Grilled sesame chicken kebabs with onion, ricotta and spearmint

Grilled Sesame Chicken Kebabs with Onion, Ricotta, and Spearmint feature juicy chicken thighs marinated in a rich blend of herbs and creamy ricotta, then grilled to perfection. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a crunchy finish, making this dish ideal for summer BBQs or any time of year.

07 Dec 2025
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 10 min

Ingredients:

2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion
11.99 oz chicken thighs
1 egg
1 tbsp ricotta cheese
1 tbsp spearmint
2 tbsp fresh parsley
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp sesame seeds

Grilled Sesame Chicken Kebabs with Onion, Ricotta, and Spearmint is a delightful and nutritious dish that combines a range of flavors and textures to create a well-balanced meal. This recipe merges the savory taste of seasoned chicken thighs with the freshness of herbs and a hint of creamy ricotta, all brought together by the nutty crunch of sesame seeds. It's perfect for a summer BBQ or as a tasty and healthy option for dinner any time of the year.

Instructions:

1. Preparation of Ingredients:
- Finely chop the onion.
- Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces if not already done.
- Finely chop the spearmint and parsley.

2. Cooking the Onion:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Allow the cooked onions to cool slightly.

3. Preparing the Marinade:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg, ricotta cheese, spearmint, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the cooled, cooked onions to this mixture.

4. Marinating the Chicken:
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl with the marinade.
- Mix thoroughly to ensure that all the chicken pieces are well coated with the marinade.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If you have more time, marinate for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

5. Preparing the Skewers:
- If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers.

6. Grilling the Kebabs:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Brush the grill grates or grill pan with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the prepared chicken skewers on the grill.
- Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char. The total cooking time will be about 10-12 minutes.

7. Toasting the Sesame Seeds:
- In a small dry pan over medium heat, add the sesame seeds.
- Toast them for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant.
- Be careful not to burn the seeds.

8. Final Assembly:
- Once the chicken kebabs are grilled, remove them from the heat.
- Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the hot kebabs.

9. Serving:
- Serve the grilled sesame chicken kebabs with a side of your favorite salad, rice, or flatbread.
- Garnish with additional fresh parsley or spearmint if desired.

Grilled Sesame Chicken Kebabs with Onion, Ricotta, and Spearmint are sure to become a favorite in your household. The tender, juicy chicken paired with the aromatic herbs and the crispiness of sesame seeds creates a dish that's both satisfying and flavorful. Whether you’re serving it to guests at a summer barbecue or as a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Don't forget to garnish with extra fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon for an extra burst of freshness.

Grilled sesame chicken kebabs with onion, ricotta and spearmint FAQ:

How long should I grill the chicken kebabs?

Grill the chicken kebabs for about 4-5 minutes on each side, totaling approximately 10-12 minutes. Ensure the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.

What can I use instead of chicken thighs?

You can use chicken breast as a substitute, but keep in mind it may require slightly less cooking time as it is leaner. Alternatively, diced firm tofu can be used for a vegetarian option.

How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Additionally, the juices should run clear, and there should be no pink meat.

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor. Marinating overnight is also safe, but be cautious as it may intensify the flavors significantly.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftover kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them on the grill or in the oven until heated through.

Cooking Tips:

- Marinate the chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the olive oil, salt, black pepper, and some finely chopped parsley for at least 30 minutes before threading them onto the skewers.

- Use metal skewers: Metal skewers are recommended for grilling as they help cook the chicken evenly by transferring heat directly to the center of the kebabs.

- Soak wooden skewers: If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.

- Uniform size: Cut the chicken thighs and onion into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.

- Don't skip the ricotta: The ricotta cheese not only adds creaminess but also helps in binding the kebabs together.

- Grill on medium-high heat: This ensures the chicken is cooked through without being burnt on the outside. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.

Nutrition Facts

4 Servings
Calories 250kcal
Protein 18g
Carbohydrates 3.72g
Fiber 1.17g
Sugar 1.68g
Fat 24g

Grilled sesame chicken kebabs with onion, ricotta and spearmint