Description
Mediterranean magic meets grilled perfection in these Greek chicken skewers, marinated with zesty herbs and lemon. Succulent chicken pieces drizzled with creamy yogurt sauce promise a delightful journey through classic Greek flavors you’ll savor with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves garlic
Vegetables and Herbs:
- 12 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 Persian cucumber, thinly sliced
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup packed arugula
- 3 to 4 sprigs mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
Breads and Condiments:
- 4 (6-inch) pita breads
- ½ cup greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
- Craft a zesty marinade by whisking lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, Maras pepper, salt, and pepper together in a medium bowl, gradually incorporating olive oil until well combined.
- Reserve 1/4 cup of marinade for later serving, then immerse chicken pieces in the remaining mixture, ensuring thorough coating. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Prepare the creamy yogurt sauce by blending tahini and yogurt until silky smooth, then introduce lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasonings to taste, creating a balanced and tangy accompaniment.
- If using an outdoor grill, soak bamboo skewers in warm water or select metal alternatives. Preheat grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, ensuring even distribution and secure placement.
- Grill the skewered chicken, rotating periodically to achieve a beautiful sear and ensure even cooking. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F and exterior develops a golden-brown crust.
- For stovetop preparation, heat a cast iron grill pan until smoking hot. Add a touch of oil and cook chicken in batches, turning frequently to prevent burning and promote uniform cooking.
- Plate the succulent skewers on a large serving platter, accompanied by warm pita bread, vibrant cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber slices, sharp red onion, peppery arugula, and fresh mint leaves.
- Drizzle reserved marinade over the chicken and serve the tangy yogurt sauce alongside, allowing guests to customize their culinary experience.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for maximum flavor by letting it sit in the mixture for up to 2 hours, which allows the lemon and herbs to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Use Maras pepper or a combination of cayenne and paprika to add a subtle, warm heat that complements the tangy marinade.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked by checking the internal temperature reaches 165°F, preventing any risk of foodborne illness while maintaining juicy meat.
- Create a perfect char and smoky flavor by using a hot grill pan or outdoor grill, turning skewers occasionally for even cooking and beautiful grill marks.
- Customize serving style by offering fresh accompaniments like pita, vegetables, and herbs, allowing guests to build their own delicious Mediterranean-style plate.
- Save a portion of the marinade before adding raw chicken to use as a flavorful drizzle when serving, enhancing the overall taste profile of the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg