Middle Eastern Shish Tawook with Tahini Sauce

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

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Grilled chicken skewers marinated in lemon and spices, served with a creamy tahini sauce. This Middle Eastern-inspired quick recipe, ready in about 60 minutes, pairs chicken thighs, lemon, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix 1.5 lbs chicken thighs with 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp sumac, 1 tsp cumin, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp water. Marinate for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Thread chicken onto skewers. Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook skewers for 5-6 minutes per side until charred and juices run clear.
  3. Step 3: For tahini sauce, whisk 3 tbsp tahini, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp water, and 1 tsp salt until smooth. Serve with warm pita bread and garnish with parsley.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Middle Eastern Shish Tawook with Tahini Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 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 Middle Eastern Shish Tawook with Tahini 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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Middle Eastern Shish Tawook with Tahini 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 Middle Eastern Shish Tawook with Tahini 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 Middle Eastern Shish Tawook with Tahini Sauce?

Middle Eastern quick meals 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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