Grilled Lemon-Tahini Chicken Skewers
Juicy chicken marinated in a tangy lemon and tahini sauce, grilled to perfection and served with a fresh herb garnish. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, tahini, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 8 wooden skewers, soaked
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs into 1 1/2-inch pieces and place in a large bowl.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp tahini, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: Pour the marinade over the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3 hours, to let flavors meld.
- Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
- Step 5: Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the edges have slight char marks.
- Step 6: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Lemon-Tahini Chicken Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Lemon-Tahini Chicken Skewers?
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 tahini from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Lemon-Tahini Chicken Skewers?
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 Lemon-Tahini Chicken Skewers 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 Lemon-Tahini Chicken Skewers?
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.
