Israeli Mixed Grill Chicken Recipes

MIDDLE EASTERN-INSPIRED HERB AND GARLIC CHICKEN

Steps:

• Combine chicken with all but 1 teaspoon of the grated garlic (save that teaspoon for the yogurt sauce), the zest and juice of 1 lemon, oil, parsley, mint, thyme, oregano, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and the sesame seeds and sumac, if using. Cover and marinate for 15 to 30 minutes at room temperature; you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.
• Heat grill or broiler. If grilling, cook chicken over high heat until charred in spots, 4 to 7 minutes. Flip pieces and continue grilling until just cooked through, another 4 to 7 minutes. If broiling, arrange a rack 3 to 4 inches from flame. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and spread chicken out in a single layer. Broil chicken, turning halfway through cooking, until well colored and charred in spots, 4 to 7 minutes per side. Be careful that it doesn't burn.
• While chicken cooks, place yogurt in a small bowl. Stir in the reserved grated garlic and lemon zest and season to taste with salt. Serve the chicken drizzled with olive oil, remaining lemon juice to taste, black pepper, parsley and sesame seeds and sumac, if using, with the yogurt alongside for dipping.

ISRAELI MIXED GRILL CHICKEN

Steps:

• In a small bowl, stir together the vinegar, sugar and .25 tsp salt until the sugar and salt dissolve. Stir in 1 c sliced onion: set aside (quick pickle). In another small bowl, mix together the tahini and 2 tbs lemon juice, then whick in 6 tbsp water. Season to taste with salt & Pepper; set aside.
• In a medium bowl, stir together the 2 tbsp of oil, the coriander, allspice, turmeric, cinnamon and .5 tsp each salt/pepper. Add chicken and remaining sliced onion, stir until evenly coated.
• In a 12" nonstick skillet over medium-high, heat the remaining 1 tbsp oil until barely smoking. Add the chicken mixture in an even layer and cook, uncovered and stirring only every 2-3 minutes, until the chicken is well-browned all over and no longer pink when cut, 10-12 minute.
• Off heat, stir in the remaining 2 tbs lemon juice, then taste and season with salt/pepper. Transfer to serving dish, drizzle lightly with some of tahini sauce and top with the pickled onion. Serve the remaining tahini sauce on the side.

JERUSALEM GRILL

Steps:

• Make caramelized onions: Swirl 2 tablespoons oil into a medium skillet set over medium heat. When it shimmers, add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring, until the onions begin to soften and turn translucent, about 7 minutes, then lower the heat, and continue to cook, stirring every few minutes, until the onions are deeply caramelized. This could take up to 45 minutes. Set aside.
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the turmeric, cumin, fenugreek, baharat, cinnamon and the 2 teaspoons salt. Add the chicken pieces - including the hearts and livers, if you're using them - and toss with the spices.
• Heat a large skillet over high, and swirl into it the remaining 2 tablespoons oil. When it shimmers, add the spiced chicken mixture, and spread it out in an even layer. Let the meat sear, undisturbed, for about 2 minutes, then lower the heat to medium-high, and cook, stirring once or twice, until chicken is cooked through, about 5 minutes. Add a squeeze of lemon juice.
• Remove the chicken mixture from the heat, and stir in the caramelized onions. Serve with rice and Israeli salad or, better yet, with pita bread, sliced pickles and plenty of hummus.

ISRAELI SPICE CHICKEN

Steps:

• Israeli Spice Rub:
• For the spice rub combine the paprika, cumin, oregano, coriander, crushed red pepper flakes, and kosher salt in a bowl. Place in a sealable jar, keep in a cool dry place for up to 6 months.
• Place chicken in a shallow dish. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil to barely coat the meat. Rub chicken liberally with 4 tablespoons of the spice blend. Let stand 10 minutes.
• Grill chicken 6 or 7 minutes on each side or until juices run clear.
• Seed and chop the tomatoes and combine with onion and parsley in a shallow bowl. Combine oil, lemon juice, and spices in a small plastic container with a lid. Shake dressing to combine and pour over salad. Season salad with kosher salt and toss to combine well. Let stand 10 minutes and serve.

GRILLED ZA'ATAR CHICKEN WITH GARLIC YOGURT AND CILANTRO

Steps:

• In a large bowl or container, stir together 5 of the grated garlic cloves, half the lemon zest, 1/3 cup yogurt, the cilantro, oil, za'atar, oregano or marjoram, salt and black pepper. Add chicken and toss until well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
• When ready to cook, light the grill to medium or heat your broiler with the rack 3 inches from the heat source. Remove chicken from bowl, shaking off any excess marinade, and grill or broil on one side until charred in spots, 5 to 8 minutes. Flip the chicken and grill or broil for another 5 to 8 minutes, until just cooked through.
• While the chicken is cooking, place remaining 2/3 cup yogurt in a small bowl. Stir in the reserve grated garlic clove and lemon zest, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Cut one zested lemon in half and set aside for serving (save the other zested lemon for another use).
• To serve, place chicken on a serving platter and drizzle with olive oil and a large squeeze of the zested lemon. Top with cilantro and oregano or marjoram sprigs and serve with yogurt sauce.