Mediterranean Chicken Skewers (Recipe)

Looking for a delicious and healthy chicken recipe for your next BBQ? Look no further than these Mediterranean Chicken Skewers! Marinated in a flavorful combination of yogurt, olive oil, lemon, garlic, and Mediterranean spices, these skewers are bursting with Mediterranean flavors. Not only are they easy to make, but they are also perfect for grilling during the summer months.

Key Takeaways:

• Mediterranean Chicken Skewers are a tasty and nutritious option for your summer BBQ.
• The marinade made with yogurt, olive oil, lemon, garlic, and Mediterranean spices adds incredible flavor to the chicken.
• Grilling the skewers gives them a charred and smoky taste.
• Serve the skewers with pita bread, tahini sauce, and a side salad for a complete meal.
• Enjoy these Mediterranean Chicken Skewers at your next backyard cookout or anytime you crave delicious grilled chicken.

Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Kabobs

To make these Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Skewers, you will need the following ingredients:

• boneless skinless chicken thighs
• yogurt
• olive oil
• paprika
• cumin
• cinnamon
• red pepper flakes
• lemon zest
• lemon juice
• salt
• pepper
• garlic

These ingredients are easy to find and come together to create a flavorful marinade for the chicken. The use of chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts adds juiciness and flavor to the skewers.

These Mediterranean Chicken Skewers are often served with a Greek salad and rice pilaf for a complete meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Grilled Chicken Kabobs

Follow these simple steps to create mouthwatering Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Skewers:

1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine yogurt, olive oil, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and garlic. Mix well to ensure all the flavors are incorporated.
2. Marinate the chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it is evenly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight, to enhance the flavors.
3. Prepare the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates to prevent the chicken from sticking.
4. Skewer the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, alternating with vegetables of your choice, such as bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes.
5. Grill the skewers: Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has charred grill marks.
6. Serve and enjoy: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve the Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Skewers hot with a side of Greek salad and your favorite dip or sauce.

Grilling the chicken kabobs infuses them with a smoky flavor while keeping them juicy and tender. The combination of Mediterranean flavors from the marinade and the charred vegetables creates a truly tantalizing dish that will impress your guests. Try this recipe for a delicious and healthy grilled meal.

Tips for Making the Best Chicken Kabobs

Creating juicy and flavorful Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Skewers requires some attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure that your chicken kabobs turn out perfect every time:

1. Marinate the chicken: To infuse the chicken with maximum flavor, marinate it for at least 1-2 hours before grilling. The marinade enhances the tenderness and juiciness of the chicken, making it more delicious.
2. Choose the right chicken: Opt for boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. The thighs have more fat and tend to stay moist and juicy when grilled, resulting in a more succulent skewer.
3. Thread the skewers properly: When assembling the skewers, alternate pieces of marinated chicken with grilling vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes. This adds color and flavor to each skewer.
4. Soak the wooden skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken and vegetables. This prevents the skewers from burning or charring too quickly on the grill.
5. Preheat the grill: Ensure that the grill is preheated to medium-high heat before placing the chicken skewers on it. This helps to achieve a perfectly cooked chicken with a nice charred exterior.
6. Grill over indirect heat: To prevent the chicken from drying out, grill the skewers over indirect heat instead of direct flame. This allows the chicken to cook evenly without burning.
7. Baste with marinade: While grilling, baste the chicken skewers with some of the leftover marinade. This adds more flavor and keeps the chicken moist throughout the grilling process.

Following these tips will ensure that your Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Skewers are bursting with flavor, juicy, and perfectly grilled.

Serving Ideas for Mediterranean Chicken Skewers

Once your Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Skewers are cooked to perfection, it’s time to get creative with the serving options. Here are a few delicious ideas to elevate your meal:

Tahini Sauce:

Drizzle your Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with creamy and tangy tahini sauce. Made from ground sesame seeds, tahini sauce adds a rich and nutty flavor that complements the Mediterranean spices in the chicken. You can either make your own tahini sauce or purchase it from a store. The smooth and velvety texture of the sauce is a perfect contrast to the juicy grilled chicken.

Pita Bread:

Serve your Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with warm and fluffy pita bread. Pita bread is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and its soft texture is a great vehicle for enjoying the flavorful chicken. You can either slice the pita bread in half and stuff it with the grilled chicken and some tahini sauce, or tear off pieces of pita bread and use it to scoop up the chicken and sauce.

Side Salad:

Complete your meal with a refreshing side salad. A classic Greek salad is the perfect accompaniment to the Mediterranean flavors of the chicken. Toss together fresh lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice for a light and tangy dressing. The crisp and vibrant flavors of the salad provide a refreshing balance to the smoky and savory chicken.

Experiment with different combinations of tahini sauce, pita bread, and side salad to create your own unique flavor profiles. Whether you choose to enjoy the chicken skewers wrapped in pita bread with a side of salad or simply dip each tender piece in tahini sauce, these serving ideas will take your Mediterranean chicken skewers to the next level.

Conclusion

Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Skewers are a delicious and healthy option for your summer BBQs. The flavorful marinade made with yogurt, olive oil, lemon, garlic, and Mediterranean spices adds a burst of flavor to the chicken. These skewers are perfect for grilling during the summer months, giving them a slightly charred and smoky flavor that is irresistible.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or looking for a tasty entree, these Mediterranean Chicken Skewers are sure to impress your guests. Serve them with pita bread, tahini sauce, and a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal. The combination of flavors and textures will leave your taste buds craving for more.

So fire up the grill, gather your friends and family, and enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired feast with these juicy and flavorful chicken skewers. Whether it’s a casual gathering or a special occasion, these Mediterranean Chicken Skewers will be the star of your summer BBQ.