Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Skewers
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Marinating Time
1 hr
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Total Time
1 hr 30 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
239 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mediterranean
Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Skewers
Description
This recipe calls for chicken thigh pieces roughly 1.5 inches in size to promote even cooking and tenderness. The marinade includes yogurt for moisture and slight tang, olive oil, lemon juice and zest for brightness, tomato paste for depth, fresh parsley and cilantro for herbal notes, and spices such as cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Massaging the marinade into the chicken ensures thorough flavor infusion.
The chicken is threaded onto soaked wooden skewers to prevent burning and grilled over medium-high heat, cooking 5-7 minutes per side until achieving a browned, slightly charred exterior and fully cooked interior. The use of a grill or grill pan imparts a smoky flavor and attractive grill marks.
These skewers work well as a main dish served with side dishes like salads, rice, or flatbreads. Marinating time of at least one hour, preferably overnight, is recommended for optimal flavor and tenderness.
Allowing the chicken to come to room temperature before grilling helps even cooking. Soaking wooden skewers prevents flame damage, and preheating the grill is important for proper searing.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thigh cut into pieces, boneless, skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons yogurt
- 1 lemon juice and zest
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ⅓ cup parsley chopped
- ⅓ cup cilantro chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon Coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Start by cutting the chicken thighs into evenly sized pieces (about 1 1/2 inches thick). Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl.
- Pour the olive oil, yogurt, juice and zest of the lemon, tomato paste, chopped parsley, chopped cilantro, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper on the chicken cubes, ensuring they are all well coated.
- Use your hands to massage the marinade into the chicken. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.
Prepare the Skewers
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
Grill the Skewers
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If using an oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. If using an oven, place the skewers on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
Serve
- Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill or oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve the Mediterranean chicken skewers hot, garnished with extra chopped parsley or cilantro, if desired, with a side of tomato and cucumber salad.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight, to deepen flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Let the marinated chicken sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before grilling for more even cooking.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prior to use to prevent burning on the grill.
- Ensure the grill is fully preheated to medium-high before placing chicken skewers to achieve good searing and grill marks.
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces, about 1.5 inches, for consistent cooking throughout.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 239 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 239kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 3g | 1% |
| Protein | 30g | 60% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 0.03g | 2% |
| Cholesterol | 145mg | 48% |
| Sodium | 551mg | 23% |
| Potassium | 477mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 601IU | 12% |
| Vitamin C | 15mg | 17% |
| Calcium | 42mg | 4% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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