Za’atar Chicken Kebabs

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Anna Middleton (@chefanna)

Flavorful chicken kebabs marinated with yoghurt & za’atar spice.

Prep Time
40min
Cook Time
30min
Total Time
1hr 10min
Za’atar Chicken Kebabs recipe

Ingredients

6 Servings
(1 serving = 2 kebabs)

Chicken

  • 3cups
    Boneless Chicken Thighs (halved)
  • 1cup
    Greek Yoghurt (plain)
  • 3tbsp
    Pure Olive Oil
  • 2tbsp
    Za’atar Spice
  • 2tbsp
    Garlic (minced)
  • 2tbsp
    Lemon (zest)
  • 4tbsp
    Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 3tbsp
    Italian Parsley (roughly chopped)
  • 3tbsp
    Mint (chiffonade)
  • 4tbsp
    Vegetable Oil
  • Salt & Pepper (to taste)

How to make Za’atar Chicken Kebabs

Marinate Chicken

  1. In a jug, add the Greek yoghurt, lemon zest, juice, olive oil, za'atar, garlic, mint, parsley, salt & pepper. Blend until well combined. Use half of the marinade to coat all the chicken & keep the rest as a dressing. Mix the marinade through the chicken, cover & set aside to marinate for about 20 min.

Grill Chicken Kebabs

  1. Heat a grill pan for the chicken. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto kebab sticks. Drizzle the pan with vegetable oil. Pre-heat your oven to 190 degrees.

  2. Once the pan is really hot, grill the kebabs until charred on all sides. Place the kebabs onto an oven tray & cook through in the oven. Before serving, pour the rest of the marinade over the chicken & mix through. Serve with crisp rocket & lemon wedges on the side. Garnish with extra mint & Italian parsley.

Tips & Tricks

  1. For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for a longer period, up to overnight.

  2. Ensure the grill pan is hot before adding the kebabs to achieve a nice char.

FAQS

  1. How long should I marinate the chicken for Za’atar Chicken Kebabs?

    For the best flavor, marinate the chicken in the yogurt and za’atar mixture for at least 20 minutes. If you have more time, marinating for a few hours or even overnight in the refrigerator can enhance the taste even further.

  2. Can I make Za’atar Chicken Kebabs gluten-free?

    Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any gluten-based ingredients. Just ensure that the za’atar spice blend you use is gluten-free, as some commercial blends may contain wheat.

  3. What can I substitute for Greek yogurt in Za’atar Chicken Kebabs?

    If you don't have Greek yogurt, you can use regular plain yogurt or a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

  4. How should I store leftover Za’atar Chicken Kebabs?

    Store any leftover kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can grill them again or warm them in the oven at a low temperature until heated through.

  5. What side dishes pair well with Za’atar Chicken Kebabs?

    Za’atar Chicken Kebabs pair wonderfully with a fresh salad, such as a tabbouleh or a simple rocket salad. You can also serve them with pita bread, hummus, or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

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Anna Middleton

(@chefanna)

I have been a professional South African chef for 18 years, now teaching kids & adults how to cook by using their instincts. I...

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