Get ready to transport your kitchen to the vibrant streets of the Middle East with these irresistible Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Mint Sauce! Imagine tender, perfectly grilled chicken cubes infused with aromatic spices, paired with a refreshing, zesty sauce that will make your dinner guests beg for the recipe. This isn't just another chicken dish—it's a culinary adventure that promises to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary in just 35 minutes!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup fresh mint
- 1/4 cup yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the chicken. Cut 1 pound of chicken breast into even-sized cubes, about 1 to
- 5 inches each, for uniform cooking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cubed chicken with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade. Allow it to marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the sauce.
- For the cilantro mint sauce, gather 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro and 1/2 cup of fresh mint. Rinse the herbs under cold water to remove any dirt or debris, then pat them dry with a paper towel.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the rinsed cilantro and mint with 1/4 cup of yogurt and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt if necessary. Set aside.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 10 minutes to prevent burning.
- Once the grill is hot, thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken.
- Serve the chicken skewers warm, drizzled with the cilantro mint sauce or with the sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious Middle Eastern-inspired meal!
Tips
- Marination is Key: Let your chicken sit in the olive oil and spice mixture for at least 10 minutes to maximize flavor absorption.
- Skewer Smart: Leave a small gap between chicken cubes on the skewer to ensure even cooking and those coveted grill marks.
- Temperature Matters: Always use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe and juicy results.
- Herb Freshness: Use fresh cilantro and mint for the sauce—dried herbs simply can't compare to the bright, vibrant flavors of fresh herbs.
- Soak Wooden Skewers: Always soak wooden skewers in water for 10 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
- Rest Your Meat: Allow skewers to rest for a few minutes after grilling to help juices redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 85mg
