What does Chicken Barg mean?

“Barg” means “leaf” in Persian. It refers to the thin, leaf-like slices of chicken breast used in this dish. Unlike skewered cubes or ground meat, Chicken Barg is flat, tender, and grilled to golden perfection.

Is Chicken Barg spicy?

Not at all! Chicken Barg is flavorful but mild , thanks to its saffron-lemon marinade. It contains no chili or heat unless you add it. The flavor comes from saffron, citrus, and smoky grilling — not spice.

What's the difference between Chicken Barg and Joojeh Kebab?

Chicken Barg is made from pounded chicken breast , marinated and grilled Joojeh Kebab is often chicken thigh or bone-in chicken , marinated in yogurt and saffron Barg is thinner and more refined; Joojeh is juicier and rustic

Can I cook Chicken Barg without a grill?

Yes! You can: Broil it in the oven on a wire rack Use a grill pan or cast-iron skillet on high heat For extra char, finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Yes — while not traditional, boneless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier result. Just keep in mind they may take a little longer to cook and won’t have the classic leaf-like look of Chicken Barg .

Chicken Barg Recipe – Irresistible Persian Perfection 🔥

Name: Chicken Barg
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Persian
Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 small onion, grated or juiced; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp saffron water (pinch of saffron steeped in hot water); ½ tsp salt; (Optional) 2 tbsp plain yogurt; (Optional) 1 clove garlic, minced

Description

Chicken Barg is a classic Persian grilled chicken dish made from thin, marinated slices of chicken breast. The name “barg” means “leaf” in Persian, describing the shape of the meat. This dish is known for its bright saffron flavor, juicy tenderness, and elegant simplicity — often served with basmati rice, grilled tomato, and a dab of butter.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Marinade:

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 small onion, grated or juiced
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp saffron water (pinch of saffron steeped in hot water)
½ tsp salt
(Optional) 2 tbsp plain yogurt
(Optional) 1 clove garlic, minced

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Instructions

Pound the Chicken: Flatten chicken breasts between plastic wrap to ~½ inch thickness.
Make the Marinade: Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl or zip bag.
Marinate: Add chicken, coat well, and marinate 4–24 hours in the fridge.
Skewer & Grill: Thread chicken on flat skewers and grill over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side.
Serve: Plate with saffron rice, grilled tomato, and a pat of butter. Sprinkle sumac on top if desired.

Notes

The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the chicken.
Can be broiled in the oven if you don’t have a grill.
Saffron is key to the authentic Persian flavor — don’t skip it!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Persian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 grilled chicken breast
Calories: 230 kcal
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 90mg