-fat dark meat. Use boneless, skinless chicken leg pieces, such as thighs or drumsticks.
Just put it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge immediately after cooling (and always within 2 hours of cooking). According to food safety guidelines, cooked chicken lasts in the fridge for 3–4 days.
The word Seekh means skewers and the word Kebab means to roast. Therefore, chicken Seekh kebab is a mixture of minced chicken with spices, wrapped around skewers and then roasted in a large clay oven known as a tandoor. At home, we can roast over charcoal fire barbecue, under the oven broiler, air fryer, grill pan, normal pan or deep fry.
In this recipe, a frying pan is used to get the outside surface of the chicken kebab skewers to attain a brown/dark brown color. These pan fried chicken seekh kebabs are tender, juicy inside with a brown/dark brown flavorful crust outside.
Variations
In this pan fried chicken seekh kebab, the time taken to prepare the mince chicken mixture for about 50 minutes. If you are in a time crunch, try this quicker Less prep time - 15 mins chicken seekh kebab recipe.
For a health-conscious persons, try this low calorie chicken seekh kebab.
Place a heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Then add 1 tbsp of ghee and let it melt and get hot (about 30 to 60 seconds) before adding the onions.
Why Ghee Matters: Always use solid fats like ghee or coconut oil to sauté the onion mixture. Once the mixture is refrigerated, these fats solidify, which helps the kebab mixture hold its shape.
Once ghee gets hot add 75 gram chopped onions and little salt, sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until most of the moisture is evaporated. Stir them frequently, to prevent sticking to the pan.
Add 1 tsp chopped ginger, 1 tsp chopped garlic and 2 green chilies chopped. Stir them for about 1 minute.
Reduce heat to low, then add ¾ tsp chili powder, ½ tsp cumin powder, and ½ tsp garam masala powder. Stir immediately for about 45 seconds to thoroughly combine the spice mixture, then remove the pan from the heat. Set the pan aside and let it cool completely before proceeding to the next step.
Note: I used Everest brand garam masala along with homemade chili and cumin powders.
300 grams Boneless chicken thigh pieces: Pat dry the chicken pieces using paper towel to remove surface moisture then roughly cut them in to small pieces.
1 to 2 heaped tbsp Coriander leaves: Make sure to wash and dry the coriander leaves. Then chop them very finely.
30 ml Beaten egg: Beat 1 egg well. Use 30ml of the beaten egg (approx. half an egg).
Measure out 45g bread crumbs (about 3 tbsp), ½ tbsp lime juice (about half a lime), and ½ tsp salt.
Note: You can use store-bought or homemade coarsely ground breadcrumbs. Tip: Using toasted breadcrumbs helps achieve a dark-brown crust much faster during pan-frying.
Using a ladle, transfer the cooked masala mixture from the pan to a clean plate. Next, add your chicken pieces directly into the masala bits pan.
Don’t dump the salt/lime juice with spoon on chicken pieces. Sprinkle ½ tsp salt, ½ tbsp lime juice all over on the chicken pieces. Stir well; the lime juice will lift up the flavorful masala bits stuck to the bottom of the pan and coat the chicken.
Make sure the number of portions you divided is same in both chicken pieces and masala mixture.
Why divide in to 2 portions: I have small work bowl so did it in batches.
For each batch, follow this process using an electric food chopper or mixer:
Add one portion of the onion-masala mixture to the bowl and pulse coarsely.
Add one portion of the chicken pieces to the same bowl.
Use 3 to 4 short, quick pulses to blend them together.
Important Texture Note: Keep a close eye on the consistency. The goal is a uniform, finely chopped texture—the chicken should be in very small pieces, not a smooth paste, and without large chunks.
Transfer the first batch into a large bowl (or back into the pan), and repeat the process for the remaining batches. Once finished, combine the batches together.
Add the Ingredients : Add 35 grams bread crumbs (approx. 2½ tbsp), 30 ml beaten egg (approx. half egg), 1 to 2 heaped tbsp coriander leaves over the chicken mixture.
Mix Gently - Gently combine all the ingredients. Don’t overmix the mixture then it became dense kebab.
Note: Using toasted bread crumbs gives a faster dark-brown color than regular bread crumbs while pan frying.
