Try this: @toom garlic dip is my secret ingredient for the best flavor and smooth texture. 🧄🤫

Try this: @toom garlic dip is my secret ingredient for the best flavor and smooth texture. 🧄🤫 is a medium Middle Eastern recipe that serves 4. 420 calories per serving. Recipe by Cooking With William on YouTube.

Prep: 45 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 1 hr 5 min

Cost: $10.35 total, $2.59 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds Chicken Thighs, boneless, skinless (cut into 1‑inch cubes)
  • 6 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 3 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, for marinade)
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika (sweet or smoked)
  • ½ teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 8 pieces Wooden Skewers (soaked in water 30 min to prevent burning)
  • 1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt (full‑fat for best flavor)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (for dip) (minced finely)
  • ½ teaspoon Lemon Zest (freshly grated)
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Mint Leaves (chopped, optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Make the Marinade

    In a large mixing bowl combine minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir until a uniform paste forms.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Marinate the Chicken

    Add the cubed chicken thighs to the bowl, toss to coat every piece with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

    Time: PT15M

  3. Prepare Garlic Yogurt Dip

    In a small bowl combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and refrigerate until serving.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Soak Skewers

    Place wooden skewers in a bowl of water and let them soak for at least 10 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Thread Chicken onto Skewers

    Remove chicken from the refrigerator, pat lightly dry, and thread the cubes onto the soaked skewers, leaving a small gap between pieces for even cooking.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Preheat Grill

    Heat the grill or grill pan over medium‑high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). Lightly oil the grates with a brush or paper towel dipped in oil.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 400°F

  7. Grill the Kebabs

    Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 4‑5 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and has a golden‑brown char.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 400°F

  8. Serve

    Remove kebabs from the grill, let rest 2 minutes, then serve hot with the garlic yogurt dip and a sprinkle of fresh mint.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
420
Protein
32 g
Carbohydrates
6 g
Fat
28 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, High‑Protein, Keto‑Friendly

Allergens: Dairy (yogurt), Garlic

Last updated: April 20, 2026

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Try this: @toom garlic dip is my secret ingredient for the best flavor and smooth texture. 🧄🤫

Recipe by Cooking With William

A juicy, Middle‑Eastern inspired garlic chicken kebab served with a cool garlic yogurt dip. Inspired by the YouTube video from Cooking With William, this recipe walks you through marinating the chicken, threading it onto skewers, and grilling to perfection, all in under an hour.

MediumMiddle EasternServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
25m
Prep
30m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 5m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$10.35
Total cost
$2.59
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Creating a well‑balanced garlic‑lemon marinade.
  • Marinating the chicken for at least 15 minutes.
  • Soaking wooden skewers to avoid flare‑ups.
  • Grilling over high heat and checking internal temperature.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw chicken with clean hands and sanitize all surfaces after use.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to avoid foodborne illness.
  • Be cautious when grilling – hot oil can splatter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of garlic chicken kebabs in Middle Eastern cuisine?

A

Garlic chicken kebabs are a modern twist on traditional Middle Eastern shish kebabs, which historically featured lamb or beef. The addition of a robust garlic‑lemon marinade reflects the region’s love for bright, aromatic flavors, and the dish is commonly served at family gatherings and street‑food markets across the Levant.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of garlic chicken kebabs in Middle Eastern cuisine?

A

In Turkey, similar kebabs are called "tavuk şiş" and often include sumac and yogurt in the marinade. In Lebanon and Syria, the kebabs may be spiced with allspice and served with a tahini‑based sauce. The version in this recipe focuses on garlic and lemon, which are classic Lebanese flavor pillars.

cultural
Q

How is garlic chicken kebab traditionally served in the Levant region?

A

In the Levant, garlic chicken kebabs are typically served hot off the grill with flatbread (pita or laffa), a side of fresh salad (tomato, cucumber, parsley), and a cooling yogurt‑based dip such as labneh or garlic yogurt. They are often enjoyed as a main course for lunch or dinner.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is garlic chicken kebab traditionally associated with in Middle Eastern culture?

A

Kebabs are a staple at festive gatherings such as Ramadan Iftar, Eid celebrations, weddings, and outdoor picnics. Their quick grilling method makes them ideal for communal cooking where guests can watch the kebabs being prepared.

cultural
Q

What other Middle Eastern dishes pair well with garlic chicken kebabs?

A

Garlic chicken kebabs pair beautifully with rice pilaf (roz bel laban), tabbouleh, fattoush salad, hummus, and grilled vegetables like eggplant or zucchini. A side of pickled turnips adds a tangy contrast.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for garlic chicken kebab versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include boneless chicken (often thigh), fresh garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, paprika, cumin, and salt. Acceptable substitutes are chicken breast (though less juicy), garlic powder, lime juice, or a neutral oil like canola if olive oil is unavailable.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making garlic chicken kebabs at home?

A

Common mistakes include over‑marinating (the acid can make the meat mushy), overcrowding the skewers (which leads to steaming instead of searing), and grilling at too low a temperature, which prevents a proper char and can dry out the chicken.

technical
Q

Why does this garlic chicken kebab recipe use a high‑heat grill instead of baking in the oven?

A

A high‑heat grill creates the characteristic char and smoky flavor that defines kebabs. Baking can cook the chicken through but lacks the seared exterior and the quick, caramelized garlic notes that a grill provides.

technical
Q

Can I make garlic chicken kebabs ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. After grilling, store the kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the grill or under a broiler.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when grilling garlic chicken kebabs?

A

The kebabs should have a deep golden‑brown exterior with slight char marks, while the interior remains juicy and pink‑white. The meat should be firm to the touch but not dry, and the juices should run clear when pierced.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cooking With William specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Cooking With William focuses on approachable, home‑cooked meals that blend classic comfort food with global flavors. William emphasizes clear step‑by‑step instructions, budget‑friendly ingredients, and practical cooking tips for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cooking With William's approach to Middle Eastern cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Cooking With William often simplifies traditional Middle Eastern techniques—like using a standard grill pan instead of a charcoal grill—while still preserving authentic flavor profiles. He also highlights quick prep methods and ingredient swaps that make the dishes accessible to a Western home‑cook audience.

channel

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