Spiced Chicken Kofta Skewers with Tahini Sauce
Minced chicken blended with warm spices, shaped onto skewers, grilled to juicy perfection, and served with a creamy tahini dipping sauce. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes blends ground chicken, small onion, finely grated, garlic cloves, minced into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 ground chicken
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/3 cup tahini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp water
- 1 garlic clove, minced (for sauce)
- 1/4 tsp salt (for sauce)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground chicken with 1 small finely grated onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until combined.
- Step 2: Divide mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each around a soaked 6-inch wooden skewer into a long oval shape, pressing firmly.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush the 8 kofta skewers with 2 tbsp olive oil and grill for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes until cooked through and nicely charred.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, whisk together 1/3 cup tahini, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 tbsp water, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/4 tsp salt in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Step 5: Serve the hot chicken kofta skewers with tahini sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Chicken Kofta Skewers with Tahini Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Spiced Chicken Kofta Skewers with Tahini Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Chicken Kofta Skewers 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 Spiced Chicken Kofta Skewers 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 Spiced Chicken Kofta Skewers with Tahini Sauce?
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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