Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Mixed Salad
Juicy, herb-marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection and served over a fresh Mediterranean-style mixed salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion, and feta. A drizzle of lemon-oregano vinaigrette ties it all together beautifully.
⏱️ Time:
Prep time: 25 minutes
Marinate time: 30 minutes (or up to 12 hours)
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: ~1 hour (with marination)
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Skewers:
1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1.5″ cubes
3 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: ¼ tsp chili flakes
Bamboo or metal skewers (if bamboo, soak in water for 30 min)
For the Mixed Salad:
5 cups mixed greens (arugula, romaine, spinach, etc.)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, sliced or chopped
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
⅓ cup Kalamata olives, pitted
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
For the Lemon-Oregano Dressing:
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Juice of ½ lemon
1 tsp red wine vinegar
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken pieces and toss to coat.
Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2–4 hours for deeper flavor.
2. Prepare the Skewers:
Thread marinated chicken onto skewers (4–6 skewers total).
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes, until cooked through and slightly charred.
3. Make the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta.
4. Make the Dressing:
Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Assemble & Serve:
Toss salad with dressing just before serving.
Plate with grilled chicken skewers on top or to the side.
Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired.
Notes & Tips:
For extra flavor: Add a spoon of plain Greek yogurt to the marinade to tenderize the chicken.
Grilling tip: Don’t overcrowd the skewers. Leave small gaps between pieces for even cooking.
Make it a wrap: Use pita bread or flatbread to turn this into a wrap with tzatziki or hummus.
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQs:
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes! Marinate the chicken up to 12 hours in advance. Grill and refrigerate skewers, then reheat before serving.
Q: What’s a good vegetarian alternative?
A: Use halloumi, tofu, or marinated portobello mushrooms on skewers instead.
Q: Can I bake instead of grill?
A: Yes, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15–18 minutes or until chicken is cooked through
Nutrition information
Calories: ~400
Protein: 32g
Carbs: 10g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g