These Mediterranean Chicken Skewers are a must-try! Tender chicken cubes are marinated in a zesty blend of lemon and herbs and grilled until golden brown. They are super light, zesty, and packed with flavor, perfect for serving with salad, on rice, or in a sandwich.

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For all Mediterranean food lovers, these grilled chicken skewers are a must-try! Tender chicken pieces are marinated in a zesty blend of lemon juice, olive oil, yogurt, and a mix of Mediterranean herbs and spices. Similar to my chicken souvlaki and chicken kabobs, these skewers offer a perfect balance of savory and citrusy flavors, making them a favorite for summer grilling.

Enjoy them as a standalone dish, pair them with rice pilaf or couscous, Mediterranean Oven Roasted Vegetables, or serve them with a refreshing salad such as Mediterranean Salad or Middle Eastern Tahini Salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Recipe Highlights

Cultural Influence: Mediterranean

Preparation Technique: Grilling

Dietary Info: Gluten-Free

Signature Taste: Zesty and aromatic

Skill Level Required: Easy

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About this Recipe

Grilling meat on skewers has been a common practice for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations like the Persians, Greeks, and Romans. These cultures used skewers as a way to cook meat over open flames, resulting in tender and flavorful dishes.

Over time, various Mediterranean regions developed their own versions of skewered meat, incorporating local ingredients and spices. Today, chicken skewers can be found all over the world, from the streets of Bangkok to the “chicken on a stick” you’ll find at summer festivals and state fairs in the USA – often with seasoning and marinades that reflect local tastes.

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Why You’ll Love these Mediterranean Chicken Skewers

Tender and Juicy: Using boneless skinless chicken thighs ensures that each bite is tender, succulent, and packed with flavor.

Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these skewers are perfect for quick weeknight meals or weekend gatherings.

Versatile: Whether grilled for a barbecue, cooked in the oven, or on a stovetop grill pan, these skewers are always a crowd-pleaser.

Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein, these skewers are a wholesome meal option.

Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults, these Mediterranean chicken skewers are a delicious and wholesome meal that the whole family will enjoy.

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Key Ingredients

• Chicken thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a tender and juicy texture.

• Olive oil: Olive oil serves as the base for the marinade, providing richness and helping to tenderize the chicken.

• Yogurt: Yogurt acts as a tenderizer and adds creaminess to the marinade, ensuring the chicken stays moist and flavorful.

• Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice and lemon zest add a bright and tangy flavor to the marinade.

• Tomato paste: Tomato paste adds depth of flavor and a nice color to your skewers.

• Parsley and cilantro: Fresh parsley and cilantro add a burst of freshness and herbal aroma to the marinade.

• Cumin and coriander: Ground cumin and coriander provide warm and earthy flavors and brightness to your skewers.

• Paprika: Paprika adds a hint of smokiness and mild heat to the marinade, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

• Salt and pepper: Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the chicken is well-seasoned before grilling.

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How To Make This Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by cutting 2 pounds of boneless, skinless 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.

Step 2: 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.

Step 3: Grill The Chicken 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.

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Serving Suggestions

Salad: You can serve these chicken skewers with a variety of Mediterranean salads, such as Middle Eastern Tahini Salad, Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad Recipe, Tabouli Salad Recipe (Tabbouleh), and Fattoush Salad Recipe.

Rice: You can also serve them on a bed of rice, like Saffron Rice, Greek Lemon Rice Recipe, and Instant Pot White Rice Recipe.

Potatoes: These skewers also pair well with French fries or Greek Potatoes.

Pita: Serve the chicken skewers with Homemade Pita Bread, flatbread, or Lavash Bread along with some fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumber slices.

Dips and Sauces: Serve the skewers with a side of tzatziki sauce, hummus, or Toum Recipe – Lebanese Garlic Sauce for dipping.

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Variations and Substitutions

Chicken: Instead of chicken thighs, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but keep in mind that the grilling time might be shorter because they cook faster.

Marinade Variations: Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the marinade to your taste. Try adding dried oregano or basil for additional Mediterranean flavors. You can also replace the yogurt with Greek yogurt for a creamier marinade.

Cooking Methods: If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the skewers in a grill pan on the stovetop on high heat for 5-7 minutes on each side, or bake them in the oven.

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Tips, Tricks, and Hacks

Marinate for flavor: Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to develop and the meat to tenderize. To ensure even cooking and better flavor development, it’s preferable to take the raw Mediterranean chicken skewers out of the fridge and let them sit at the counter for at least 15 minutes before grilling.

Uniform pieces: Cut the chicken into uniform pieces (about 1.5 inches) to ensure even cooking. This helps to prevent some pieces from being overcooked while others are undercooked.

Soak wooden skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This prevents them from burning on the grill.

Preheat the grill: Make sure your grill is preheated before adding the skewers. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and gets those beautiful grill marks.

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Storage

Making Ahead: If you’re preparing the skewers in advance, marinate the chicken as directed in the recipe, then store them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Store the marinated raw chicken skewers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or in the freezer for up to 3 months before cooking.

Refrigeration: If you have leftover cooked skewers, let them cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating: To reheat, you can either grill them again for a few minutes until warmed through or microwave them in short intervals, flipping occasionally, until heated to your liking.

Freezing: Place the cooked and cooled skewers in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the frozen skewers overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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