5 from 10 votes
Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Skewers
Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Skewers feature boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a mix of olive oil, yogurt, lemon juice and zest, tomato paste, fresh herbs, and spices. Marinating tenderizes and flavors the meat, which is then threaded onto skewers and grilled until cooked through with a slightly charred exterior. The combination of herbs and spices produces a balanced savory and tangy profile typical of Mediterranean cuisine.
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Marinating Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 30 mins
Servings:
6
Calories:
239 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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.
Cup of Yum
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
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%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 239
% 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.