Welcome, food enthusiasts! As we embark on a delightful weekend, filled with warmth, sunshine and the promise of good times. I’m thrilled to kick off our recipe blog with a summer favorite – Grilled Chicken Skewers.

A must have in my summer cookout repertoire. These grilled chicken Skewers with a Middle Eastern flair elevate any outdoor gathering. Whether served atop a bed of fragrant rice pilaf or alongside a refreshing Greek salad, these Skewers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The secret lies in a luscious marinade of yogurt, olive oil, lemon, garlic, and a medley of spices, infusing the chicken with irresistible flavor before it meets the open flame.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. While skewering the meat and onions may be a bit time-consuming, you can effortlessly adapt it to your schedule. Running short on time? Ditch the skewers and throw the chicken pieces directly on the grill. Slice the red onions into generous wedges and let them sizzle alongside the chicken. A pro tip: err on the side of generosity when estimating quantities. I learned this the hard way when my first attempt at these Skewers left me unexpectedly running out of food for my hungry guests!

So, imagine the aroma of marinated chicken sizzling on the grill, the enticing blend of spices tantalizing your taste buds. Whether you opt for the classic skewered presentation or the more time-efficient whole pieces, these Middle Eastern-style chicken Skewers are bound to become a star at your summer gatherings. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making a second batch sooner than you anticipated – they’re that good!

 

Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Skewers:

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (fresh or thawed if frozen)
  • Oil (opt for olive, avocado, safflower, grapeseed, or regular olive oil
  • Kosher Salt (for brining and seasoning)
  • Seasonings (smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper)
  • Skewers (metal or wooden, soaked if using the latter)
  • Grill (charcoal, gas, or grill pan for indoor cooking)

Instructions for Perfectly Grilled Chicken Skewers:

  1. Brine the Chicken: Immerse the chicken breasts in a warm water and salt solution for 15 minutes, ensuring they are evenly coated. Rinse and pat dry.
  2. Season the Chicken: Drizzle olive oil over the chicken bites, add your chosen seasonings, and toss until evenly coated.
  3. Prepare the Grill and Skewers: Heat the grill to medium-high. Thread the seasoned chicken onto skewers evenly.
  4. Grill Away: Grill the chicken for 10-14 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid undercooking or overcooking for that perfect juicy texture.
  5. Serve Warm: Transfer the Skewers to a plate, tent with foil for 5 minutes, and serve while warm and juicy.

Variety in Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different dry seasoning blends, such as Italian, Cajun, Za’atar, Taco, or Everything Bagel seasoning.

Pairing Ideas: Enhance your grilled chicken experience with these side options: green salad, pasta salad, baked potatoes, roasted veggies, or indulge in a delightful dessert like rum-soaked grilled pineapple.

Recipe for Grilled Chicken Skewers:

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp melted butter or olive oil
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly-cracked black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Optional: fresh lemon wedges

Instructions:

  1. Brine the chicken: Combine warm water and kosher salt, soak chicken for 15 minutes, rinse, and pat dry.
  2. Preheat the grill: Set it to medium-high heat; soak wooden skewers if using.
  3. Prepare the chicken: Cut breasts into pieces, drizzle with olive oil, and toss. Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika; coat chicken evenly.
  4. Skewer and Grill: Thread chicken onto skewers and grill for 10-14 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown and cooked through.
  5. Serve: Rest Skewers for 5-10 minutes, drizzle with lemon juice if desired, and enjoy!

Notes: Adapted from the Baked Chicken Breasts recipe.