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Sheet Pan Chicken Kefta

Recipe by Zachary Neman on InstagramAdded 1 August 2026.

15 minutes to prep, 30 to cook. A quick and flavorful sheet‑pan chicken kefta that satisfies a kebab craving without the fuss of skewers. The juicy roasted tomatoes and smoky paprika mayo add a bright, savory punch, while fresh herbs and lemon keep the dish bright and aromatic. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner that feels like a special treat.

See all 3 versions of chicken keftas, compared

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Sheet Pan Chicken Kefta by Zachary Neman, a frame from the Instagram video

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (400°F).

  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken with minced garlic, chopped herbs, and any spices you like.

  3. Wet your hands and a spatula, then shape the mixture into an even block on a sheet pan.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The chicken mixture forms a compact, even slab. Wet hands help the mixture release while shaping.

  4. Cut the shaped meat block into individual portions using a spatula.

  5. Cut the block into individual keftas and place them on the pan.

  6. Add whole tomatoes around the keftas and drizzle a little oil over everything.

  7. Roast in the oven for about 20 minutes, then switch to broil for the last 3–5 minutes until the keftas are golden brown.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: Keftas are golden on top and cooked through. Watch closely during broiling so the surface does not scorch.

  8. While the keftas finish, whisk together the smoked paprika mayo with a splash of lemon juice to make a quick sauce.

  9. Grate a white ingredient into a bowl containing a yellow mixture.

  10. In a bowl, combine diced onion, diced chili, and the same chopped herbs; toss with the mayo sauce.

  11. Remove the parchment paper from the baking sheet.

  12. Serve the hot keftas with the tomato salad and a squeeze of fresh lemon, and enjoy with crusty bread to soak up the juices.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The keftas are hot and the salad is ready alongside. Serve while the pan juices are still warm for bread to catch.

Tips while you cook

Prevent sticking
Wet your hands and the spatula before shaping the chicken mixture on the sheet pan.
Achieve a golden crust
After roasting, switch the oven to broil for the last 3–5 minutes until the keftas turn golden brown.
Prep the sauce early
Whisk the smoked paprika mayo with lemon juice before tossing the tomato salad.
Remove parchment before serving
Take off the parchment paper from the baking sheet just before plating the keftas and salad.

Notes from ReelsMeals, based on this recipe's ingredients, times and method. They are not the creator's instructions.

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Zachary Neman made this.

The recipe comes from Zachary Neman’s Instagram reel. ReelsMeals wrote it down from the caption and the voiceover. Check the original if something looks off, and for anything about allergens.

Are you Zachary Neman and want this changed? Email [email protected].

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Chicken keftas, 3 ways

Three creators posted their own. Every one is built on onion, garlic and lemon.

  1. Dinners You'll Actually Make40 min11 ingr.Only this one uses chicken
  2. Ben Chelin1 hr 20 min23 ingr.Only this one uses smoked paprika, turmeric and garlic heads
  3. Zachary Neman45 min8 ingr.Only this one uses smoked paprika mayo, chili and herbs
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