Juicy, herb-marinated chicken skewers served over smooth, creamy hummus with fresh vegetables, warm pita bread, and a drizzle of olive oil. This Mediterranean-inspired meal is packed with flavor and makes a delicious lunch or dinner for the whole family.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers
- 1½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
For the Creamy Hummus - 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup tahini
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 3–5 tablespoons cold water, as needed
For the Bowl - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- 2–4 pita breads, for serving (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken cubes and toss until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate for up to 4 hours.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Hummus - Add the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, salt, and olive oil to a food processor.
- Blend until the mixture begins to turn smooth.
- Add cold water one tablespoon at a time while blending until the hummus becomes creamy and spreadable.
- Taste and adjust the lemon juice, salt, or garlic as desired.
- Set aside in the refrigerator while you cook the chicken.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers - Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto metal skewers or wooden skewers that have been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes.
- Leave a little space between the pieces so they cook evenly.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Grill method: - Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Grill the skewers for approximately 10–15 minutes, turning every few minutes.
- Check that the thickest chicken pieces reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Oven method: - Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place the skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet or suitable roasting pan.
- Bake for approximately 15–20 minutes, turning halfway through, until cooked through and lightly golden.
- Check the thickest pieces with a food thermometer; chicken must reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Prepare the Fresh Vegetables - Combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion in a bowl.
- Add the Kalamata olives, parsley, and olive oil.
- Toss gently and season with a little black pepper and lemon juice if desired.
Step 6: Assemble the Hummus Bowls - Spread a generous layer of creamy hummus into each serving bowl.
- Arrange the cooked chicken skewers over or beside the hummus.
- Add the fresh vegetable mixture and sprinkle with feta cheese, if using.
- Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve with lemon wedges and warm pita bread.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Marinating Time: 20–30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
- Servings: 4
- Course: Lunch or Dinner
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Cooking Method: Grilling or oven-baking
Nutrition Information
Estimated per serving, including hummus, vegetables, and feta, but excluding pita bread. - Calories: 620 kcal
- Protein: 52 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Total Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 950–1,250 mg
Nutrition values vary depending on the amount of tahini, olive oil, feta, olives, and salt used.
Nut Information and Allergens - Tree nuts: No tree nuts are included in the listed ingredients.
- Peanuts: No peanuts are included in the listed ingredients.
- Sesame: Contains tahini, which is made from sesame seeds. Sesame is a major food allergen in several countries.
- Dairy: Contains feta cheese if used. Omit it for a dairy-free version.
- Gluten: Pita bread usually contains wheat and gluten. Use gluten-free pita or omit it if needed.
- Legumes: Contains chickpeas, which may not be suitable for people with chickpea or other legume allergies.
- Soy: Not intentionally included, but check packaged ingredient labels.
- Cross-contact: Check tahini, pita bread, and other packaged products for allergen warnings.
Important: This recipe contains sesame through the tahini, even though it does not contain tree nuts or peanuts as listed. For a sesame-free version, omit the tahini and blend the chickpeas with extra olive oil, lemon juice, and cold water. Verify all ingredients if preparing food for someone with allergies.
Questions and Answers (Q&A)
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful. Cut them into evenly sized pieces and cook until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Q2: Can I make the chicken skewers without a grill?
Absolutely. Bake them in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for approximately 15–20 minutes, turning halfway through and checking for doneness.
Q3: How do I make the hummus extra creamy?
Blend the chickpeas thoroughly with tahini, lemon juice, and cold water. For an even smoother texture, remove the chickpea skins before blending.
Q4: Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
Yes. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator, prepare the hummus, and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Cook the chicken shortly before serving for the best texture.
Q5: How long does homemade hummus last?
Store homemade hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Q6: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes. Simply omit the feta cheese. The chicken, hummus, and vegetables are dairy-free as written.
Q7: Is this recipe low-carb?
It can be adapted for a lower-carb meal by using a smaller portion of hummus and serving the chicken with cucumber, leafy greens, and other non-starchy vegetables instead of pita bread.
Q8: How should I store leftovers?
Store the cooked chicken, hummus, and vegetables in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Refrigerate within 2 hours and use the cooked chicken within 3–4 days.
Q9: Can I freeze the cooked chicken skewers?
Yes. Remove the chicken from the skewers, cool it promptly, and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months for best quality. Hummus can also be frozen, although its texture may change slightly. Fresh vegetables are best prepared just before serving.
Q10: What can I use instead of tahini?
For a sesame-free hummus, omit the tahini and add extra olive oil and cold water gradually until smooth. You can also use a suitable plain yogurt alternative if dairy is tolerated and the ingredient is safe for your dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions
- Warm whole-wheat or gluten-free pita bread
- Mediterranean cucumber and tomato salad
- Roasted zucchini or bell peppers
- Lemon herb rice
- Pickled red onions
- Extra lemon wedges and fresh parsley
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