Fresh spinach, aromatic spices, lemon and extra virgin olive oil blend into a vibrant marinade for these grilled Mediterranean Chicken Skewers.
This post was sponsored by Vons. All opinions are my own.
If you’re searching for a healthy, flavorful recipe to start the year, these Mediterranean Chicken Skewers are an excellent choice. The marinade is bright and herbaceous, built on a base of fresh spinach, garlic, lemon and olive oil, and is rounded out by warm spices like smoked paprika, cumin, cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg for depth. The result is juicy, aromatic chicken that grills quickly and pairs beautifully with hummus.
I picked up organic ingredients from my local Vons, including O Organics® products like spinach, olive oil, hummus and chicken. Using quality ingredients makes the marinade and finished dish taste fresh and clean without much fuss. I especially like keeping different flavors of hummus on hand to serve alongside the skewers — roasted garlic and classic chickpea are both excellent choices.
The method is simple: puree the spinach, garlic, lemon and spices into a smooth marinade, toss with cubed chicken, then thread the chicken onto skewers and grill. Marinating for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to penetrate the meat; for deeper flavor, you can marinate 2–4 hours in the refrigerator. These skewers cook quickly — about 5–7 minutes per side over medium heat — making them ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
Serve the skewers as an appetizer, main course or packed for lunch. They’re delicious on their own with hummus for dipping, over a bed of rice or a simple spinach salad, or wrapped in warm pita with extra hummus, sliced tomatoes and cucumbers. The versatility makes this recipe a go-to: I’ve enjoyed these skewers several times in different ways and they never disappoint.
Mediterranean Chicken Skewers
Summary: Fresh spinach, spices, lemon and olive oil combine into a vibrant marinade for grilled Mediterranean Chicken Skewers. Serve with hummus for dipping or build pita wraps for a satisfying meal.
Servings: 6 skewers | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Author: Whitney Bond
Ingredients
- 2 cups packed baby spinach
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- ¼ cup lemon juice (fresh is best)
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1–1½ inch cubes
- 1 cup hummus, for serving
Instructions
- Add the spinach, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, black pepper, cayenne, lemon juice and olive oil to a blender or food processor.
- Puree until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the marinade into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Add the cubed chicken and toss to coat thoroughly.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, marinate up to 2–4 hours.
- Preheat a grill to medium heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30–60 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent burning.
- Thread 6–8 pieces of marinated chicken onto each skewer.
- Grill the skewers over medium heat for 5–7 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is nicely charred at the edges.
- Remove from the grill and let rest briefly. Serve with hummus on the side for dipping, or assemble into pita wraps with fresh vegetables and extra hummus.
Notes & Tips
- Make-ahead: Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for even more flavor (store covered in the refrigerator).
- Grill alternative: If you don’t have a grill, cook skewers under a hot broiler or in a grill pan on the stovetop until cooked through and slightly charred.
- Substitutions: Swap chicken breast for boneless thigh meat for a slightly richer, juicier result. Use Greek yogurt or tahini-based sauces for different accompaniments.
- Serving ideas: Serve over rice or quinoa, on top of a green salad, or in warm pita pockets with hummus and tomato.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 412 kcal (approx.)
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 97 mg
- Sodium: 534 mg
- Potassium: 748 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Vitamin A: 1358 mg
- Vitamin C: 9 mg
These Mediterranean Chicken Skewers are a bright, easy-to-make option for any meal. The spinach-based marinade keeps the chicken moist and adds color and nutrients, while the warm spices give each bite a balanced depth. Try serving them with a variety of hummus flavors and simple sides for a fresh, crowd-pleasing dish.