Refrigerate: Place the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 45 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to marinate and firms up the fats so the meat holds its shape on the skewers
Take the chicken mixture out of the refrigerator. Before dividing it, check its texture—it should be just a little bit sticky so it holds onto the skewers.
If it's too wet: Mix in extra breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon at a time.
If it's too dry: Mix in beaten egg, 1 teaspoon at a time.
If it won't stay on the stick: Give the mixture a quick, gentle knead by hand to help it bind.
Once the consistency is right, gather your flat wooden skewers and roughly divide the mixture into 5 equal portions.
Timing Tip: Chilling the mixture for 45 minutes will help to hold its shape on skewers keeps and prevent breaking apart while cooking. Try not to leave it in the fridge for more than 2 to 3 hours, as the lime juice will begin to alter the meat's texture. If the mixture has been chilling for a long time and feels too hard, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes to reduce the chill before shaping.
Pour 1 tsp of oil into a small bowl and lightly grease your hands to keep the meat from sticking to your fingers.
Take one portion of the chicken mixture and gently press it into a rough cylindrical shape.
Insert a skewer straight through the center of the cylinder.
Using both hands, apply gentle, even pressure to smooth and flatten the mixture along the skewer. Aim for a 1/2 inch thickness all the way around—not too thick, and not too thin.
Repeat the process for the remaining 4 portions, ensuring each kebab is evenly packed around its skewer.
Even the Surface: Using your hands, gently roll the chicken mixture on the skewers. Apply light, consistent pressure to ensure an even surface on all sides of the skewer.
Form the Flattened Shape: Gently flatten the top and bottom surfaces of the rolled chicken mixture to form a thin, flattened skewer shape.
Use Oil as Needed: To prevent sticking and maintain a smooth texture, apply a little oil to your hands when rolling and flattening the skewers..
Add 2 tbsp of liquid ghee to a non-stick frying pan and swirl it around to coat the surface evenly. Preheat the pan over a medium flame for about 4 to 5 minutes, until the ghee is hot, but not smoking.
Note on Ghee Amount: The exact amount of ghee you need depends on the size of your pan—aim for a thin, even layer across the bottom.
Why Ghee Beats Butter: Traditional restaurants cook chicken skewers in ghee because it infuses a rich flavor and helps create a beautiful crust. Avoid using regular butter; its high water content prevents the chicken from browning and causes the fat to burn too quickly.
The Sizzle Check: Before adding the chicken, make sure the pan is at the perfect temperature. You should hear a sharp sizzling sound the second the meat hits the ghee. If it doesn't sizzle, the pan is too cold. If the ghee is smoking, it's too hot.
Give Them Space to Brown: Once the pan is ready, place the chicken skewers into the hot ghee, leaving plenty of space between each one. Spacing them out ensures they brown well instead of crowding the pan and steaming.
Develop the Crust: Cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes over medium heat. Do not move or turn the skewers.
Check and Flip: After about 4 minutes, gently lift the edge of a skewer to check the underside. Once a deep, dark-brown crust has formed, the kebabs are ready to flip.
Flip the Kebabs : Carefully flip the chicken skewers over to the other side, then immediately reduce the heat to medium-low.
Complete the Cook : Cook the second side for another 4 to 5 minutes. For a standard batch of three skewers, the total cooking time will be about 8 to 9 minutes.
⏱️ Why Cooking Times Vary: Keep in mind that exact times can change depending on your cookware, the heat of your stove, how thickly you shaped the kebabs, and how coarsely the meat was minced.
Check for Doneness : Verify with a Thermometer - For tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken skewers every time, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature between 165–180°F.This helps you avoid undercooked or overcooked chicken, ensuring it stays perfectly juicy and tasty.
Transfer the cooked skewers to a paper towel-lined plate. Using a fresh paper towel, gently pat all sides of the skewers to absorb the surface oil. Within one minute, move them to a clean plate and loosely cover them with a lid or foil to rest before serving.
Ready to Serve: After resting for 5 to 10 minutes, your chicken seekh kebabs are perfectly juicy and ready to enjoy.
Perfect Pairings :Serve the warm skewers fresh alongside a refreshing, cool curd mint dip (pudina raita), sliced red onions, and lemon wedges for the restaurant-style experience at home.