Grilled Za'atar Chicken Skewers with Sumac Yogurt Sauce
Juicy grilled chicken marinated in tangy za'atar and lemon, served with a cooling sumac-infused yogurt sauce. This middle eastern ready in about 52 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, za'atar spice blend, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp za'atar spice blend
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp sumac
- 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 6 skewers wooden skewers, soaked
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes and place in a bowl. Add 2 tbsp za'atar, 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss to coat evenly and marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 2: While chicken marinates, whisk together 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tsp sumac, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves in a small bowl; refrigerate until serving.
- Step 3: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto 6 soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking.
- Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges are slightly charred.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with the chilled sumac yogurt sauce on the side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Za'atar Chicken Skewers with Sumac Yogurt Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 52 minutes (40 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 Za'atar Chicken Skewers with Sumac Yogurt Sauce?
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 za'atar spice blend from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Za'atar Chicken Skewers with Sumac Yogurt Sauce?
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 Za'atar Chicken Skewers with Sumac Yogurt Sauce 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 Za'atar Chicken Skewers with Sumac Yogurt Sauce?
Middle Eastern middle eastern 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.
