Chicken Seekh Kabab is one of the most popular Pakistani and South Asian BBQ dishes, loved for its juicy texture, smoky flavor, and rich spices. Whether served as a starter, snack, or main course, restaurant style chicken seekh kabab is always a crowd favorite. Many people believe that making perfect seekh kababs at home is difficult, but the truth is, with the right ingredients, method, and tips, you can easily prepare soft, juicy, and flavorful chicken seekh kababs at home.
In this complete guide, you will learn how to make chicken seekh kabab at home step by step, using simple ingredients and easy cooking methods. This recipe is perfect for beginners and home cooks who want authentic restaurant-style results without a tandoor.
What is Chicken Seekh Kabab?
Chicken seekh kabab is a minced chicken kebab mixed with aromatic spices, herbs, and binding ingredients, shaped onto skewers, and then grilled, baked, or fried. Traditionally, seekh kababs are cooked in a tandoor oven, but you can easily prepare them at home using a frying pan, oven, air fryer, or grill pan.
The key characteristics of a perfect chicken seekh kabab are:
- Soft and juicy texture
- Smoky and spicy flavor
- Well-balanced seasoning
- Light char on the outside
Ingredients for Restaurant Style Chicken Seekh Kabab
To prepare homemade chicken seekh kabab, you need easily available ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- Boneless chicken mince – 500g
- Onion (very finely chopped) – 1 medium
- Green chilies – 2–3 (finely chopped)
- Fresh coriander leaves – 2 tbsp
- Fresh mint leaves – 1 tbsp
- Ginger garlic paste – 1 tbsp
Spices:
- Red chili powder – 1 tsp
- Black pepper – ½ tsp
- Garam masala – 1 tsp
- Cumin powder – ½ tsp
- Coriander powder – 1 tsp
- Salt – to taste
Binding Ingredients:
- Gram flour (besan), roasted – 2 tbsp
- Egg – 1 (optional, for extra softness)
Optional for Smoky Flavor:
- Coal piece
- Ghee or oil
How to Make Chicken Seekh Kabab at Home – Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, add chicken mince, chopped onion, green chilies, coriander, mint, ginger garlic paste, and all spices. Mix everything well using clean hands or a spoon.
Step 2: Add Binding Ingredients
Add roasted gram flour and egg (optional). This helps in binding the mixture and prevents kababs from breaking during cooking.
Step 3: Rest the Mixture
Cover and refrigerate the mixture for 30–40 minutes. This step allows spices to infuse deeply, giving restaurant-style flavor.
Step 4: Shape the Seekh Kababs
Wet your hands slightly, take a portion of mixture, and shape it onto skewers. If skewers are not available, shape them into cylindrical logs.
Cooking Methods for Chicken Seekh Kabab
1. Chicken Seekh Kabab on Tawa (Pan Fry Method)
- Heat 2 tbsp oil in a non-stick pan.
- Place kababs gently and cook on medium flame.
- Turn frequently for even cooking.
- Cook for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
This method is best for quick and easy chicken seekh kabab at home.
2. Chicken Seekh Kabab in Oven
- Preheat oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Place kababs on a greased baking tray.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway.
- Broil for 3–4 minutes for extra browning.
This method gives healthy and low-oil kababs.
3. Chicken Seekh Kabab Without Oven or Tandoor (Stovetop BBQ Style)
- Heat a grill pan on medium heat.
- Lightly oil the pan.
- Grill kababs until cooked evenly from all sides.
This method creates BBQ-style chicken seekh kabab flavor at home.
How to Give Smoky Restaurant Flavor
To give your homemade chicken seekh kabab authentic smoky aroma, use the coal smoke method:
- Heat a small coal piece until red hot.
- Place a small bowl in the center of cooked kababs.
- Put hot coal in the bowl and drizzle some ghee or oil.
- Immediately cover for 3–4 minutes.
This adds classic restaurant-style smoky taste.
Tips for Juicy and Soft Chicken Seekh Kabab
- Always use fresh chicken mince.
- Finely chop onions and squeeze excess water.
- Do not overmix the mixture.
- Refrigerate before shaping.
- Cook on medium heat for juicy texture.
- Avoid overcooking to prevent dryness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using watery onions
- Skipping resting time
- Overcooking kababs
- Using very lean chicken mince
- Cooking on high flame
Avoiding these mistakes ensures perfect chicken seekh kabab every time.
Nutritional Value of Chicken Seekh Kabab
Chicken seekh kabab is a high-protein and low-carb food, making it ideal for:
- Weight loss diets
- Gym & fitness meals
- Healthy family dinners
It is rich in protein, iron, zinc, and essential vitamins.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken seekh kabab tastes best when served hot with:
- Green chutney
- Mint raita
- Onion rings
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh salad
- Naan, paratha, or pita bread
It also works great as:
- Sandwich filling
- Wrap stuffing
- Burger patty
- Lunchbox snack
Variations of Chicken Seekh Kabab
- Spicy Chicken Seekh Kabab
- Cheese Stuffed Chicken Seekh Kabab
- BBQ Chicken Seekh Kabab
- Healthy Air Fryer Chicken Seekh Kabab
- Low-Fat Diet Chicken Seekh Kabab
Conclusion
Making perfect restaurant style chicken seekh kabab at home is simple, affordable, and extremely rewarding. With the right balance of spices, proper binding, and correct cooking method, you can enjoy juicy, flavorful, and soft chicken seekh kababs anytime without visiting a restaurant.
Whether you cook them on a tawa, in the oven, or on a grill pan, this easy chicken seekh kabab recipe guarantees delicious results. Follow the steps carefully, use quality ingredients, and enjoy authentic Pakistani restaurant-style chicken seekh kabab in your own kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make chicken seekh kabab without skewers?
Yes, simply shape them into logs and cook on a pan.
Can I freeze chicken seekh kabab?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked kababs for up to 1 month.
How do I prevent kababs from breaking?
Use roasted gram flour and chill mixture before shaping.
