If you are a culinary enthusiast who enjoys exploring international flavours, then you’re in for a treat. Today, we’re diving deep into the heart of the Mediterranean with a classic dish that’s been adored for centuries – the grilled Mediterranean chicken skewers. This dish is a vibrant blend of fresh ingredients, spices, and succulent chicken, all grilled to perfection on skewers. So let’s dive in, and discover the magic behind these delectable skewers!
What are Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Skewers?
Originating from the Middle East and Turkey, grilled Mediterranean chicken skewers, also known as chicken shish kabobs, are a beloved dish that’s gained popularity worldwide. The dish typically consists of chicken pieces that are marinated in a blend of Mediterranean spices, skewered with an assortment of vegetables, and then grilled over an open flame. The result is a smoky, tender, and flavourful dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Skewers
1. Bursting with Flavour
One of the primary reasons you will fall in love with these skewers is the explosion of flavours they offer. The marinade, a delicious concoction of Mediterranean spices, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice, infuses the chicken with a bright, robust flavour profile.
2. Easy to Prepare
Despite the impressive flavours, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare. The marinade takes just a few minutes to whip up, and the grilling process is straightforward, making this dish perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike.
3. Healthy and Nutritious
Not only are these skewers delicious, but they’re also packed with nutrition. The chicken provides a high-quality source of protein, while the colourful array of vegetables contributes vitamins, minerals, and fibre.
4. Versatile
Grilled Mediterranean chicken skewers are incredibly versatile. They can be served as an appetizer or a main course, and you can easily switch up the vegetables or marinade ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
5. Perfect for Entertaining
Lastly, these skewers are a fantastic choice for entertaining. They’re easy to scale up for large gatherings, and they offer a fun, hands-on eating experience that your guests will love.
Timing
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (excluding marination time)
Ingredients
You’ll need these ingredients to make the grilled Mediterranean chicken skewers:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 pounds)
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
- Fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- Fresh garlic cloves, minced (4)
- Paprika (1 teaspoon)
- Cumin (1/2 teaspoon)
- Cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon)
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
- Large red onion, cut into thick slices (1)
- Bell peppers, cut into squares (2)
- Vegetable oil for greasing the grill
- Chopped parsley for serving
How to Make Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Skewers: Step-by-step
Step 1- Prepare the Marinade: Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
Step 2- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade. Toss to ensure all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavour infusion.
Step 3- Thread the Skewers: Once the chicken has marinated, thread the pieces onto skewers, alternating with slices of onion and bell pepper.
Step 4- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, and lightly grease the grates with vegetable oil.
Step 5- Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill, turning frequently to ensure even cooking. Grill for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are slightly charred.
Step 6- Serve: Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Tips for Making the Best Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Skewers
Marination is Key: The secret to juicy, flavourful chicken lies in the marination. Aim for at least 30 minutes of marination time, but overnight is best for maximum flavour infusion.
Soak Wooden Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 20 minutes prior to grilling. This will prevent them from burning on the grill.
Check for Splinters: Before threading your chicken and vegetables, check your skewers for any splinters. If you find any, you can remove them by rubbing two skewers together.
Use Large Chunks: Cut your chicken and vegetables into large, evenly sized chunks. This will ensure even cooking and prevent smaller pieces from falling through the grill grates.
Marinate on the Skewers: To save time, you can marinate the chicken directly on the skewers. Just be sure to pour any leftover marinade over the skewers before grilling.
3 Popular Substitutions & Additions
Switch Up the Veggies: If you’re not a fan of bell peppers or onions, feel free to use your favourite vegetables. Zucchini, mushrooms, tomatoes, or even parboiled potatoes can make great additions.
Try Chicken Thighs: If you prefer a juicier cut of meat, consider using chicken thighs instead of breasts. Just keep in mind that chicken thighs may require a slightly longer cooking time.
Add Yogurt: For an extra tender and juicy result, try adding some yogurt to the marinade. The lactic acid in the yogurt will help to tenderize the chicken and keep it moist during grilling.
Nutritional Facts
Amount Per Serving
- Calories: 199kcal
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Cholesterol: 73mg
- Sodium: 329mg
- Potassium: 576mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Vitamin A: 1448IU
- Vitamin C: 64mg
- Calcium: 25mg
- Iron: 1mg
What to Serve with Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Skewers
These chicken skewers are a meal in themselves, complete with protein and vegetables. However, if you’re looking to create a more substantial meal, consider serving them with a side of rice, pita bread, or a fresh salad. You could also serve them with a dollop of yogurt or tzatziki sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Skewers
- Store: Leftover chicken skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: To reheat, remove the chicken from the skewers and heat it in a skillet over medium-high heat until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat the skewers in an oven preheated to 350°F until warmed.
- Freeze: Cooked chicken skewers can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to remove them from the skewers before freezing.
Conclusion
Grilled Mediterranean chicken skewers are a delicious and versatile dish that’s sure to impress at your next barbecue or family dinner. They’re quick and easy to prepare, packed with vibrant flavors, and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. So why wait? Fire up the grill and treat yourself to these tasty skewers today!
FAQs
1- How long do you grill chicken skewers?
Grilled chicken skewers typically take around 15 minutes to cook on the grill, depending on the size of the chicken pieces and the heat of your grill.
2- What temperature should you grill chicken skewers at?
If you’re using an outdoor grill, aim for a temperature of 350-400°F. Be sure to turn the skewers halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
3- How can you prevent chicken skewers from burning?
The best way to prevent your chicken skewers from burning is to monitor the cooking temperature carefully and turn the skewers regularly. Using a meat thermometer can also be helpful to ensure the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature of 165°F.
4- Can you freeze cooked chicken skewers?
Yes, cooked chicken skewers can be frozen. Simply remove the chicken from the skewers and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.