Spiced Chicken Shawarma Skewers with Tahini Drizzle
Tender chicken thighs marinated in warm Middle Eastern spices, grilled until juicy, and finished with a creamy tahini sauce for a restaurant-quality meal. This mediterranean-inspired grilling ready in about 45 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, plain Greek yogurt, ground allspice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp water
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 8 skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tsp ground allspice, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground cumin, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, and 1/2 tsp kosher salt. Add 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs, coating each piece thoroughly, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp tahini, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp water, and 1/2 tsp kosher salt until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Step 3: Thread marinated chicken onto soaked wooden skewers, leaving 1/4 inch between pieces. Grill over medium heat (350°F) for 12-15 minutes, turning every 4 minutes, until chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature) and edges are golden brown and slightly crispy.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Chicken Shawarma Skewers with Tahini Drizzle take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (30 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 Spiced Chicken Shawarma Skewers with Tahini Drizzle?
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 boneless chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Chicken Shawarma Skewers with Tahini Drizzle?
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 Shawarma Skewers with Tahini Drizzle 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 Shawarma Skewers with Tahini Drizzle?
Mediterranean grilling 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added this to my weekly meal rotation. So satisfying.
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
