Grilled Lemon-Tahini Chicken Skewers with Cucumber Salad

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

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in lemon and tahini, served with a refreshing cucumber and mint salad. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (low carb) ready in about 30 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 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. 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: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs into 1.5-inch cubes and transfer to a bowl. Add 3 tbsp tahini, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp ground cumin, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken, then cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto soaked wooden skewers and grill for 4-5 minutes per side until charred at edges and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, combine 1 medium thinly sliced cucumber, 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tsp honey, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional) in a bowl. Toss gently and let sit for 5 minutes to marinate.
  4. Step 4: Serve the warm grilled chicken skewers alongside the chilled cucumber salad for a balanced and bright Mediterranean-inspired meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Lemon-Tahini Chicken Skewers with Cucumber Salad 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 Lemon-Tahini Chicken Skewers with Cucumber Salad?

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 with Cucumber Salad?

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 with Cucumber Salad 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 Lemon-Tahini Chicken Skewers with Cucumber Salad low carb?

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

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