Grilled Lemon-Tahini Chicken Skewers with Sumac
Juicy grilled chicken skewers marinated in a tangy lemon-tahini sauce and dusted with aromatic sumac for a Middle Eastern-inspired flavor. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, tahini paste, 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
- 1/4 cup tahini paste
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground sumac
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs into 1.5-inch cubes and place in a large bowl.
- Step 2: Whisk together 1/4 cup tahini paste, 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground sumac, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until smooth and well combined. Pour this marinade over the chicken cubes and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
- Step 4: Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), turning once.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and sprinkle with 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley before serving for a fresh herbal finish.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Lemon-Tahini Chicken Skewers with Sumac 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 with Sumac?
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 paste from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Lemon-Tahini Chicken Skewers with Sumac?
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 Sumac 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 with Sumac?
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.
