Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Mezze Tray

why make this recipe

This meal brings bright Mediterranean flavors with little fuss. It is great for a weeknight or for guests. The chicken cooks fast on skewers and the mezze tray gives many simple things to pick and share.

introduction

This recipe pairs juicy grilled chicken with a simple mezze tray of hummus, tzatziki, olives, tomatoes, cucumber, and feta. If you like easy grilled chicken and shared plates, you may also enjoy orange chicken with orange marmalade as another simple chicken idea.

how to make Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Mezze Tray

1. Mix the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Add the chicken cubes and stir until all pieces are coated. Cover and chill at least 30 minutes. Overnight is best for more flavor.
3. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes so they do not burn. Thread the chicken onto skewers, leaving small gaps so heat moves around each piece.
4. Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high.
5. Grill the skewers 10–12 minutes, turning now and then, until the chicken is cooked through and has light char marks.
6. While the chicken cooks, arrange hummus, tzatziki, olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and crumbled feta on a tray. Warm pita and cut into wedges.
7. Serve the hot skewers with the mezze tray for dipping and sharing.

Ingredients :

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Wooden or metal skewers
• 1 cup hummus
• ½ cup tzatziki sauce
• ½ cup marinated olives
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes
• ½ cup cucumber slices
• ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• Warm pita bread, cut into wedges

Directions :

1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken cubes and mix until fully coated. Cover and marinate at least 30 minutes (overnight works best!).
3. Thread chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving space between pieces for even cooking.
4. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
5. Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
6. Arrange mezze tray with hummus, tzatziki, olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, feta, and warm pita wedges.
7. Serve skewers hot alongside the mezze tray for dipping and sharing.

how to serve Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Mezze Tray

Place the skewers on a platter beside the mezze tray. Let people pick pita, hummus, tzatziki, and veggies. Serve with lemon wedges if you like more tang. This is a relaxed, shareable meal.

how to store Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Mezze Tray

• Cool the cooked chicken to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Store hummus and tzatziki in their own sealed containers for up to 4 days.
• Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat on a quick grill or skillet.

tips to make Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Mezze Tray

• Cut chicken into even cubes so it cooks evenly.
• Marinate longer for deeper flavor.
• Use metal skewers if you want no soaking time.
• Do not crowd pieces on the skewer; leave space for heat circulation.
• Watch the grill so the chicken gets char but does not dry out.

variation (if any)

• Swap chicken for lamb or shrimp, but adjust cook time for shrimp (2–4 minutes).
• Add bell pepper, red onion, or zucchini on the skewers for more veggies.
• Make a spicy version by adding ¼ tsp chili flakes or cayenne to the marinade.
• For a dairy-free tray, skip the tzatziki and feta and add more olives and roasted red pepper.

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes. Thighs stay juicier. Cut them into similar-size pieces and grill until done, about the same time.

Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?
A: At least 30 minutes. For best taste, marinate 4–8 hours or overnight in the fridge.

Q: Can I cook the skewers in the oven?
A: Yes. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for about 12–15 minutes, turning once, until cooked through.

Q: Are wooden skewers safe to use on the grill?
A: Yes if you soak them in water for 20 minutes first. This helps prevent burning.

Q: Can I prepare the mezze tray ahead of time?
A: Yes. Prepare the dips and vegetables earlier and keep them chilled. Warm the pita and the chicken just before serving.

Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Mezze Tray

• Author: arianarecipes
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

Juicy grilled chicken served with a vibrant mezze tray, perfect for sharing and enjoying Mediterranean flavors.

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Ingredients

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• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Wooden or metal skewers
• 1 cup hummus
• ½ cup tzatziki sauce
• ½ cup marinated olives
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes
• ½ cup cucumber slices
• ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• Warm pita bread, cut into wedges

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Instructions

1. Mix the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Add the chicken cubes and stir until all pieces are coated. Cover and chill at least 30 minutes; overnight is best.
3. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning.
4. Thread the chicken onto skewers, leaving small gaps for heat circulation.
5. Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high.
6. Grill the skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has light char marks.
7. While the chicken cooks, arrange hummus, tzatziki, olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and crumbled feta on a tray. Warm pita and cut into wedges.
8. Serve the hot skewers with the mezze tray for dipping and sharing.

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Notes

For added tang, serve with lemon wedges. You can substitute chicken for lamb or shrimp, adjusting cook time as necessary.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 75mg