No Aleppo pepper—what’s a good swap?

Use mild chilli flakes mixed with a pinch of smoked paprika to mimic Aleppo’s gentle heat and fruitiness.

Charred Middle Eastern Chicken Bowls + Garlic

Name: Charred Middle Eastern Chicken Bowls + Garlic
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 4–5 cm pieces; olive oil; garlic powder; onion powder; paprika; Aleppo pepper (or mild chilli flakes); ground cinnamon; fine sea salt; black pepper; tomato paste; plain yogurt; lemon juice (fresh); red onion or peppers (optional, for skewering); garlic, finely minced; mayonnaise; sour cream; lemon juice; lemon zest; parsley, finely chopped; fine sea salt; black pepper; cold water (to thin); cherry tomatoes, halved; red onion, finely diced; parsley, chopped; olive oil; sumac; fine sea salt; cooked rice or quinoa

Juicy marinated chicken skewers with cooling garlic yogurt sauce and bright tomato–sumac salad. Grill, oven or air fryer—weeknight easy and summer-BBQ ready.

Charred Middle Eastern Chicken Bowls + Garlic 🧄🔥

Juicy, spiced chicken skewers grilled to perfection and served with a cooling garlic yogurt sauce and a tangy tomato–sumac salad — this dish brings Middle Eastern summer flavors straight to your kitchen! Whether you grill, roast, or air fry, every bite is smoky, creamy, and bright. Perfect for meal prep, BBQs, or a quick weeknight dinner.

🥣 The Magic of Marinade

A yogurt and tomato paste base locks in moisture while Aleppo pepper, paprika, and lemon juice give the chicken that signature warm, tangy, and lightly smoky profile. Let the chicken rest in this marinade for at least 2 hours — overnight if you can — for maximum depth of flavor.

🔥 Cooking Tips

Skewer your marinated chicken (and maybe some onion or peppers for color!), then grill until the edges char beautifully. You’re aiming for caramelized golden edges while keeping the inside tender and juicy. No grill? The oven and air fryer both work wonders — just flip halfway through for even cooking.

Grill: 12–15 min over medium-high
Oven: 200°C / 400°F for 20–25 min
Air Fryer: 200°C / 400°F for 20–25 min

👉 Pro Tip: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to lock in those juices.

🧄 Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce

This sauce is what ties it all together — creamy, garlicky, lemony perfection. A mix of yogurt, mayo, sour cream, and lemon juice creates a cooling drizzle that balances the spice of the chicken. For a lighter texture, whisk in a bit of cold water until smooth and pourable just before serving.

🍅 Bright Tomato–Sumac Salad

No bowl is complete without a fresh, zesty side! Toss halved cherry tomatoes with red onion, parsley, olive oil, a sprinkle of sumac, and a pinch of salt. The tang of sumac complements the smoky chicken and cuts through the richness of the sauce beautifully.

🍽️ Build Your Bowl

Start with your base — rice, quinoa, or a low-carb grain alternative.
Add the juicy chicken skewers.
Spoon over that refreshing tomato–sumac salad.
Drizzle generously with garlic sauce and top with extra parsley or sumac for a pop of color.

Each bite is juicy, bright, and full of contrast — creamy, tangy, and savory all at once.

💡 Tips for Success

Marinate for 2–6 hours (or overnight) for deeper flavor.
Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Cook chicken to 74°C / 165°F for perfect juiciness.
Rest before serving to seal in moisture.
Add cold water to the sauce for an easy drizzle texture.

🌟 Why You’ll Love It

High in protein, low in carbs
Works for BBQ, oven, or air fryer
Great for meal prep — the flavors only get better
Gluten-free and easily made dairy-free

💬 Community Love

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Picked up a few bags of the high-protein rice—tastes great and this chicken makes such a healthy bowl!” — 2chinapearls
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Excellent! The grill char takes it over the top. Wife’s already asked for a repeat 😄” — michaelobrian6
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Thank you—looks great and super easy for a weeknight.” — Saida
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Yummy 😋 Super juicy and the garlic sauce is perfect.” — Han
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I like it—fresh, bright and filling without the crash.” — Vitality Hub
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Looks delicious! Making this for our BBQ this weekend.” — China

🧠 FAQ

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Just cut into similar-sized cubes and cook for 10–12 minutes total. Keep an eye out to prevent drying — pull once internal temp hits 74°C/165°F.

What can I use instead of Aleppo pepper?
A mix of mild chili flakes and a touch of smoked paprika mimics Aleppo’s fruity heat.

How do I make this dairy-free?
Use unsweetened coconut yogurt for the marinade and a dairy-free mayo for the sauce — still creamy, still flavorful!

🔥 Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. ¼ of recipe, without rice)
Calories: 480 | Protein: 32g | Fat: 36g | Carbs: 8g

A satisfying, bold, and balanced meal you’ll crave on repeat — whether you’re eating clean or firing up the grill this weekend!