Grilled Turkish Chicken Skewers

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• Wooden or metal skewers, soaked in water (if using wooden skewers) Wooden or metal skewers, soaked in water (if using wooden skewers)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat: 10g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
• Carbohydrates: 2g (Sugars: 0g)
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano, black pepper, salt, and lemon juice.
2. 2.
   Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss until well coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece.
5. 5.
   Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
6. 6.
   Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
7. 7.
   Serve the Grilled Turkish Chicken Skewers with rice pilaf, a fresh salad, and a dollop of yogurt sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — Ensure the chicken is cut into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Wooden skewers — Soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent them from burning on the grill.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a pinch of sumac or Aleppo pepper to the marinade.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the chicken before grilling.
• Serve the skewers with a side of warm pita bread for a complete Turkish dining experience.
• Experiment with different vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or cherry tomatoes, and thread them onto the skewers along with the chicken.
• If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the skewers on a stovetop grill pan or under the broiler in your oven.

Serving advice

Serve the Grilled Turkish Chicken Skewers as the main course of a Mediterranean-inspired dinner. Accompany them with a side of fluffy rice pilaf, a refreshing salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions dressed with lemon juice and olive oil, and a generous dollop of creamy yogurt sauce.

Presentation advice

Arrange the skewers on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or mint, and a sprinkle of sumac for an added pop of color. Serve alongside the suggested side dishes for a visually appealing and appetizing presentation.