why make this recipe
This meal is fresh, fast, and full of flavor. It makes a great weeknight dinner or a sharing plate for friends. Chicken cooks quick, and the mezze tray gives many tastes and textures without a lot of work.
introduction
This Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Mezze Tray recipe brings bright lemon, garlic, and warm spices together with simple dips and veggies. If you like easy chicken dinners with big flavor, try this chicken Parmesan with Alfredo sauce recipe for another simple chicken idea.
how to make Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Mezze Tray – Fresh, Flavorful & Easy Dinner
- Mix the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Add the chicken cubes and toss so each piece is coated. Cover and chill at least 30 minutes (overnight is best).
- Thread the chicken onto skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces so heat flows around them.
- Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. Grill the skewers 10–12 minutes, turning now and then, until the chicken is cooked and has small char marks.
- While chicken cooks, arrange the mezze tray: put hummus and tzatziki in small bowls, add olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and crumbled feta. Warm pita and cut into wedges.
- Serve the hot skewers beside the mezze tray so people can dip and share.
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 :
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add chicken cubes and mix until fully coated. Cover and marinate at least 30 minutes (overnight works best!).
- Thread chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving space between pieces for even cooking.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
- Arrange mezze tray with hummus, tzatziki, olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, feta, and warm pita wedges.
- Serve skewers hot alongside the mezze tray for dipping and sharing.
how to serve Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Mezze Tray – Fresh, Flavorful & Easy Dinner
Place the hot skewers on a platter next to the mezze tray. Let people pull off chicken and dip into hummus or tzatziki. Add pita for scooping. Serve with lemon wedges for extra brightness.
how to store Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Mezze Tray – Fresh, Flavorful & Easy Dinner
Cool cooked chicken to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep dips in separate containers. Reheat chicken in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or in a microwave until warm. Discard any pita that gets soggy.
tips to make Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Mezze Tray – Fresh, Flavorful & Easy Dinner
- Cut chicken into even pieces so they cook at the same time.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water 20–30 minutes first to stop burning.
- Marinate longer for more flavor.
- Use a hot grill for quick sear and nice char.
- Keep some extra lemon and olive oil to drizzle at the end.
variation (if any)
- Swap chicken for cubed lamb, shrimp, or firm tofu.
- Add red onion, bell pepper, or halloumi cheese to the skewers.
- Stir in a pinch of sumac or za’atar to the marinade for a different taste.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this stove-top if I don’t have a grill?
A: Yes. Use a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the skewers the same time, turning often.
Q: How long can I marinate the chicken?
A: You can marinate 30 minutes to overnight. Don’t go more than 24 hours or the texture may change.
Q: Can I use dark meat like thighs?
A: Yes. Thighs stay juicy and need about the same time to cook. Cut into even pieces.
Q: Is this dish good for meal prep?
A: Yes. Store cooked chicken separate from dips and veggies. Reheat chicken and add fresh pita when ready to eat.
Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Mezze Tray
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and flavorful chicken dish served with a variety of dips and veggies, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a party.
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
Instructions
- Mix the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Add the chicken cubes and toss so each piece is coated. Cover and chill at least 30 minutes (overnight is best).
- Thread the chicken onto skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces.
- Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. Grill the skewers 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked and has small char marks.
- Arrange the mezze tray: put hummus and tzatziki in small bowls, add olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and crumbled feta. Warm pita and cut into wedges.
- Serve the hot skewers beside the mezze tray so people can dip and share.
Notes
For best results, marinate the chicken overnight. Use a hot grill for a nice char. Extra lemon and olive oil can be drizzled on before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
