Sumac-Spiced Grilled Chicken Skewers with Garlic Yogurt Dip

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

Tender chicken skewers marinated in tangy sumac and warm spices, grilled to perfection and served with a creamy garlic yogurt dip. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes blends boneless skinless chicken thighs, ground sumac, ground cumin 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 tbsp ground sumac, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes and toss well to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers evenly.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix 1 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1 minced garlic clove and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Add a pinch of salt and stir until combined.
  5. Step 5: Serve the hot chicken skewers with the garlic yogurt dip on the side for dipping.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sumac-Spiced Grilled Chicken Skewers with Garlic Yogurt Dip take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Sumac-Spiced Grilled Chicken Skewers with Garlic Yogurt Dip?

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 Sumac-Spiced Grilled Chicken Skewers with Garlic Yogurt Dip?

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-Spiced Grilled Chicken Skewers with Garlic Yogurt Dip 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-Spiced Grilled Chicken Skewers with Garlic Yogurt Dip?

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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