Grilled Lemon-Tahini Chicken Skewers with Za’atar

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken skewers marinated in lemon juice, tahini, and za’atar spice blend, grilled to smoky perfection. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs tahini, freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil 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 Middle Eastern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp tahini, 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp za’atar spice blend, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb chicken thigh pieces to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated chicken pieces onto 6 soaked wooden skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Lemon-Tahini Chicken Skewers with Za’atar 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 Za’atar?

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 Za’atar?

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 Za’atar 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 Za’atar?

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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