Grilled Lemon-Tahini Chicken Skewers with Cumin

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken skewers marinated in a zesty lemon-tahini sauce infused with ground cumin and garlic, grilled to smoky perfection. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (high protein) ready in about 25 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium 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.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb cubed chicken breast to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3 hours for deeper flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken cubes evenly onto 6 soaked wooden skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred at the edges.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with fresh lemon wedges if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Lemon-Tahini Chicken Skewers with Cumin take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Cumin?

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 Cumin?

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 Cumin 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 Cumin high protein?

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

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