The warmer weather has finally arrived here and in the UK that means one thing Barbecues! As soon as there is a hint of sun you can smell the waft of someone cooking outside, this usually comes with a heavy helping of envy. These Spiced Chicken Skewers are the perfect addition to any summer BBQ. They are not spicy but the flavour is fully pumped up. Just the thought of these skewers leaves me hungry. They are perfect on a Barbecue or under the grill works perfectly too.
Now I do make sure to differentiate between ‘spiced’ and ‘spicy’ there is no chilli in this mix of spices. Rather there are warm tones from Paprika as well as gentle zest from Ground Coriander. Grassy depth from Cumin and the mellow tingle from Cinnamon and Dried Mint. All of these flavours put in in mind of warmer climes, ideally with a cold drink and the sound of the sea not far away. This combination is perfect for Chicken but also great with Lamb or even Halloumi.
Now where, globally, this dish comes from I could not tell you. I feel it borrows from North Africa with Egyptian and Moroccan influences as well as coming from further along the silk road into Lebanon and Iran. I love these cuisines and am forever looking to experience more of them. Eating these skewers along with flatbreads flavoured with sumac and oregano and a roasted garlic yoghurt may just be one of my ideal meals.
If using wooden skewers then they really must be soaked beforehand. This prevents them setting on fire. I soak them in cold water for 1 hour before threading and cooking. This is also the same amount of time I let the Chicken marinate in the spices – very handy. If you are using metal skewers then of course these do not need soaking so that is one less job.
This is the epitome of sunshine food. Food that just brings sunshine to my kitchen. Food that tastes fantastic in the sunshine with a cool refreshing drink. Looking for more sunshine food? Then take a look at these:
Paella Arancini
Moroccan Lamb Meatballs
Chicken Burrito Bowl
Sweet Summer Rolls
Black Bean Tacos
Let me know what you think of these Spiced Chicken Skewers in the comments below. If you have a go share your pictures with me, tag me on social media use the hashtag #CUBBintheKitchen to be featured in my stories.
Happy Eating!
Spiced Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
- 2 Chicken Breast Fillets
- 1 Red Pepper
- 1 Small Onion
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1.5 tsp Cinnamon
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Ground Coriander
- 1 tsp Dried Mint
- 0.5 tsp Cumin
Instructions
- Prep the ChickenChop the chicken into 3cm pieces and toss with the Olive Oil and Spices (Cinnamon, Paprika, Coriander, Mint & Cumin)Let it marinate for 1 hour.If using wooden skewers soak these in cold water for an hour to prevent them catching fire.
- Thread the SkewersPreheat the grill or make sure the BBQ is ready to cook on.Chop the Red Pepper and Onion into chunks the same size as the chicken.Thread each skewer with Chicken, Red Pepper and Onion
- Grill TimeCook under the grill or on the barbecue turning regularly until the chicken is completely cooked through 12-15 minutes.Enjoy!I love these served with flatbread, roasted garlic yoghurt and rice, cous-cous or barley.
