Middle Eastern Chicken Skewers Recipes

Steps:

• If using bamboo skewers, place them in a shallow bowl of water to soak. Coat grill grates with oil or high-heat cooking spray.
• Heat the grill on high ( or load with charcoal & start fire to grey-coated coals & hot heat).
• In a large zip-close plastic bag, combine the cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, paprika, mustard powder and salt. Close the bag and shake to blend the seasonings.
• Place the chicken in the bag, then add the olive oil.
• Close the bag, gently pressing out any air.
• Gently knead the chicken, working the seasonings and oil so it thoroughly coats all of the meat. (I plan to toss it in the fridge overnight at this point).
• Place a chicken tender on each skewer. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until the meat reaches at least 165 degrees on an instant read thermometer.

Steps:

• In small bowl combine olive oil, garlic, chili flakes, oregano, rosemary and lemon zest. Whisk together marinade. Cut chicken into 3/4 inch cubes. Alternate chicken and grapes and thread onto 12 skewers. Place skewers into a baking dish or pan large enough to hold them. Pour marinade over skewers, coating each one. Marinate for 4-24 hours. Remove skewers from marinade and let excess oil drip off. Season with salt. Grill on barbecue until chicken is cooked through, about 3-5 minutes on each side. Arrange on serving platter and drizzle with additional olive oil and lemon juice.
• Nutritional Stats: Calories 299; Protein 27g; Fat 15g; Calories from Fat 52%; Carbohydrate 14g; Cholesterol 66mg; Fiber 1g; Sodium 370mg.

Steps:

• For the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, mayonnaise, zaatar and salt. Set aside.
• For the chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, olive oil, salt and coriander seeds. Slice the chicken breasts lengthwise into 1/3-inch strips; add to the bowl and toss to coat. Let sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to marinate.
• Preheat a grill pan over medium heat. Thread the chicken strips onto 8-inch skewers. Grill for about 4 minutes per side, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove to a platter. Serve warm with the dipping sauce.

Steps:

• Whisk olive oil, 1/4 cup mint, cilantro, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, honey, 1 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 cloves garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cayenne in a large bowl. Reserve 1/4 cup marinade in a separate bowl.
• Place chicken in a large resealable plastic bag. Pour marinade over chicken. Press air out of the bag and seal tightly. Turn the bag to distribute the marinade. Place in a bowl and refrigerate for 5 hours.
• Whisk yogurt, 1/2 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup mint, 2 cloves garlic, lemon zest, and 1 teaspoon salt together in a bowl to make sauce. Cover and place in the refrigerator.
• Toss green bell peppers and red onion in the reserved 1/4 cup marinade. Remove chicken from the bag and discard all marinade. Thread chicken, peppers, and onion alternately onto skewers.
• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate. Arrange skewers on the grill. Close lid and cook, turning once or twice, until chicken is firm to the touch, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from grill and let stand for 2 to 3 minutes. Serve with cold sauce.

Steps:

• In a bowl mix oil, honey, soy sauce, cumin, cayenne and pepper. Set a small amount of the marinade aside for basting later on. Then add the meat, veggies and garlic and let them marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours. The longer the better.
• Discard the marinade and put meat and veggies onto skewers. If you use wooden ones, first soak them in lemon water to prevent burning.
• Grill on the BBQ for 12-15 minutes or until done. Keepturning and basting with the marinade you set aside earlier.