Authentic Lebanese Chicken Kebabs with Sumac Yogurt Sauce
Tender marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection and served with a tangy sumac yogurt sauce and charred vegetables. This lebanese-inspired mediterranean ready in about 35 minutes blends chicken thighs, sumac, yogurt into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp sumac
- 1 cup yogurt
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 diced red bell pepper
- 1 diced zucchini
- 1 tbsp pomegranate molasses
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: For marinade: Whisk together 1 tbsp sumac, 1 cup yogurt, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 1 tbsp pomegranate molasses. Add chicken thighs and marinate 2 hours.
- Step 2: Thread chicken and vegetables (1 diced red bell pepper, 1 diced zucchini) onto skewers. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill kebabs 8-10 minutes, rotating often, until chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are charred.
- Step 3: For sauce: Whisk 1/2 cup yogurt with 1 tbsp sumac, 1 tbsp pomegranate molasses, and 1/4 cup chopped parsley. Serve kebabs with sauce on the side. Garnish with additional parsley.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Authentic Lebanese Chicken Kebabs with Sumac Yogurt Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Authentic Lebanese Chicken Kebabs with Sumac Yogurt Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Lebanese Chicken Kebabs with Sumac Yogurt Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Authentic Lebanese Chicken Kebabs with Sumac Yogurt Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Authentic Lebanese Chicken Kebabs with Sumac Yogurt Sauce?
Lebanese mediterranean like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to mediterranean dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.