Sumac-Rubbed Chicken Skewers with Lemon Herb Rice
Juicy chicken skewers marinated in sumac and lemon, served over herbed rice for a vibrant weeknight meal. This middle eastern-inspired grilling ready in about 50 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast, olive oil, sumac for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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, cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp sumac
- 1, zest and juiced lemon
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp, finely chopped fresh thyme
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 cups water
- 3 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, sumac, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, and 1 tbsp chopped thyme in a bowl.
- Step 2: Toss chicken cubes in the marinade, ensuring even coating, and let sit for 20 minutes while preheating grill to medium-high (375°F/190°C).
- Step 3: Thread chicken onto soaked bamboo skewers, then grill for 10-12 minutes, turning once, until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Step 4: While chicken cooks, combine rice, water, and 1/4 tsp salt in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed.
- Step 5: Fluff rice with a fork, stir in remaining 1 tbsp chopped thyme and 3 tbsp chopped parsley, then serve chicken over rice with extra lemon wedges.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sumac-Rubbed Chicken Skewers with Lemon Herb Rice take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (25 min prep + 25 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 Sumac-Rubbed Chicken Skewers with Lemon Herb Rice?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sumac-Rubbed Chicken Skewers with Lemon Herb Rice?
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 Sumac-Rubbed Chicken Skewers with Lemon Herb Rice 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 Sumac-Rubbed Chicken Skewers with Lemon Herb Rice?
Middle Eastern 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 some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to grilling dish. We make it weekly.
