Description
Mediterranean flavors shine in these greek chicken skewers with yogurt sauce, showcasing zesty marinated meat grilled to perfection. Tender chicken paired with creamy tzatziki creates a delightful meal you’ll savor with each flavorful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (0.68 kg) chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
- ½ cup (120 ml) greek yogurt
- 4 (6-inch) pita breads
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 2 tbsps lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 12 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 Persian cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup packed arugula
- ¼ tsp ground cumin
- 3 to 4 sprigs mint leaves
- 2 tbsps chopped fresh oregano
Instructions
- Marinade Creation: Whisk lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, Maras pepper, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl, gradually incorporating olive oil until harmoniously blended. Separate 1/4 cup for serving and submerge chicken pieces in the remaining mixture, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours, allowing flavors to deeply infuse.
- Yogurt Sauce Preparation: Blend tahini and yogurt into a silky consistency, then introduce lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Fine-tune seasonings to create a balanced, tangy complement that elevates the dish’s profile.
- Skewer Assembly: Soak bamboo skewers in warm water or select metal alternatives. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers with precision, ensuring even distribution and secure placement.
- Grilling Technique: Preheat outdoor grill to medium-high, lightly oiling grates to prevent adherence. For stovetop, heat cast iron grill pan until smoking hot. Cook chicken, rotating periodically to achieve a golden-brown exterior and consistent internal temperature of 165°F. If using stovetop, work in batches to maintain optimal heat.
- Plating and Presentation: Arrange sizzling skewers on a generous platter, surrounding with warm pita bread, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, arugula, and mint leaves. Drizzle reserved marinade over the chicken and serve yogurt sauce on the side, inviting guests to personalize their culinary journey.
Notes
- Marinate Strategically: Allow chicken to soak in marinade for minimum 30 minutes and maximum 2 hours to maximize flavor absorption without breaking down meat texture.
- Temperature Precision: Use instant-read meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exactly 165°F, preventing dryness while ensuring food safety.
- Skewer Technique: Slide chicken pieces close together on skewers for even cooking and preventing smaller pieces from falling through grill grates.
- Sauce Balance: Taste yogurt sauce before serving and adjust seasoning with extra lemon juice or salt to complement grilled chicken’s robust flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg