Grilled Iraqi-Inspired Chicken Kebabs with Yogurt and Turmeric Marinade

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

Juicy grilled chicken skewers marinated in a fragrant blend of yogurt, turmeric, and garlic, capturing the essence of Iraqi street food. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes blends plain yogurt, garlic cloves, minced, ground turmeric 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 350 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 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup plain yogurt, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp ground turmeric, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1.5 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1.5-inch pieces to the marinade and toss well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated chicken pieces onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, leaving space between pieces for even cooking.
  4. Step 4: Grill the chicken kebabs for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is nicely charred at edges.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Iraqi-Inspired Chicken Kebabs with Yogurt and Turmeric 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 Yogurt and Turmeric 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 Yogurt and Turmeric 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 Yogurt and Turmeric 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.

What goes well with Grilled Iraqi-Inspired Chicken Kebabs with Yogurt and Turmeric Marinade?

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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