Lemon Tahini Chicken Kebabs
- Succulent chicken kebabs marinated in a zesty lemon tahini sauce.
- Grilled to perfection with Mediterranean spices.
- A flavor-packed dish that’s both impressive and simple to prepare.
- Prep Time: 25
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp tahini paste, well stirred
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
- 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces (optional)
- 1 small red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks (optional)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, cumin, smoked paprika, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pat chicken cubes dry with paper towels and add to the marinade. Toss until all pieces are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes (2-4 hours for best flavor).
- If using wooden skewers, soak in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Thread onto skewers, alternating with vegetables if using.
- Preheat grill to medium heat (350-375°F) and oil the grates well.
- Grill kebabs for 8-10 minutes total, turning every 2-3 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F internally and shows clear grill marks.
- Remove from grill and let rest for 3-5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare extra sauce by mixing 3 tbsp tahini with 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp water, and a pinch of salt.
- Transfer kebabs to a serving platter, drizzle with the extra tahini sauce, and sprinkle with fresh parsley and sesame seeds.
Notes
- For best results, don’t rush the marinating time – longer marinating yields more flavorful chicken.
- If you don’t have a grill, these kebabs can be cooked under a broiler (5-6 minutes per side) or in a grill pan on the stovetop.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 380
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 11
- Carbohydrates: 7
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 32
- Cholesterol: 85
Keywords: Lemon Tahini Chicken Kebabs, tahini sauce, chicken kebabs, Mediterranean grill, zesty lemon glaze