Chicken Kebabs
with Sumac Yogurt Sauce
a dinner recipe
LeAnn Reid is the food content creator, recipe developer, and food photographer behind No Coast Kitchen, a gluten-free and dairy-free recipe blog rooted in joy, creativity, and nourishment. Driven by a passion for helping others thrive with dietary restrictions, she recreates nostalgic, comforting favorites with an allergy-friendly twist. LeAnn blends functional, feel-good recipes with warm, inviting visuals to showcase just how delicious allergy-friendly eating can be. She specializes in nourishing meals and indulgent desserts that prove you can eat well and live vibrantly, no matter your lifestyle.
These grilled chicken kebabs are super flavorful, with brightness from lemon and sumac, and just enough savory warmth from garlic and smoked paprika. Paired with a creamy, tangy sumac tzatziki, it’s the kind of fresh, satisfying meal I turn to when I want something easy but full of flavor. Plus, my kids think it’s playful and fun to eat dinner off a stick!
TIME (ACTIVE) | 30 M
TOTAL | 30 M
4 SERVINGS
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT:
KEBAB SKEWERS (WOODEN OR STAINLESS STEEL)
- First, we will start by prepping the chicken. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help it brown better during cooking. Then cut it into evenly sized 1½-inch cubes for even grilling.
- Now, prepare the marinade. In a medium bowl, mix together the marinade ingredients: Olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic powder, ground sumac, smoked paprika and salt and pepper. Stir well until fully combined.
- Add in the cubed chicken to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or as long as possible. Marinating overnight will yield the best flavor and texture.
- Now, it's time to skewer the chicken. If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20–30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill or stovetop. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
- Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over high heat. Once hot, place the kebabs on the grill and sear for about 3 minutes per side, or until nicely browned/seared. Rotate/flip the chicken skewers and cook for another 3 minutes. Continue as needed to get even color on all sides, ensuring the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Transfer the cooked kebabs to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken tender.
- While the chicken rests, prepare the sumac tzatziki/yogurt sauce.
- Start with finely grating or shredding the cucumber, then place the shreds in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel and wring out as much moisture as possible. This keeps the yogurt sauce from getting too watery.
- In a bowl, combine all the yogurt sauce ingredients, and whisk together until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve the grilled chicken kebabs hot, with a generous side of the sumac yogurt sauce. Add rice, flatbread, or a crisp salad to round out the meal.
Best if enjoyed within 2-3 days
Marinating the chicken overnight will yield the best flavor and texture.
ground
Ground sumac, a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, offers a tart, lemony flavor, enhancing salads, meats, and traditional dishes.
2 oz - JAR$8
2 oz - REFILL$7
6 oz - REFILL$16
ground
This highly aromatic spice is pungent and earthy in flavor. An essential spice in Mexican, Indian, and North African cooking.
0.32 oz - PORTION$0.50
2 oz - JAR$6
2 oz - REFILL$5
8 oz - REFILL$12
Spanish (de la Vera)
powder
Brick red and slightly clumpy, this rich-looking smoked Spanish paprika powder is from the La Vera region.
powder
Signature garlicky taste in powdered form. Ideal for spice blends. Also useful for dressings or other stored foodstuffs. The powder will give foods a garlicky taste without overpowering more nuanced inclusions.
0.35 oz - PORTION$0.50
2.5 oz - JAR$7
2.5 oz - REFILL$6
8 oz - REFILL$15
chopped
Dried dill weed has thin, feathery green leaves that are highly fragrant and have a slight anise-like aroma.
0.07 oz - PORTION$0.50
0.5 oz - JAR$4
0.5 oz - REFILL$3
2 oz - REFILL$11
