Grilled Iraqi-Inspired Chicken Kebabs with Sumac and Yogurt Marinade

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken chunks marinated in a tangy yogurt and sumac blend, grilled to smoky perfection and served with fresh herbs. This middle eastern-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 27 minutes blends plain Greek yogurt, ground sumac, ground cumin 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 280 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tsp ground sumac, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 1/4 tsp salt, and 3/4 tsp black pepper. Whisk until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs chicken thigh pieces to the marinade, mixing well to coat all pieces. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated chicken evenly onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred at edges, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill, let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley before serving alongside flatbread or salad.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Iraqi-Inspired Chicken Kebabs with Sumac and Yogurt Marinade take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Iraqi-Inspired Chicken Kebabs with Sumac and Yogurt Marinade?

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 Grilled Iraqi-Inspired Chicken Kebabs with Sumac and Yogurt Marinade?

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-Inspired Chicken Kebabs with Sumac and Yogurt Marinade 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.

Is Grilled Iraqi-Inspired Chicken Kebabs with Sumac and Yogurt Marinade gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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