These Lemon Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and vibrant dish perfect for grilling or baking. The chicken is marinated in a blend of warm spices and lemon, then paired with a creamy feta sauce for a delightful and healthy meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Marinade: The spice blend and lemon create a delicious and aromatic marinade.
- Creamy Feta Sauce: The feta sauce adds a tangy and creamy element that complements the chicken.
- Versatile: Perfect for grilling, baking, or even pan-frying.
- Healthy and Delicious: A balanced meal with lean protein and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For marinade and vinaigrette.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor.
- Ground Cumin: Adds a warm and earthy flavor.
- Cayenne Pepper: Adds a hint of spice.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm and sweet flavor.
- Garlic (Finely Chopped or Grated): Adds pungent flavor.
- Fresh Ginger (Grated): Adds a zesty and spicy flavor.
- Fresh Cilantro and/or Parsley (Chopped): Adds a fresh herb flavor.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds heat.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Enhances the flavors.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (Cubed): Provides a lean protein source.
- Lemon Juice: Adds tanginess.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Adds acidity to the vinaigrette.
- Honey: Adds sweetness to the vinaigrette.
- Chopped Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds a tangy and savory element.
- Marinated Artichokes: Adds tanginess and texture.
- Asparagus (Cut into Thirds): Adds a fresh vegetable side.
For the Feta Sauce:
- Feta Cheese: Provides a tangy and salty base.
- Plain Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess and tanginess.
- Lemon Juice: Adds acidity.
- Chopped Fresh Tender Herbs (Dill, Basil, Parsley): Adds fresh herb flavors.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Lemon Chicken Skewers with Creamy Feta Sauce
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons olive oil, paprika, cumin, cayenne, cinnamon, 3 cloves garlic, ginger, cilantro, parsley, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for 15 minutes or up to overnight in the fridge.
Step 2: Make the Vinaigrette
In a jar, combine 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, honey, sun-dried tomatoes, 1 clove garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Make the Feta Sauce
Combine feta, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice in a blender or food processor. Blend until creamy. Stir in the herbs, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
Step 4: Prepare the Skewers
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, alternating with marinated artichokes and asparagus.
Step 5: Cook the Skewers
Grill, bake, or pan-fry the skewers until the chicken is cooked through and the asparagus is tender-crisp.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the skewers with the creamy feta sauce and drizzle with the vinaigrette.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Marinate for Flavor: Marinating the chicken for at least 15 minutes enhances its flavor.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs provide the best flavor for the feta sauce.
- Adjust Spices: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Cook the chicken until just cooked through to prevent it from becoming dry.
- Customize Vegetables: Feel free to use other vegetables like bell peppers or onions on the skewers.
How to Serve
- Main Course: Serve as a main course with a side salad or rice.
- Appetizer: Serve as an appetizer for a gathering.
- Picnic Food: Perfect for picnics and outdoor meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chicken skewers and feta sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken skewers in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Do not overheat to prevent drying out.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture of the chicken and feta sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
- Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They will be more tender and juicy.
2. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
- Yes, you can use dried herbs. Use about 1/3 of the amount of fresh herbs.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese for the sauce?
- Yes, you can use goat cheese or ricotta instead of feta.
4. Can I bake the skewers instead of grilling?
- Yes, you can bake the skewers in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Lemon Chicken Skewers with Creamy Feta Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Grilling, Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
These Lemon Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and vibrant meal, perfect for grilling or baking. Tender chicken marinated in a blend of spices and lemon is served with a creamy and tangy feta sauce, creating a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons, plus 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2/5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro and/or parsley, chopped
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size chunks
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 (12 ounce) jar marinated artichokes
- 1 bunch asparagus, cut into thirds
Feta Sauce
- 6 ounces feta cheese
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh tender herbs such as dill, basil, or parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons olive oil, the paprika, cumin, cayenne, cinnamon, 3 cloves garlic, ginger, cilantro, parsley, and a pinch each of chili flakes and salt. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for 15 minutes or up to overnight in the fridge.
- Prepare Vinaigrette: Meanwhile, make the vinaigrette. In a jar, combine 1/4 cup olive oil, the lemon juice, red wine vinegar, honey, sun-dried tomatoes, 1 clove garlic, and a pinch each of chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Make Feta Sauce: To make the feta sauce, combine the feta, yogurt, and lemon juice in a blender or food processor. Blend until creamy. Stir in the herbs, paprika, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, alternating with pieces of artichoke and asparagus.
- Cook Skewers: Grill or bake the skewers until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Serve: Serve the chicken skewers with the creamy feta sauce and drizzle with the prepared vinaigrette.
Notes
- For a smoky flavor, grill the skewers over charcoal.
- You can use other vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, in the skewers.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spiciness.
- The feta sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg