Tender chunks of chicken marinated in a bold, spiced yogurt glaze, grilled with colorful peppers and onions, and served alongside a herbed yogurt sauce and warm, fluffy bulgur pilaf. This Middle Eastern-inspired dish is full of vibrant flavor and satisfying textures, perfect for a wholesome, well-balanced meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is a complete, flavorful meal that brings together spice, freshness, and heartiness. The spicy chicken skewers offer smoky depth and heat, the yogurt sauce provides a cooling contrast, and the bulgur pilaf adds a comforting grain base that’s rich and aromatic. It’s great for entertaining or for a weeknight dinner, offering both visual appeal and delicious taste. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Skewers:

• 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cubed
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water

For the Herbed Yogurt Sauce:

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Bulgur Pilaf:

• 1 cup fine bulgur
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small tomato, grated
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp sweet paprika
• Salt to taste

To Serve:

• Warm flatbread or pita
• Extra dill or herbs for garnish

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a large bowl, combine olive oil, yogurt, tomato paste, lemon juice, paprika, chili flakes, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add cubed chicken, chopped peppers, and onion. Toss well to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
2. Prepare the Skewers:
   Thread the marinated chicken and vegetables alternately onto soaked wooden skewers.
3. Grill the Skewers:
   Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
4. Prepare the Bulgur Pilaf:
   In a saucepan, heat olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until soft. Add the grated tomato and paprika, and cook for 2–3 minutes. Stir in the bulgur and pour in the broth. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
5. Make the Yogurt Sauce:
   In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir well and refrigerate until serving.
6. To Serve:
   Place warm flatbread on each plate, top with grilled chicken skewers, a scoop of bulgur pilaf, and a spoonful of herbed yogurt sauce. Garnish with fresh dill or herbs.

Servings and timing

Servings: Serves 4
Prep time: 20 minutes
Marinating time: 1 hour
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Use marinated halloumi or tofu instead of chicken, and grill with vegetables.
• Spice Level: Adjust chili flakes to your heat preference or add a dash of harissa for more depth.
• Grain Substitute: Replace bulgur with couscous, quinoa, or rice if preferred.
• Add Pickles: Serve with pickled onions or cucumbers for a tangy contrast.
• Yogurt Twist: Add chopped mint or parsley to the yogurt sauce for extra freshness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:

• Store cooked chicken skewers, pilaf, and yogurt sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Reheat chicken and bulgur pilaf in a skillet or microwave until warm. Serve yogurt sauce chilled.

Freezing:

• The chicken (raw or cooked) can be frozen in marinade for up to 2 months. Thaw before grilling. The pilaf can also be frozen in portions.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast can be used, but thighs remain juicier and more flavorful when grilled.

Can I cook the skewers in the oven?

Yes, bake the skewers at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes, turning once, then broil for a few minutes to char.

What if I don’t have a grill?

A grill pan or even a cast iron skillet works well for stovetop grilling.

Is bulgur gluten-free?

No, bulgur contains gluten. Use quinoa or rice as a gluten-free alternative.

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes, marinating overnight deepens the flavor and makes the chicken even more tender.

Can I make the bulgur pilaf ahead of time?

Yes, it stores well and can be reheated just before serving.

How long should I soak the skewers?

At least 30 minutes in water to prevent burning during grilling.

Can I add vegetables to the pilaf?

Certainly. Finely chopped carrots, peas, or spinach can be added for more nutrition.

What yogurt is best for the sauce?

Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the creamiest texture, but low-fat versions also work well.

Can I serve this without bread?

Yes, it’s just as enjoyable served in a bowl with pilaf and sauce.

Conclusion

Spicy Chicken Skewers with Herbed Yogurt and Bulgur Pilaf offer a bold and colorful Middle Eastern-inspired meal that’s both wholesome and satisfying. Each element complements the other, from the smoky chicken to the cooling yogurt and fragrant pilaf. Whether you’re serving guests or preparing a weeknight dinner, this dish brings flavor and balance to the table with minimal effort and maximum impact.

Print