There’s something magical about the scent of smoky, spiced meat sizzling on the grill—it instantly evokes memories of warm desert nights, bustling souks, and tables groaning under the weight of rich, aromatic dishes.
If you’ve ever tasted authentic Al Faham-style grilled chicken, you know exactly what I mean.
The blend of warm spices, the charred edges, the tenderness of the meat—each bite is an experience.
Now, you don’t need a trip to the Arabian Peninsula to recreate that magic.
Welcome to your new go-to recipe: Smoky Al Faham Chicken Kebabs with Garlic Yogurt Dip, made easy with RoboFood Al Faham Seasoning.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a celebration of bold flavors and effortless cooking.
Whether you’re planning a weekend barbecue, a family dinner, or just looking to spice up your weeknight meals, these kebabs deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
The secret lies in the seasoning—a masterfully balanced mix that captures the soul of Middle Eastern grilling.
RoboFood Al Faham Seasoning combines warming spices like cumin, coriander, black pepper, paprika, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves.
These aren’t just random spices—they’re the backbone of Arabian barbecue.
The blend is earthy, slightly sweet, and deeply aromatic, with a smokiness that permeates every fiber of the meat.
And the best part?
You don’t need hours of marinating or hard-to-find ingredients.
One jar, some fresh chicken, and a few simple staples are all you need.
What is Al Faham Seasoning?
Al Faham (also spelled Al Fahm or Al Fakhama) refers to a traditional Arabian grilling method that emphasizes high-heat cooking with richly spiced rubs.
Historically used for grilling whole chickens over open flames, the technique has become iconic across the Gulf region—especially in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE.
The flavor profile is distinctive: smoky, warmly spiced, with a hint of sweetness and a touch of heat.
RoboFood Al Faham Seasoning captures this essence in a convenient, ready-to-use blend.
While traditional preparations might involve toasting and grinding whole spices, this pre-mixed version ensures consistency and authenticity without the extra work.
It’s the perfect shortcut for home cooks who want to explore Middle Eastern cuisine without compromising on depth of flavor.
Key Ingredients and Why They Matter
- Chicken thighs: We use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their rich flavor and juiciness. Unlike breast meat, thighs stay tender even after high-heat grilling, making them ideal for kebabs.
- RoboFood Al Faham Seasoning: This is the star of the show. A blend of cumin, coriander, paprika, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves creates a complex, layered flavor that’s both bold and balanced.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasoning adhere to the chicken and promotes even browning on the grill.
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness, cuts through the richness, and helps tenderize the meat.
- Garlic and onion: Provide aromatic depth and moisture to the marinade.
- Yogurt (for the dip): Acts as a cooling contrast to the smoky spice of the kebabs. Choose full-fat for creaminess.
How to Make Al Faham Chicken Kebabs (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine 2 pounds of cubed chicken thighs with 3 tablespoons of RoboFood Al Faham Seasoning, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of one lemon, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 small grated onion.
Mix well, ensuring every piece of chicken is evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours—or ideally overnight—to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
Step 2: Prepare the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F to 400°F).
If using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are covered with gray ash.
For gas grills, preheat with the lid closed for 10–15 minutes.
Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Skewer the Chicken
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece for even cooking.
Avoid overcrowding.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Place the kebabs directly on the grill.
Cook for 4–5 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is nicely charred and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Baste with leftover marinade during the first few minutes of grilling for extra flavor (only if you haven’t reused it after touching raw chicken—discard after use).
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove the kebabs from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes.
This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in moister, more flavorful meat.
Make the Garlic Yogurt Dip
No Al Faham feast is complete without a cooling yogurt dip.
This one is simple but unforgettable.
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of plain full-fat yogurt with 2 minced garlic cloves.
- Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh mint, and ½ tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley.
- Season with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil. Stir well.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
This dip is creamy, tangy, and bursting with fresh herbal notes.
It balances the smoky heat of the kebabs beautifully.
Serve it in a small bowl alongside the kebabs or use it as a sauce for wrapping in pita bread.
Serving Suggestions
These kebabs are incredibly versatile.
Here are a few delicious ways to enjoy them:
- With grilled flatbreads: Warm pita or saj bread pairs perfectly for wrapping the kebabs with fresh veggies and a spoonful of yogurt.
- Over rice: Serve on a bed of fragrant saffron rice or jasmine rice with grilled vegetables on the side.
- As a meze platter: Add hummus, tabbouleh, pickled onions, and stuffed grape leaves for a Middle Eastern spread.
- With salad: A crisp cucumber-tomato salad with sumac and lemon dressing complements the richness of the meat.
Tips for the Best Kebabs
- Don’t skip the marinating time: Even 2 hours makes a big difference, but overnight is ideal.
- Uniform cuts: Cut chicken into evenly sized cubes (about 1.5 inches) to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t move them too soon: Let the kebabs sear undisturbed for the first few minutes to develop a good char.
- Use a meat thermometer: Prevent overcooking by checking the internal temperature—165°F is safe and juicy.
- Let them rest: Pulling kebabs straight off the grill and eating them can lead to dry meat. Letting them rest locks in moisture.
Make It Ahead & Storage Tips
You can prepare the marinade and skewer the chicken up to a day ahead.
Store the skewers in an airtight container in the fridge.
This actually enhances the flavor!
Leftover kebabs keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes.
The yogurt dip will last up to 5 days when stored in a sealed container.
Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Options
Good news: this recipe is naturally gluten-free!
Just double-check the label of your Al Faham Seasoning to ensure no additives contain gluten (RoboFood’s version is typically clean-label and free from fillers).
For a dairy-free version, replace the yogurt dip with a tahini-lemon sauce.
Simply whisk together ½ cup tahini, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1–2 tablespoons water (to thin), 1 minced garlic clove, and salt to taste.
The nutty richness of tahini makes a fantastic alternative.
Why This Recipe Works for Modern Home Cooks
In today’s fast-paced world, we crave meals that are both satisfying and simple.
This recipe delivers on both fronts.
With RoboFood Al Faham Seasoning, you bypass the complexity of sourcing and balancing spices, while still achieving an authentic, gourmet result.
It’s perfect for busy parents, couples looking for date-night dinners, or anyone trying to expand their culinary horizons.
Plus, grilling is inherently fun.
There’s something primal and social about cooking over fire.
These kebabs are not just food—they’re an experience.
Gather your family, fire up the grill, and bring the flavors of Arabian nights into your backyard.
Final Thoughts
These Smoky Al Faham Chicken Kebabs are more than just a recipe—they’re an invitation to explore the vibrant world of Middle Eastern cuisine.
With RoboFood Al Faham Seasoning, you’re not just adding spice; you’re adding culture, tradition, and a touch of culinary adventure to your kitchen.
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, craving something different for dinner, or simply want to treat yourself to bold new flavors, this dish will become a staple.
Pair it with chilled mint lemonade, enjoy under the stars, and savor every bite.
The smoky aroma, the juiciness of the chicken, the cool tang of the yogurt—this is food that comforts and excites in equal measure.
Ready to bring the taste of Arabian grills home?
Grab your skewers, season your chicken, and ignite your grill.
Your taste buds will thank you.
