Berber & Q-Style Buttermilk Chicken Shish Kebabs with Lemon Pickle

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs bathed in buttermilk, garlic, and cumin, skewered with cherry tomatoes and grilled to golden perfection, accompanied by a tangy lemon pickle. This middle eastern-inspired grilling ready in about 135 minutes pairs chicken thighs, buttermilk, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 385 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

★ 3.6 (12 ratings) Prep: 120 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 385 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Trim excess skin from chicken thighs and cut into 1-inch pieces. Place in a bowl with 1/2 cup buttermilk, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, and the zest of 1 lemon. Mix well, cover, and marinate for 2 hours at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Thread chicken pieces, cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion onto skewers, alternating ingredients. Brush lightly with 1 tbsp olive oil.
  3. Step 3: Preheat gas grill to medium (350°F). Place skewers on grill, close lid, and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning once, until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear (internal temperature 165°F).
  4. Step 4: While chicken grills, prepare lemon pickle: combine 1/4 cup lemon pickle with 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Drizzle over finished kebabs and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Berber & Q-Style Buttermilk Chicken Shish Kebabs with Lemon Pickle take to make?

Total time is about 135 minutes (120 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Berber & Q-Style Buttermilk Chicken Shish Kebabs with Lemon Pickle?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Berber & Q-Style Buttermilk Chicken Shish Kebabs with Lemon Pickle?

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 Berber & Q-Style Buttermilk Chicken Shish Kebabs with Lemon Pickle 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 Berber & Q-Style Buttermilk Chicken Shish Kebabs with Lemon Pickle?

Middle Eastern grilling 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.

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