Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Mezze Tray Recipe

The vibrant flavors and irresistible charm of the Mediterranean come alive in this recipe for Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Mezze Tray. Imagine tender, juicy chicken cubes marinated in bright lemon, fragrant herbs, and spices, grilled to perfection and paired alongside a colorful mezze platter loaded with creamy hummus, refreshing tzatziki, tangy olives, crisp veggies, and salty feta. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring a taste of sunshine any day of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in creating a harmonious blend of taste and texture. From the juicy, marinated chicken that carries the bold spices to the fresh and creamy elements on the mezze tray, these simple components come together beautifully.

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs: Choose thighs for extra juiciness or breast for leaner meat, cut into bite-sized cubes for even cooking.
• 3 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade penetrate the chicken for mouthwatering tenderness.
• Juice of 1 lemon: Brings bright acidity that lifts the chicken’s flavors and cuts through the richness.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses robust savory notes that are classic in Mediterranean dishes.
• 1 tsp dried oregano: Earthy herbaceous flavor that complements the grilled chicken perfectly.
• 1/2 tsp paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and a mild warmth to the marinade.
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin: Lends a warm, aromatic depth that rounds out the seasoning.
• Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors throughout.
• Wooden or metal skewers: For assembling the chicken and making grilling a breeze.
• 1 cup hummus: Creamy and nutty, perfect for dipping and spreading on pita.
• 1/2 cup tzatziki: Cool, tangy yogurt sauce with cucumber and herbs, refreshing next to grilled meat.
• 1/2 cup mixed olives: Briny bites that add complexity and texture to the platter.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy pops of color and freshness.
• 1 cucumber, sliced: Crisp and cooling, a refreshing balance to the flavors.
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Salty and creamy, it adds a delightful finishing touch.
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley or dill, chopped: Bright herbs that bring freshness and herbal notes.
• 4 pita breads, warmed: Soft, warm pockets ready for scooping and stacking all the delicious elements.

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Mezze Tray

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This marinade is the heart of the dish, delivering layers of flavor with every bite. Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and toss them until every piece is thoroughly coated. Let the chicken soak up all those vibrant flavors for at least 20 minutes or, if you have the time, overnight in the fridge for even deeper taste and tenderness.

Step 2: Assemble the Skewers

Once marinated, thread the chicken pieces evenly onto your wooden or metal skewers. Don’t overcrowd them, as leaving a bit of space between pieces ensures they cook evenly and get that lovely char on the grill.

Step 3: Cook the Skewers

Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high and cook the skewers for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally. You’re looking for a beautiful light char and cooked-through, juicy chicken. If you don’t have a grill, broiling in the oven also works well—just watch closely to avoid burning.

Step 4: Prepare the Mezze Tray

While the chicken is cooking, assemble the mezze tray by artfully arranging hummus, tzatziki, olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, crumbled feta, and fresh herbs on a large platter. Warm the pita breads so they’re soft and pliable, making them perfect for scooping and assembling bites alongside your skewers.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Bring everything together by placing the hot chicken skewers next to the mezze platter. Serve with warm pita bread so everyone can build their own delicious combinations. This presentation turns dinner into a fun, interactive feast that’s bursting with fresh, zesty flavors.

How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Mezze Tray

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or dill sprinkled over the tray enhance the presentation and add a burst of herbal brightness that complements the grilled chicken beautifully. A quick squeeze of additional lemon over the skewers just before serving can also elevate the flavors.

Side Dishes

Although the mezze tray is wonderfully satisfying on its own, pairing this meal with a light green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a chilled couscous salad can provide even more texture and freshness on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the skewers and mezze in small individual plates or bowls for a mezze tasting party. Alternatively, wrap the grilled chicken, veggies, and sauces into pita pockets for an easy hand-held meal that’s perfect for casual gatherings or picnics.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Mezze Tray, simply store any leftover chicken and mezze components in separate airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for quick lunches or dinners in the following days.

Freezing

The cooked chicken skewers freeze well if you want to save some for later. Place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking, and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the fresh veggies or sauces to preserve their texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat your chicken skewers, thaw them overnight in the fridge, then warm gently in a grill pan or oven until heated through without drying out. Serve alongside freshly prepared or leftover mezze components for a convenient, delicious meal.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually great here because they stay juicy and tender during grilling, adding extra flavor to your skewers.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

While 20 minutes is the minimum for good flavor absorption, marinating overnight really allows the spices and lemon to penetrate deeply, making the chicken extra tasty and tender.

What can I substitute if I don’t have a grill?

If you don’t have access to a grill, a grill pan on the stove or the oven broiler are excellent alternatives that still give great results.

Can I prepare the mezze tray in advance?

Yes! Most mezze components, like hummus, tzatziki, and chopped veggies, can be prepared a few hours or even the day before and stored separately in the fridge until serving.

Is this dish suitable for meal prepping?

Definitely! The chicken skewers and mezze components keep well and make a balanced meal that’s easy to portion out for lunches or dinners during a busy week.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the joy of serving up Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Mezze Tray to friends or family, bringing bright, fresh flavors and a little bit of the Mediterranean sunshine to your table. It’s a dish that invites conversation, sharing, and savoring every colorful bite. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight or weekend dinner!

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