Grilled Iraqi Chicken Kebabs with Sumac and Onion

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken marinated in tangy sumac and aromatic spices, skewered with onions and grilled to smoky perfection. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs sumac powder, ground cumin, ground coriander for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 3.9 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thigh pieces with 2 tbsp sumac powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 3 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1.5 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
  2. Step 2: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
  3. Step 3: Thread the marinated chicken pieces and 1 large red onion chunks alternately onto metal or soaked wooden skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill the kebabs for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and has charred grill marks.
  5. Step 5: Remove from the grill and sprinkle with 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately with flatbread and a side of yogurt sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Iraqi Chicken Kebabs with Sumac and Onion take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Grilled Iraqi Chicken Kebabs with Sumac and Onion?

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 sumac powder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Iraqi Chicken Kebabs with Sumac and Onion?

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 Grilled Iraqi Chicken Kebabs with Sumac and Onion 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 Grilled Iraqi Chicken Kebabs with Sumac and Onion?

Middle Eastern chicken 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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