Middle Eastern Chicken Skewers

Bring the bold and vibrant flavors of the Middle East to your table with these succulent Middle Eastern Chicken Skewers. Tender, juicy chicken thighs are marinated in a rich blend of Greek yogurt, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and a tantalizing array of spices, including cumin, paprika, turmeric, and a hint of cinnamon for warmth. Perfectly charred on the grill or under the broiler, these skewers offer a beautifully smoky, slightly tangy taste that's both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether served with fluffy rice, warm pita, or a refreshing salad, these skewers make an irresistible centerpiece for any meal. Ready in under 40 minutes, but with make-ahead marinade convenience, this recipe promises a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish packed with Middle Eastern-inspired flavor. Perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners alike!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 8 pieces wooden or metal skewers

Directions

Step 1

Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes and set aside in a large mixing bowl or zip-top bag.

Step 2

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground paprika, ground coriander, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.

Step 3

Pour the marinade over the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4-6 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.

Step 4

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before assembling the skewers to prevent burning during cooking.

Step 5

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or set your oven's broiler to high. Lightly oil the grill grates or a broiler pan to prevent the skewers from sticking.

Step 6

Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece to ensure even cooking.

Step 7

Grill or broil the skewers for 12-15 minutes, turning every 4-5 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be golden brown and slightly charred in spots.

Step 8

Remove the skewers from the heat and let them rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm with your favorite sides such as rice, pita bread, or a fresh salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	675 grams (675.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	923

Total Fat 60.20g	77%
Saturated Fat 14.20g	71%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.80g
Cholesterol 397mg	132%
Sodium 2800mg	122%
Total Carbohydrate 16.40g	6%
Dietary Fiber 3.60g	13%
Total Sugars 5.70g
Protein 83.30g	167%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 275mg	21%
Iron 8mg	46%
Potassium 1336mg	28%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 57.6%

Protein: 35.4%

Carbs: 7.0%