Name: Grilled Chicken Skewers with Bulgur Pilaf and Herbed Feta Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp ground coriander; Salt and pepper, to taste; Wooden or metal skewers, soaked if wooden; 1 cup bulgur wheat; 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish; 1 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt; 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped; 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped; 1 clove garlic, minced; Juice of half a lemon; Salt and pepper, to taste; Pickled onions or green onions, chopped; Harissa sauce, for serving; Tahini sauce, for serving; Sliced cucumber; Sliced radishes

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 61 reviews

If you are looking for an irresistible dish that combines smoky grilled flavors with vibrant Middle Eastern-inspired sides, you are in luck! This Grilled Chicken Skewers with Bulgur Pilaf and Herbed Feta Sauce Recipe is a fantastic crowd-pleaser that brings together tender marinated chicken, nutty bulgur pilaf, and a creamy, fresh feta sauce bursting with herbs. Perfect for a family dinner or entertaining friends, this recipe is both wholesome and exciting for your taste buds. You’ll love how the textures and flavors harmonize, making every bite a delight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white ceramic bowl filled with several pieces of raw chicken coated in a thick, bright orange-red spice mixture that covers every piece evenly. The texture of the spice layer looks coarse and slightly grainy, sticking closely to the surface of the chicken. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and the inside edges of the bowl show some smears and spots of the spice mix, adding to the rustic look of the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Before we jump into the cooking, let’s talk about the simple yet essential ingredients that make this dish truly shine. Each component plays a key role in flavor, texture, and color, resulting in a balanced meal that feels fresh and satisfying.

Chicken breast or thighs: Choose good quality pieces for juicy, tender skewers.

Bulgur wheat: A nutty, chewy grain that cooks quickly and makes a wholesome pilaf.
Feta cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess and a salty, tangy punch to the sauce.
Fresh herbs (parsley, dill, mint): These brighten up the feta sauce with aromatic freshness.

Pickled onions or green onions: A sharp contrast that adds zing and crunch to the plate.
Harissa sauce: Optional but wonderful for a smoky, spicy kick.
Tahini sauce: Adds depth and a rich, nutty finish to the flavor profile.

Sliced cucumbers and radishes: Crisp, fresh vegetables that bring color and texture balance.
Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices: For marinades and seasoning to elevate every element.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Skewers with Bulgur Pilaf and Herbed Feta Sauce Recipe

Grilled Chicken Skewers with Bulgur Pilaf and Herbed Feta Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade

Start by combining olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and your favorite spices into a marinade. Toss the chicken pieces in this mixture and let them soak up the flavors for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial because it tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with brightness and a mild tang that perfectly complements the grilled smokiness.

Step 2: Assemble and Grill the Chicken Skewers

Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, making sure the pieces are evenly spaced for even cooking. Heat your grill to medium-high and place the skewers over direct heat. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until each side is nicely charred and the chicken is cooked through. The grilling imparts a lovely smoky aroma and locks in the juicy tenderness of the chicken.

Step 3: Cook the Bulgur Pilaf

While the chicken grills, rinse the bulgur under cold water to remove excess starch. In a saucepan, sauté finely chopped onions in olive oil until translucent, then add the bulgur and toast it lightly to bring out its nuttiness. Pour in boiling water or chicken stock, cover, and simmer gently until the liquid is absorbed and the bulgur is fluffy. Finish with a handful of chopped herbs for freshness and an extra drizzle of olive oil for silkiness.

Step 4: Make the Herbed Feta Sauce

Combine crumbled feta with Greek yogurt or sour cream, chopped parsley, dill, and mint, and a splash of lemon juice. Blend until smooth but still slightly chunky for texture. This sauce is creamy, tangy, and herbaceous, providing the perfect cooling contrast to the smoky chicken and nutty pilaf.

Step 5: Assemble the Plate

Arrange the grilled chicken skewers over a bed of bulgur pilaf and generously drizzle with the herbed feta sauce. Garnish with pickled or green onions, sliced cucumber, and radishes. Add a spoonful of harissa or tahini sauce on the side for guests to customize their flavors. The final dish is a vibrant, colorful celebration of textures and tastes that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Skewers with Bulgur Pilaf and Herbed Feta Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Adding garnishes like freshly chopped herbs, pickled red onions, or a scattering of toasted pine nuts really lifts the dish visually and flavor-wise. These small touches create layers of texture and bursts of freshness that make every bite exciting.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs delightfully with a simple green salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette or warm pita bread to scoop up every last bit. You could also add roasted vegetables like eggplant or bell peppers for a heartier meal. The sides should remain light and fresh to keep the focus on your star players.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this Grilled Chicken Skewers with Bulgur Pilaf and Herbed Feta Sauce Recipe family-style on a large platter, encouraging everyone to dig in together. Alternatively, you can present it in individual bowls layering bulgur, herbed sauce, and skewers for an elegant, deconstructed look perfect for dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover grilled chicken, bulgur pilaf, and feta sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them apart preserves their textures and makes reheating much easier.

Freezing

While grilled chicken freezes well, bulgur pilaf and feta sauce do not maintain their best texture after freezing. If you plan to freeze, portion the chicken skewers alone and thaw them gently in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat chicken skewers on the grill or stovetop to keep them juicy and avoid drying out. Warm the bulgur pilaf gently in a microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to loosen it up. Serve the herbed feta sauce cold or at room temperature for the best flavor experience.

FAQs

Can I use a different grain instead of bulgur?

Absolutely! Quinoa, couscous, or even rice can substitute nicely, though bulgur offers a distinct nutty flavor and chewy texture that pairs perfectly with the grilled chicken and sauce.

How spicy is the harissa sauce suggested in this recipe?

Harissa adds a moderate heat with smoky and aromatic notes. You can adjust the amount or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder dish.

Is this Grilled Chicken Skewers with Bulgur Pilaf and Herbed Feta Sauce Recipe gluten-free?

Bulgur is made from wheat, so this recipe as-is is not gluten-free. However, swapping bulgur for quinoa or gluten-free couscous makes it suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Can I prepare this recipe for a large group?

Definitely! The steps scale up beautifully, and you can grill multiple skewers at once. Just keep in mind to adjust cooking times as needed and prepare the bulgur in larger batches.

What’s the best way to store the herbed feta sauce?

Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 2-3 days. Giving it a good stir before serving will bring back its creamy consistency.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing this Grilled Chicken Skewers with Bulgur Pilaf and Herbed Feta Sauce Recipe with those you care about. It’s a meal that feels thoughtfully crafted yet approachable, bursting with textures and flavors that will make you smile at every bite. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just discover a new favorite to add to your regular rotation.