Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Skewers
Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and healthy dish, perfect for warm-weather grilling or as a light, protein-packed meal. Marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and aromatic herbs like oregano and thyme, the chicken is tender, juicy, and charred to perfection. Paired with a creamy herb tzatziki sauce, made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, and mint, this dish is a refreshing and delicious nod to classic Mediterranean flavors.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Skewers:
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tbsp)
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Herb Tzatziki Sauce:
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess water
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor).
2. Prepare the Skewers:
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece.
3. Grill the Chicken:
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Grill the chicken skewers for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and lightly charred. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, mint, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well and chill until ready to serve.
5. Serve:
Plate the grilled chicken skewers with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. Serve with pita bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.
Notes:
Marinating longer enhances the flavor but avoid exceeding 4 hours to prevent the acid from breaking down the chicken too much.
You can substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for variations.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of lemon rice or quinoa.
Tips:
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to perfection.
For extra smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the tzatziki sauce.
Make the tzatziki sauce a few hours ahead to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutritional Info(per serving, approximate)
Calories: 320
Protein: 36g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 350mg
This meal is a wholesome and satisfying choice, embodying the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean.