Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Mezze Sampler
This dish brings the best of the Mediterranean to your table in one vibrant platter. Juicy marinated chicken skewers are grilled to perfection and paired with a colorful mezze sampler featuring creamy dips, fresh vegetables, and warm pita bread. It’s a perfect meal for entertaining, family dinners, or even a festive weekend spread. The combination of flavors and textures—smoky chicken, cool tzatziki, savory hummus, tangy olives, and fresh veggies—makes every bite satisfying and exciting.
Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour (including marinating)
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into cubes
3 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Wooden or metal skewers
For the Mezze Sampler
1 cup hummus
1 cup tzatziki
½ cup baba ganoush
½ cup marinated olives
½ cup roasted red peppers
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
1 small cucumber, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup warm pita bread, cut into wedges
Fresh mint or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Add the chicken cubes and toss until evenly coated. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge).
Prepare the Skewers:
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20–30 minutes to prevent burning.
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
Cook the Skewers:
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Cook the skewers for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Arrange the Mezze Sampler:
On a large platter, place small bowls of hummus, tzatziki, and baba ganoush.
Arrange olives, roasted red peppers, feta, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and pita wedges around the dips. Garnish with fresh mint or parsley.
Serve:
Place the grilled chicken skewers on the platter or on a separate plate alongside the mezze sampler.
Let everyone build their own wraps or enjoy as a mix-and-match sharing platter.
Tips
Marinating Time: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it becomes. Overnight marinating is best if you have the time.
Even Cooking: Cut chicken into equal-sized cubes so they cook evenly.
Grill Marks: For beautiful charred grill marks, don’t move the skewers too much while cooking. Let them sear before turning.
Serving Style: Serve on a large platter for a family-style spread, or prepare individual mezze plates for portion control.
Pita Warm-Up: Wrap pita bread in foil and warm it in the oven for 5 minutes before serving to keep it soft and flexible.
Variations
Protein Swap: Replace chicken with lamb, beef, shrimp, or even halloumi cheese for a vegetarian option.
Oven-Baked Option: No grill? Bake the skewers at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Dip Variety: Switch out baba ganoush for muhammara (red pepper dip) or add tabbouleh for freshness.
Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or cayenne to the chicken marinade for a bit of heat.
Low-Carb Version: Skip the pita bread and enjoy the skewers with just dips and fresh vegetables.
Party Style: Make mini skewers with smaller pieces of chicken and serve as bite-sized appetizers alongside mezze.
Q&A
Q: Can I make the skewers ahead of time?
Yes. You can marinate the chicken a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Skewers can also be grilled and reheated in the oven before serving.
Q: What if I don’t have a grill?
You can use a grill pan or roast the skewers in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely. Swap the chicken for halloumi cheese, falafel, or grilled vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and peppers.
Q: Which dips are essential?
Hummus and tzatziki are classics. Baba ganoush adds smoky depth, but you can also add tabbouleh, muhammara, or labneh.
Q: How do I serve it for a crowd?
Arrange everything on a large platter mezze-style. Guests can build their own wraps or graze on dips, veggies, and skewers.
Nutrition
(per serving, approx. 1 skewer with mezze sides and pita)
Calories: 520 kcal
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 6g
Sugars: 6g
(Values will vary depending on portion sizes, choice of dips, and whether pita is included.)
Conclusion
The Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Mezze Sampler is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The juicy, lemon-and-herb marinated chicken pairs beautifully with a colorful spread of creamy dips, crisp veggies, salty olives, and warm pita bread. It’s healthy, satisfying, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating your family to something special, this dish delivers flavor, variety, and that unmistakable Mediterranean warmth in every bite.