Lemony Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Artichoke Hummus
Please note that prep times don't include marinade time, since the chicken can be marinaded for as little as an hour or overnight, if you like. The full batch of artichoke hummus here makes a little over 2 cups/500 g, so you will have leftovers... maybe!
Please note that prep times don't include marinade time, since the chicken can be marinaded for as little as an hour or overnight, if you like. The full batch of artichoke hummus here makes a little over 2 cups/500 g, so you will have leftovers... maybe!
- 4 cloves of garlic
- drizzle of olive oil
- 2 - 2 1/2 lbs / 900 - 1135 g boneless skinless ch
- 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp / 90 ml mild olive oil or neutral flavor
- 1/4 cup / 60 ml fresh lemon juice (see notes)
- 1 tbsp / 18 g minced fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp / 15 ml honey optional
- 1 tbsp / 2 g dried cilantro leaves
- 3/4 tsp ground turmeric (i like this one)
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper optional, omit for aip
- 14 oz / 395 g well drained brined artichoke hearts or t
- 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp / 90 ml mild olive oil or neutral flavor
- 1/4 cup / 60 ml fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves of garlic, peeled & germ removed (see notes)
- sliced cucumber
- pitted green olives
- wedges of fresh lemon
- Carbohydrate 0.1769315625 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.538339375 g
- Fiber 0.13289062333107 g
- Protein 0.0432359375 g
- Saturated Fat 0.071658125 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -6 (110g)
- Sodium 54.488875 mg
- Sugar 0.0440409391689301 g
- Trans Fat 0.023541875 g
- Calories 5 calories
Step-by-step
- CHOP: Trim the chicken thighs of any stray pieces of fat, then chop each one into 1 1/2 inch / 4 cm sized pieces. Add the chicken thigh pieces to a large bowl or freezer bag.
- MARINADE: In a large wide-mouthed mason jar, add all of the marinade ingredients, from the oil through to the optional black pepper, if using. Use an immersion blender to blend into a smooth marinade, then pour it over the chicken pieces. Toss to coat the chicken evenly, then either seal up the freezer bag or tightly cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.
- HEAT: Pre-heat your grill. If using a Traeger model, set it on the Smoke setting for 5 minutes with the lid open first. Then set the temperature to High / 450F, close the lid and let it pre-heat for about 15 minutes or so, until it comes to temperature.
- BLEND: While the grill is pre-heating, make the artichoke hummus. Make sure to measure the weight of the artichokes out after they have been drained - lightly squeeze them in your hands to make sure they don't have any excess water that will make the hummus runny, rather than creamy. Add all of the ingredients to the bowl of a food processor, process until creamy but not quite smooth. Taste and add additional lemon or season with salt, to taste, if you like. Cover and refrigerate the hummus while you prep & cook the chicken.
- SKEWER: Make sure that you've pre-soaked the skewers in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand if you're using wooden / bamboo skewers that might burn on a hot grill. Shaking off the excess marinade as you go, thread the chicken pieces onto skewers, folding the pieces over so that they're skewered at two points, which will hold them in place more firmly.
- GRILL: Place the chicken skewers directly on the grill grates and close the lid. Cook for 15 minutes, then turn the skewers over so that both sides have their time directly on the grates. Close the lid and cook until the internal temperature of the chicken is 165 F / 73 C, about 5 - 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest.
- SERVE: Swirl the artichoke hummus in the bottom of a large bowl or platter. Place the chicken skewers on top, along with the sliced cucumber, green olives and fresh lemon. Drizzle the artichoke hummus with a little extra olive oil, if you like!
A Taste of the Mediterranean in My Backyard
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present to-do list. But I've learned that even amidst the chaos, creating a beautiful and flavorful meal can be a source of both nourishment and joy. That's why I developed this recipe for Lemony Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Artichoke Hummus – it's quick, healthy, and utterly satisfying.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. The marinade is quick to prepare, and the chicken can marinate for as little as an hour, or even overnight for deeper flavor. I love the convenience of prepping the ingredients ahead of time. On a busy weekday evening, all I have to do is fire up the grill, thread the chicken, and relax while dinner cooks itself. The vibrant flavors transport me to a sun-drenched Mediterranean coast, a welcome escape from the daily grind.
The artichoke hummus is an absolute star. It's creamy, tangy, and provides a perfect counterpoint to the lemony chicken. It’s a delicious addition that elevates the entire dish and is versatile enough to use as a dip for vegetables or pita bread. I often make a double batch, knowing the leftovers will disappear quickly throughout the week. This recipe has become a go-to for family gatherings, potlucks, and casual weeknight dinners. The refreshing flavors and ease of preparation have earned it a permanent spot in my recipe repertoire.
The Magic of Mediterranean Flavors
The combination of bright lemon juice, fragrant ginger, and earthy turmeric creates a marinade that's both bold and balanced. The chicken becomes incredibly tender and juicy as it grills, absorbing the delicious flavors completely. Each bite offers a burst of fresh, clean taste. The artichoke hummus provides a creamy texture and a subtle earthiness, perfectly complementing the chicken's tangy and slightly sweet notes.
I've discovered that the quality of ingredients truly matters. Using fresh, high-quality lemon juice and good olive oil makes a noticeable difference in the final flavor. I always opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they remain succulent and don't dry out easily during grilling. If you're short on time, you can adjust the marinating time to suit your schedule. Even an hour of marinating will produce delicious results.
This dish is more than just a meal; it's an experience. The aroma of grilling chicken and herbs fills the air, promising a delicious and healthy dinner. The vibrant colors of the chicken, hummus, cucumbers, and olives create a feast for the eyes, as well as the palate. It's a recipe that inspires creativity, allowing you to adapt the ingredients and flavors to your preference. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and vegetables – each variation will bring its own unique twist to this Mediterranean masterpiece.
More Than Just a Meal: A Moment of Peace
In the midst of the whirlwind of daily life, I've discovered the power of simple pleasures. Preparing this dish, even on a busy night, has become a ritual of self-care. The process of chopping vegetables, mixing the marinade, and watching the chicken sizzle on the grill provides a sense of calm amidst the chaos. It's a way to reconnect with myself and create something beautiful, even in the small moments.
This Lemony Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Artichoke Hummus recipe is more than just a collection of ingredients and instructions; it's a testament to the power of nourishing meals that both feed the body and soothe the soul. It's a reminder that even in the midst of our busy lives, we can find time to savor the simple joys of preparing and sharing delicious food with our loved ones. And the best part? Cleaning up is a breeze – because everything tastes so good, there are rarely any leftovers!
