Joojeh Kabab — Saffron Chicken

Why This Works for Intermittent Fasting

Joojeh Kabab is almost pure protein — grilled chicken marinated in saffron, yogurt, lemon, and onion. For anyone doing intermittent fasting, lean grilled protein is the single most valuable thing to put in your eating window: it protects muscle while you lose fat, keeps you full for hours, and barely touches your blood sugar. Traditionally served over rice, but for fasting you simply serve it over a big Shirazi salad or grilled vegetables instead. Saffron adds mood and appetite benefits, and the yogurt marinade keeps the meat tender without adding meaningful carbs. Pair it with our guide on protein and intermittent fasting.

Ingredients

• 800 g boneless chicken thighs or breast, cubed
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 large onion, grated
• ½ tsp saffron, ground and dissolved in 3 tbsp warm water
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Method

1. Make the marinade. Mix yogurt, grated onion, saffron water, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Marinate. Add the chicken cubes, coat well, cover, and refrigerate at least 4 hours (overnight is best).
3. Skewer. Thread the chicken onto skewers, or spread on a grill pan.
4. Grill. Cook over high heat 15–20 minutes, turning, until charred outside and cooked through (74°C internal).
5. Rest for 5 minutes so the juices settle.
6. Serve over Shirazi salad or grilled vegetables instead of rice to keep it fasting-friendly.

Nutrition Per Serving

Values are approximate and vary with cut and portion size.

Fasting Protocol Compatibility

Serve Joojeh Kabab without rice and it becomes a textbook fasting-window meal: high protein, low carb, deeply satisfying, and unmistakably Persian.

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Nutrition information is approximate. Consult a health professional for personalised nutrition advice.