Easy Tahini Chicken Skewers for a Fresh Summer Dinner
Too hot to turn on the oven? This one is for you. These Tahini Chicken Skewers deliver a fresh meal right on your patio.
The sun is setting on a warm summer evening. You want a dinner that feels light but satisfying. These skewers are the perfect summer solution for your family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a winner because it is incredibly fast. You can have a healthy meal ready in 32 minutes. It is perfect for those busy summer weeknights.
The tahini creates a creamy coating without any dairy. It keeps the chicken tender while the grill adds a smoky char. Your holiday guests will absolutely love this unique flavor.
Simple Method
Making these skewers is very straightforward and beginner-friendly. You simply whisk the marinade and let the chicken soak. Even if you are new to grilling, you can do this.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are likely already in your pantry. Use fresh lemons for the best bright flavor.
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 0.5 cup premium tahini
- 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons warm water
Step-by-Step
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, olive oil, and warm water until the emulsion is smooth.
- Reserve 1/4 cup of the tahini mixture in a separate small bowl to use as a finishing sauce.
- Add the cubed chicken to the large bowl with the remaining marinade and toss until every piece is thoroughly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate the chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, ensuring they are packed closely but not overly compressed.
- Preheat a grill or heavy-duty grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly grease the surface with oil.
- Place skewers on the grill and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from heat and let rest for 3 minutes before drizzling with the reserved tahini sauce and serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these skewers warm over a bed of fluffy quinoa. Add a side of crisp cucumber salad for extra freshness. They also go great inside warm pita bread.
Set the outdoor table and enjoy these with your favorite person. Pack any leftovers into containers for easy weekday lunches the next day.
Keep It Fresh
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. You can also freeze the raw marinated chicken for later. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave until just warm. This prevents the chicken from becoming tough or dry.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t skip the soaking step for wooden skewers to avoid fires.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for the juiciest results.
- Avoid crowding the grill so the chicken chars evenly.
- Make the marinade the night before for stress-free summer cooking.
- For summer parties, double the batch for a hungry crowd.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika to elevate the smoky flavor.
- Always let the chicken rest before serving to keep it tender.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap chicken for extra-firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
- In summer, add pieces of zucchini or bell pepper to the skewers.
- Swap lemon juice for lime for a different citrus twist.
- Add a dash of cayenne pepper if you like a little heat.
Common Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to four hours early. This makes entertaining much easier when guests arrive. Just thread them onto skewers right before you grill.
What if I don’t have a grill?
A heavy cast-iron grill pan works perfectly on your stovetop. You will still get those beautiful char marks and great flavor. Just ensure your kitchen is well-ventilated.
Is tahini healthy?
Tahini is made from ground sesame seeds and is full of healthy fats. It provides a creamy texture without using heavy cream or butter. It is a staple in many nutritious Mediterranean diets.
I hope these savory skewers bring a little joy to your summer evenings. Give them a try and enjoy the fresh flavors of the season. Happy cooking!
— Clara
Ingredients
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, olive oil, and warm water until the emulsion is smooth.
- Reserve 1/4 cup of the tahini mixture in a separate small bowl to use as a finishing sauce.
- Add the cubed chicken to the large bowl with the remaining marinade and toss until every piece is thoroughly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate the chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, ensuring they are packed closely but not overly compressed.
- Preheat a grill or heavy-duty grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly grease the surface with oil.
- Place skewers on the grill and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from heat and let rest for 3 minutes before drizzling with the reserved tahini sauce and serving.
