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Despite the short ingredient list and quick prep, these Sumac Chicken Kebabs have an amazing flavor that even picky eaters will enjoy. Grilled or broiled, our sumac chicken kebabs develop a lightly charred exterior that contrasts beautifully with its moist interior, while the sumac lends a clean, tangy finish that lingers without overwhelming.

Sumac Chicken Recipe

Few ingredients deliver as much brightness and depth as sumac. Its deep crimson hue hints at the tart, citrusy punch it brings to these chicken kebabs, with lemon juice and garlic deepening the flavor and helping to keep the meat tender and juicy.

Sumac is my “secret ingredient” that makes our Roasted Red Pepper Soup so good and I often add it to our homemade hummus recipes. There’s a reason it’s such a staple in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking – it’s well worth grabbing a jar to experiment with for yourself.

This chicken kebab recipe is super versatile – they can be enjoyed as-is, served on flatbreads, on top of salads or with a bed of rice or quinoa. This garlic lemon sauce from Love & Lemons would pair great with it, too.

I typically grill these kebabs but the day I planned to serve them was raining, so we roasted them in the oven instead. Either way works great!

Our sumac chicken kebabs are a quick and flavorful grilled chicken recipe made with lemon, garlic and Middle Eastern sumac spice. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or summer grilling, this recipe delivers juicy, tangy chicken skewers with minimal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Kebab Recipe

• Bold flavor from minimal ingredients with no complicated steps.
• Quick prep and cook time, ideal for busy weeknights.
• Versatile for grilling, broiling or baking year-round.

Snackable History Fact: Ancient Egyptians used sumac in the mummification process, while Romans valued it for its sourness and often used it as a vinegar substitute before lemons were introduced to Europe. Historical records show that as far back as 2,000 years ago, sumac was noted for its healthful properties, including use as a diuretic and anti-flatulent by Roman Emperor Nero’s physician, Pedanius Dioscorides.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this without a grill?

Yes, broil the skewers on high for 10-13 minutes, turning halfway through; cook them in a grill pan over medium-high heat; or bake at 425°F until cooked through, about 18 to 22 minutes depending on size.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 30 minutes works well, but 2 to 4 hours will deepen the flavor. (Overnight is even better.)

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, thighs are more forgiving and stay juicy even with longer cooking times.

What does sumac taste like?

It has a bright, tangy flavor similar to lemon but slightly more rounded and less acidic.

Middle Eastern Chicken Kebabs Ingredients

• Chicken breasts
• Oil
• Lemon juice
• Sumac
• Garlic

Scroll down to the printable recipe card for full measurements.

Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful

• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Sharp Kitchen Knife
• Cutting Board
• Mixing Bowl
• Large Spoon or Spatula
• Kebab Skewers

How to Make Sumac Chicken Kebabs

Place the kebabs in a bowl or tray of water to soak. Set aside.

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, about 1 to 1.5 inches each and place in a bowl.

Add the oil, lemon juice, sumac and minced garlic to the bowl and toss the chicken until fully coated.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.

Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.

Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

Cook the skewers for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.

Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Sumac Chicken Kebabs Recipe Variations:

• Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or cumin for a warmer, slightly earthy profile.
• Swap lemon juice for red wine vinegar for a sharper, more pronounced tang.
• Marinate with plain yogurt for extra tenderness and a lightly creamy coating that will turn golden when grilled or roasted.
• Thread vegetables like red onion, zucchini or bell peppers onto the skewers for a complete meal.
• Finish with fresh herbs such as parsley or mint for a fresh, herbal flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Kebabs

• Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces to ensure consistent cooking.
• Crush or finely mince the garlic so it disperses evenly in the marinade.
• Use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for a cleaner, brighter flavor.
• Do not skip resting the chicken after cooking, as this helps retain moisture.
• If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning.

More Middle Eastern-Inspired Recipes

Crockpot Moroccan Stuffed Peppers

Black Bean Hummus

Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma

Roasted Beet Hummus

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Yield: 10 servings

Sumac Chicken Kebabs

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This sumac chicken kebab recipe is super versatile - they can be enjoyed as-is, served on flatbreads, on top of salads or with a bed of rice or quinoa. Sumac adds a tart, citrusy punch it brings to these chicken kebabs, with lemon juice and garlic deepening the flavor and helping to keep the meat tender and juicy.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 2-3 chicken breasts
• 1 Tablespoon oil
• 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 Tablespoon sumac
• 4 cloves garlic

Instructions

1. Place the kebabs in a bowl or tray of water to soak. Set aside.
2. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, about 1 to 1.5 inches each and place in a bowl.
3. Add the oil, lemon juice, sumac and minced garlic to the bowl and toss the chicken until fully coated.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
5. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
6. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
7. Cook the skewers for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
8. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Broiling instructions:

1. Preheat the broiler on high for at least 5 minutes.
2. Position the rack 4 to 6 inches below the broiler element. Closer is better for charring and cooking through.
3. Use a broiler pan or wire rack over a baking sheet to let heat circulate around the chicken.
4. Place the skewers on the pan, leaving space between each.
5. Broil for 5–6 minutes, then flip the skewers.
6. Broil another 5–7 minutes, checking frequently. Chicken should be white throughout with no pink, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F.
7. If the chicken isn’t done but is getting too charred, move the rack down 2 inches and broil 2–3 more minutes.
8. Let rest 3–5 minutes before serving.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  Perdue Harvestland, Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts Individually Wrapped, 2.25 lb (Frozen)
• 
  12PCS Kabob Skewers Flat Metal Stainless Steel BBQ Barbecue Skewer 14" Anti-Roll Heavy Duty Shish Kebob Sticks Wide Reusable Grilling Skewers Set for Meat Shrimp Chicken Vegetable Kebab Fork Sausage…
• 
  Sumac Spice Powder | 4 oz 113 g | Bulk Ground Sumac Berries - Bran | Extra Grade Turkish Sumac Seasoning | Middle Eastern Spices | Eat Well Premium Food

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

10

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 17Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 41mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g

Sugar, Spice and Glitter uses an auto-generate nutrition calculator. Nutrition information isn’t always accurate unless analyzed in a scientific lab, so these should be considered more of a guideline than medical information.

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