Ingredients
Marinade and Chicken
- 5 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 5 large cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
Optional Additions
- Chopped or sliced tomato
- Sliced cucumber
- Sliced onion
- Fresh parsley
- Flatbread
- Toum Lebanese Garlic Sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, tomato paste, crushed garlic, paprika, salt, allspice, cayenne pepper, and black pepper until fully combined and smooth.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the cut chicken thighs pieces to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to infuse and the chicken to tenderize.
- Thread onto Skewers: Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Thread the chicken pieces evenly onto 6 skewers, making sure each skewer has an equal amount of chicken for consistent cooking and serving.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through, charred slightly on the edges, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove the cooked chicken skewers from the grill. Serve hot alongside optional accompaniments like chopped tomatoes, cucumber slices, sliced onions, fresh parsley, flatbread, and toum Lebanese garlic sauce for an authentic and flavorful meal.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to deepen the flavors and tenderize the meat.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent burning on the grill.
- The recipe works well with chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs provide more juiciness and flavor.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spiciness based on your preference.
- Serve with traditional Middle Eastern sides such as tabbouleh or garlic sauce for an enhanced meal experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Halal
