These Spiced Chicken Skewers are perfect for summer grilling and celebrate the bold, warm flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine. Turmeric, cumin and sumac combine to infuse the chicken with bright, aromatic notes that evoke sunny evenings and casual get-togethers. The skewers are simple to prepare, highly flavorful, and can be marinated a few hours in advance so you can spend more time with friends and family. They’re also Whole30 and Paleo friendly, yet so tasty you wouldn’t know it.
Before the recipe, a few quick notes about skewers and tools.
I recommend using metal skewers because they’re reusable and sturdy. Wide, flat skewers are preferable to round, narrow ones since the flat edge helps keep meat from rotating on the grill. If you prefer a low-cost option for large gatherings, disposable bamboo skewers work fine—just soak them in water for an hour before grilling to prevent burning.
Now, on to marinades. Over the years I’ve learned that a good marinade makes all the difference. Whenever possible, marinate the chicken for a few hours to let the flavors penetrate. You can skip this in a pinch, but advances prep consistently delivers juicier, more flavorful results.
Common marinade approaches include:
- Oil and acid: A simple blend of oil plus lemon juice or vinegar adds flavor, helps prevent sticking, and gently tenderizes the meat.
- Yogurt-based: Widely used in Middle Eastern cooking, yogurt adds deep flavor and tenderness. For Paleo and Whole30 compliance, use coconut yogurt as a substitute—best suited to South East Asian flavor profiles. Homemade coconut yogurt can be made by fermenting coconut milk with probiotics if store-bought options are costly.
- Mayonnaise-based: It may sound surprising, but mayo creates beautifully caramelized, juicy chicken. Use a compliant mayonnaise (avocado oil–based or homemade Whole30 mayo) to keep the recipe aligned with dietary requirements.
Serve the skewers with your favorite sauces—hot sauce, tahini, or a garlic aioli (use a compliant version when needed). These skewers are crowd-pleasers and work well for weeknight dinners, backyard barbecues, or casual entertaining.
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Whole30 Spiced Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
for Marinade
- ½ cup Whole30 compliant mayo
- 4 cloves garlic – minced
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp sumac
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp ground cardamom
- ½ tsp cayenne – optional
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
For Skewers
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken, breast or thigh
- 1/2 pint Cherry Tomatoes
- 1 medium med-size red onion, cut into quarters
Instructions
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Combine all marinade ingredients in a large bowl and stir until smooth. Cut the chicken into 1″ pieces, add to the bowl, toss to coat, cover and refrigerate for 3–6 hours.
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When ready to cook, thread chicken onto metal skewers, alternating with red onion quarters and whole cherry tomatoes. If using bamboo skewers, be sure they were soaked in water for an hour beforehand.
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Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium heat. Cook the kebabs over direct heat about 6–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
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Remove the skewers from the grill and tent with foil for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.