There’s something undeniably magical about the smell of spices sizzling on a hot grill—especially when they carry the soul of Arabian cuisine.
If you’ve ever wandered through a bustling souk in Dubai or Riyadh, you’ve likely caught a whiff of Al Faham: that rich, smoky aroma of marinated meats grilling over open flames, perfumed with warmth and tradition.
Today, we’re bringing that experience straight to your backyard with a recipe that’s bold, easy to make, and deeply satisfying: Smoky Al Faham Grilled Chicken Skewers.
Using RoboFood Al Faham Seasoning, this elevated spice blend designed to mimic the iconic taste of Arabian street grills, you’ll transform simple chicken into a gourmet centerpiece perfect for dinner parties, weekend barbecues, or a memorable family meal.
But this isn’t just about convenience—it’s about authenticity, flavor depth, and cultural homage to the Middle Eastern grilling legacy.
The Essence of Al Faham: What Makes This Flavor So Special?
Al Faham—derived from the Arabic word for charcoal grilling—isn’t just a cooking method.
It’s a culinary tradition passed down through generations across the Arabian Peninsula.
Meats, especially chicken and lamb, are marinated with bold spices, skewered, and grilled slowly over glowing charcoal, absorbing a distinct smoky essence that no indoor oven can fully replicate.
What sets Al Faham apart from other grilling styles?
The marriage of warm, sweet, and earthy spices.
RoboFood’s Al Faham Seasoning captures this balance beautifully: cumin and coriander provide earthiness, smoked paprika delivers color and depth, while cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves lend a subtle perfume that dances on the tongue.
A kick of black pepper ties it all together with a gentle heat.
This blend is traditionally used on chicken or lamb, but its versatility makes it ideal for marinades, rubs, and even rub-seasoned roasted vegetables.
In this recipe, we’ll focus on chicken breast, which provides a clean canvas for the spices to shine—without drying out, thanks to a few clever marinating tips.
Why This Al Faham Grilled Chicken Recipe Works
What makes this recipe stand out isn’t just the seasoning—it’s how we use it.
Here’s why this approach delivers maximum flavor and texture:
- Oil-based marinade: We use olive oil and a touch of yogurt in the marinade to tenderize the chicken and help the spices cling evenly.
- Acid balance: Lemon juice brightens the rich spices and tenderizes the meat slightly for juicier grilled results.
- Coarse rub technique: We press the seasoning into the meat to form a flavorful crust that crisps beautifully on the grill.
- Prefect for skewers: Cutting the chicken into even cubes ensures quick, even cooking and more surface area for that iconic char.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For 4 servings (about 12–16 skewers):
- 2 pounds (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons RoboFood Al Faham Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons plain full-fat yogurt
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
- 1 teaspoon honey or date syrup (to balance acidity)
- Salt, to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Optional Add-Ins
- Thin slices of red onion and bell peppers between chicken pieces
- Cherry tomatoes on the skewers for freshness
- Mint leaves tucked into the skewers for herbal brightness
How to Prepare the Chicken Skewers
Careful prep is key to juicy, flavorful results.
Here’s how to get it right:
- Cut the chicken evenly: Slice the breasts into 1.5-inch cubes. Uniform size ensures even cooking—overcooked corners or underdone centers are a skewer’s worst enemy.
- Soak wooden skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning on the grill.
- Build the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, honey, and RoboFood Al Faham Seasoning. The yogurt adds tenderness, while the oil helps distribute fat-soluble flavor compounds in the spices.
- Marinate for optimal taste: Add chicken cubes to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours—or ideally, overnight. Longer marination allows the spices to penetrate the meat structure, creating deeper flavor.
- Bring to room temperature: Before grilling, let the marinated chicken sit out for 15–20 minutes. Cold chicken seizes up on the grill and cooks unevenly.
Grilling Tips for Perfect Results
Whether you’re using a gas grill, charcoal, or an indoor grill pan, these techniques will help you achieve that authentic Al Faham char and juiciness:
- Preheat your grill: Aim for medium-high heat (around 375–400°F). You want a nice sear without burning the spices.
- Oil the grates: Use tongs and a folded paper towel dipped in oil to lightly grease the grill grates. This prevents sticking and promotes clean grill marks.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers: Leave space between chicken pieces to allow for even heat circulation.
- Reserve some marinade: Before adding chicken, set aside a tablespoon of marinade (not used on raw meat) to brush on the skewers during grilling for extra moisture and flavor.
- Grill for 3–4 minutes per side: Turn skewers gently with tongs. Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F and the outside has a smoky, golden-brown crust.
Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal
Al Faham chicken skewers are delicious on their own, but pairing them with complementary sides turns a good meal into an unforgettable experience.
I recommend building a platter inspired by Middle Eastern mezze culture.
Here are a few ideas:
- Garlic lemon rice: Fragrant basmati rice cooked with sautéed onions, garlic, lemon zest, and a hint of turmeric. The acidity cuts through the richness of the meat.
- Toum sauce: A creamy Lebanese garlic sauce that pairs beautifully with grilled meats. Its bold, cool profile balances the smoky warmth.
- Cucumber-tomato salad: Tossed with parsley, mint, sumac, and olive oil. Refreshing and light, it offsets the char.
- Pita bread or saj flatbreads: Warm and slightly blistered on the grill—perfect for wrapping skewers for a handheld treat.
- Grilled halloumi: A salty, grill-friendly cheese that adds texture and indulgence.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating Tips
Good news: this recipe is incredibly flexible!
You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance.
Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Leftover skewers?
They reheat well!
To preserve moisture:
- Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water.
- Wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 10–12 minutes.
- Use cold leftovers in grain bowls, chopped into salads, or wrapped in flatbreads with tahini sauce.
Pro Tip: Freeze uncooked marinated chicken cubes (without skewers) for up to 1 month.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling.
Cultural Inspiration and Modern Twists
This recipe draws from the bustling street food stalls of Saudi Arabia and the UAE—where Al Faham chicken is often served piled high on a platter, shared family-style.
But today’s home cooks have the freedom to innovate.
Want to try a modern twist?
Swap chicken thighs for breast meat for a richer, more tender bite.
Or use the Al Faham blend on salmon fillets for a Middle Eastern spin on grilled fish.
The same seasoning can rub vegetables like portobello mushrooms or cauliflower steaks for a vegetarian option that still bursts with flavor.
If you’re feeling adventurous, fold the leftover seasoning into hummus, blend into a vinaigrette, or spice up your scrambled eggs for a bold breakfast.
Why RoboFood Al Faham Elevates Your Cooking
While you could blend your own Al Faham spice mix from scratch—measuring cardamom, coriander, and cloves—RoboFood’s version simplifies the process without sacrificing authenticity.
Their blend is carefully balanced, with consistent quality and a smoky depth that’s hard to replicate at home.
Plus, it’s shelf-stable and ready to use anytime you crave that Arabian grill flavor.
This recipe proves that gourmet, culturally inspired meals don’t require hours of prep or hard-to-find ingredients.
With the right seasoning, a few kitchen staples, and some grilling love, you can recreate an iconic Middle Eastern experience right in your backyard.
So fire up the grill, grab your skewers, and let RoboFood Al Faham Seasoning transport your taste buds to the heart of Arabia.
Whether you’re hosting guests or cooking for one, these Smoky Al Faham Grilled Chicken Skewers promise bold flavor, effortless elegance, and a cooking experience that celebrates global cuisine.
Ready to take your grilling game global?
Try this recipe and share your results with #AlFahamAtHome.
Your taste buds—and your guests—will thank you.
