Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Skewers

Mediterranean cuisine never fails to hit the spot when craving a healthy and delicious meal. These Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Skewers capture the essence of this vibrant culinary tradition. An symphony of tastes the succulent skewers are not only easy to prepare but also perfect for a delightful summer barbecue or a cozy indoor meal.

Key Components

Mediterranean grilled chicken skewers boast a medley of fresh and aromatic ingredients that elevate their taste to a whole new level. Here are the key components that make these skewers truly special:

1. Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tenderness and easy threading onto the skewers.
2. Mediterranean Seasoning: The magical blend of herbs and spices can include oregano, thyme, rosemary, cumin, paprika, garlic, and a hint of lemon zest.
3. Olive Oil: My favorite, and a quintessential Mediterranean ingredient, olive oil both tenderizes the chicken and imparts a rich, smooth texture to the marinade.
4. Fresh Vegetables: To add a burst of color and nutrients, you can include colorful bell peppers, red onions, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini slices. These veggies complement the chicken beautifully and create a visually appealing skewer. Adjust this recipe to fit your palate!

The Marinade

The secret to achieving the delightful flavors of Mediterranean grilled chicken skewers lies in the marinade. Here’s my simple marinade:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Drizzle and sprinkle this delicious mess over the chicken and vegetable mix. Get down and dirty by massaging it with your hands until everything is thoroughly covered.

Cooking

The grilling process will impart a smoky flavor but also brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables. Follow these steps for a perfect grilling experience:

1. Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking. The chicken should be cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
2. Once grilled to perfection, remove the skewers from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes to retain their juiciness. I recommend placing them under tin foil to retain the heat if you will not be serving them immediately.

How to Serve

Mediterranean grilled chicken skewers are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:

1. As a Main Course: Pair the skewers with a side of rice, couscous, quinoa, or Greek salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
2. In a Pita Wrap: Stuff the skewers into warm pita bread with some crisp lettuce, tomatoes, and a dollop of tangy tzatziki sauce for a delightful handheld feast.
3. On a Mezze Platter: Arrange the skewers on a platter alongside hummus, baba ganoush, olives, and pita bread for a Mediterranean-style appetizer spread.

Mediterranean grilled chicken skewers are a delightful culinary adventure that transports your taste buds to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean. From the tantalizing marinade to the colorful grilled vegetables, every bite is a burst of flavor. So, gather your friends and family, fire up the grill, and treat yourself to a healthy and delicious feast that celebrates the richness of Mediterranean cuisine. Bon appétit!

Mediterranean Chicken Skewers

Brian Ripley

A delightful dish combining tender pieces of marinated chicken with the rich flavors of the Mediterranean. Chicken chunks are marinated in a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a medley of herbs and spices, infusing them with a savory and zesty essence. Threaded onto skewers, the chicken is then grilled to perfection, resulting in a succulent and aromatic meal. Served with a side of tzatziki sauce and accompanied by vegetables or pita bread, these skewers offer a taste of the Mediterranean in every bite – a harmonious fusion of freshness, tanginess, and grilled perfection.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 6 people

Equipment

• wooden skewers soaked in water
• grill

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 red bell pepper cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 green bell pepper cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 yellow bell pepper cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 red onion cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Begin by soaking wooden skewers in a bowl of water. Allow to soak while preparing ingredients (this is important so they do not catch fire on the grill).
• Cut chicken into bite sized pieces. Cut bell peppers and onion into chunks such that they will be placeable onto the skewers. Place into a large bowl.
  1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, 1 red bell pepper, 1 green bell pepper, 1 yellow bell pepper, 1 red onion
  
• Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice and sprinkle cumin, thyme and smoked paprika over chicken and bell peppers. Salt & pepper to taste.
  3 cloves garlic, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp smoked paprika, salt & pepper
  
• Place onto skewers as desired. Looks prettiest to alternate colors and separate each chicken with a pepper or onion chunk.
  
• Grill over medium high heat for 8-10 minutes, flipping once half way through. Ensure chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165 F°.
  
• Cover with foil until ready to eat.
  

Keyword barbeque, Chicken, grilled, healthy, high-protein, Quick, skewers, vegetables