Introduction
Experience a burst of flavor with this delectable chicken skewers recipe, marinated in a rich blend of spices and complemented by fresh vegetables and zesty lemon. Perfect for grilling or roasting, these skewers are an ideal choice for family dinners or outdoor gatherings. Pair them with warm flatbreads and optional chili sauce for an extra kick.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 2 cloves of garlic
– 3 lemons
– 3 teaspoons baharat spice mix, plus extra to serve
– 100g natural or Greek-style yoghurt
– 12 small free-range skinless, boneless chicken thighs
– 2 mixed colour peppers
– 1 red onion
– Olive oil
– 6 flatbreads, to serve
– Optional: chilli sauce, to serve
Prep Time
2 hours, preferably overnight
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 55 minutes on a barbecue or 45 minutes in the oven
Total Time: 3 hours (including marinating time)
Yield: Serves 4
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare Marinade
Peel and finely grate the garlic into a large bowl. Add the zest and juice of 1 lemon, the baharat spice mix, and the yoghurt. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.
Marinate Chicken
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring they are well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight to enhance the flavor.
Preheat Cooking Method
When ready to cook, prepare a barbecue for indirect cooking at approximately 200°C. Alternatively, preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/gas 6.
Prepare Vegetables
Tear the peppers into quarters, removing the seeds. Peel and quarter the onion. Halve the remaining lemons to be used for skewering.
Assemble Skewers
Thread the marinated chicken thighs onto 4 long metal skewers, interspersing them with pieces of pepper and onion. Start and finish each skewer with a lemon half. Drizzle the assembled skewers with olive oil for added flavor.
Cook Skewers
Cook the skewers on the barbecue for 55 minutes, turning them every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking. If using the oven, place the skewers over a high-sided roasting tray with a splash of water in it. Roast for 45 minutes, turning halfway through the cooking time until the chicken is cooked through.
Rest and Serve
Remove the skewers from the heat and let them rest for 10 minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy.
Slice and Garnish
Slice the chicken off the skewers and serve with a sprinkle of baharat spice on top, alongside warm flatbreads. For an extra kick, include chilli sauce if desired.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken skewers with a side of fresh salad or vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage Tips
Leftover marinated chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cooked skewers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven before serving.
Variations
Feel free to swap out the vegetables or spices based on personal preference. Other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms can be great additions.
Optional Ingredients
If you want more heat, consider adding sliced fresh chillies to the skewers or serving with a spicy dip.
Cook techniques
Marinating
Marinating the chicken thighs in a mixture of garlic, lemon zest and juice, baharat spice mix, and yoghurt enhances the flavor and tenderness of the meat. Aim for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight for optimal results.
Barbecue Cooking
For barbecue cooking, prepare the grill for indirect heat at approximately 200°C. Cook the skewers, turning them every 10 minutes, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and reaches a safe temperature.
Oven Roasting
If using an oven, preheat to 200°C/400°F/gas 6. Place the skewers in a high-sided roasting tray with a splash of water to maintain moisture, turning halfway through the cooking time.
Threading Skewers
When assembling the skewers, alternate the chicken with pieces of pepper and onion, starting and finishing each skewer with a lemon half for added flavor during cooking.
Resting the Meat
Allow the cooked skewers to rest for 10 minutes after cooking. This lets the juices redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in a more flavorful and moist dish.
FAQ
Can I use other cuts of chicken instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts or drumsticks, but cooking times may vary.
What can I substitute for baharat spice mix?
If you don’t have baharat, a combination of cumin, coriander, paprika, and cinnamon can give a similar flavor profile.
Can I prepare the dish in advance?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the skewers in advance, then cook them just before serving.
What side dishes pair well with this chicken?
Salads, couscous, or grilled vegetables are great accompaniments to this dish.
Is it possible to cook these skewers in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook the skewers in an air fryer; just adjust the cooking time according to your air fryer’s specifications.
Conclusion
The baharat-spiced chicken skewers offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a perfect dish for gatherings or a cozy meal at home. The marinade infused with garlic and lemon enhances the chicken’s juiciness, while the grilled vegetables add a colorful and nutritious element. Serving the dish with warm flatbreads provides an ideal means to savor every bite.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chickpea and Quinoa Salad
Combine cooked quinoa with canned chickpeas, diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a lemon-tahini dressing for a refreshing side.
Spicy Roasted Cauliflower Tacos
Toss cauliflower florets in olive oil, baharat spice, and roast until crispy. Serve in flatbreads with yogurt sauce and fresh cilantro.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers
Marinate shrimp in garlic, lemon juice, and herbs. Grill on skewers alongside bell peppers for a quick, flavorful dish.
Grilled Vegetable Medley
Sauté zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers with olive oil and spices for a colorful side dish to accompany your skewers.
Classic Hummus
Blend chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic into a creamy dip. Serve with flatbreads and fresh vegetables for dipping.
Herbed Couscous
Prepare couscous with vegetable broth and mix in fresh herbs like parsley and mint for a fragrant side that pairs well with grilled meats.
