Why make this recipe

Lemon Chicken Skewers with Creamy Feta Sauce is a delightful dish perfect for any occasion. This recipe offers a burst of flavor with every bite, combining the zest of lemon and the savory taste of chicken with a rich and creamy feta sauce. It is great for a summer barbecue, a casual dinner, or even for meal prep during the week. The marinated chicken is tender and juicy, and when paired with fresh vegetables, it becomes a colorful and nutritious meal. Plus, both children and adults will love the flavors, making it a family favorite.

How to make Lemon Chicken Skewers with Creamy Feta Sauce

Making Lemon Chicken Skewers with Creamy Feta Sauce is straightforward and can be broken down into simple steps. First, you will marinate the chicken to enhance its flavor. Then, you prepare the vinaigrette and the creamy feta sauce. Finally, the skewers are grilled to perfection. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

To make this flavorful dish, you will need the following ingredients:

3 tablespoons, plus 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8-1/4 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
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

Directions

Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of olive oil with smoked paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, ground cinnamon, 3 cloves of finely chopped or grated garlic, freshly grated ginger, cilantro, parsley, and a pinch each of crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well to form a marinade. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss them to coat in the marinade. For the best flavor, let it marinate for 15 minutes or refrigerate it overnight.
Make the Vinaigrette
While the chicken marinates, prepare the vinaigrette. In a jar, mix together 1/4 cup of olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, honey, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 1 clove of minced garlic, and a pinch each of crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Shake the jar until the ingredients are well combined.

Make the Creamy Feta Sauce
For the creamy feta sauce, combine the feta cheese, plain Greek yogurt, and lemon juice in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Stir in the chopped fresh herbs and a sprinkle of smoked paprika and crushed red pepper flakes.
Grill the Skewers
Preheat your grill, grill pan, or skillet to medium-high heat. Take skewers (if using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water beforehand) and thread the marinated chicken, marinated artichokes, and asparagus pieces onto the skewers. Grill the skewers until they are lightly charred and fully cooked, turning them occasionally. This usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. If you prefer, you can also roast the chicken in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-30 minutes.
Serve
Once cooked, serve the chicken skewers with the vinaigrette and creamy feta sauce spooned over the top. Add some fresh herbs for garnish, and serve alongside warm naan and additional feta.

How to serve Lemon Chicken Skewers with Creamy Feta Sauce

Lemon Chicken Skewers with Creamy Feta Sauce can be served as a hearty main dish or as part of a delightful spread. Pair the skewers with fresh sides like a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. You can also offer warm naan or pita bread and a variety of dips to make it a fun and interactive dining experience. For those who love a kick, a bit more of the vinaigrette can be drizzled on the skewers for extra flavor.

How to store Lemon Chicken Skewers with Creamy Feta Sauce

If you have leftovers, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their flavor and freshness. Place the leftover skewers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They can last for up to three days. When ready to eat, you can reheat them in the oven or on a skillet until they are warmed through. The creamy feta sauce can also be stored in a separate container. It can stay good for up to a week in the fridge.

Tips to make Lemon Chicken Skewers with Creamy Feta Sauce

Marinating Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight if possible. The longer it sits in the marinade, the more flavorful it will be.

Choose Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality chicken breasts, fresh herbs, and good-quality feta cheese will make a noticeable difference in the final taste of the dish.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to mix in other vegetables on the skewers, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes to enhance the flavor and presentation.

Variation

If you want to put a twist on this recipe, consider using shrimp instead of chicken. Shrimp cooks quickly and pairs nicely with the marinade. You can also try adding different spices to the marinade based on your taste preferences. Another great variation is to use different herbs in the feta sauce, such as mint or chives, for a fresh take on the flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken and assemble the skewers a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

2. What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries! You can roast the chicken in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until cooked through, or use a grill pan on the stove. Both methods will yield delicious results.

3. Is it possible to make this recipe in bulk for a gathering?
Absolutely! This recipe is great for gatherings. You can easily double or triple the ingredients, depending on how many guests you have. Just make sure to have enough skewers and grill space available.

Lemon Chicken Skewers with Creamy Feta Sauce is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings delightful flavors and freshness in every bite. Enjoy creating this dish and sharing it with family and friends!

Lemon Chicken Skewers with Creamy Feta Sauce

Print Recipe

A delightful dish combining marinated chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a rich creamy feta sauce. Perfect for barbecues or family dinners.

Author: Alexandra Roa

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling

Cuisine: Mediterranean
Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy Optional

Instructions

In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons olive oil with smoked paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, ground cinnamon, 3 cloves garlic, ginger, cilantro, parsley, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add chicken, toss to coat, and marinate for 15 minutes or overnight.
Prepare the vinaigrette by mixing 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, honey, sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

For the creamy feta sauce, blend feta cheese, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice until smooth. Stir in fresh herbs, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.
Preheat the grill to medium-high. Thread marinated chicken, marinated artichokes, and asparagus onto skewers. Grill until charred and fully cooked, about 10-12 minutes.
Serve skewers with vinaigrette and creamy feta sauce, garnished with fresh herbs, alongside warm naan or pita.

Notes

For enhanced flavor, marinate chicken overnight. Feel free to substitute vegetables or use shrimp instead of chicken for variation.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 skewer
Calories: 410

Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 20g

Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g

Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g

Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: chicken skewers, lemon chicken, creamy feta sauce, summer barbecue, grilled chicken