Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Hummus Spread is the ultimate crowd-pleaser: succulent, herby chicken morsels grilled to smoky perfection, nestled atop creamy hummus and surrounded by bursts of fresh veggies. This dish is bursting with bold, sun-kissed flavors, beautiful color, and just enough hands-on fun to make dinner feel special, but not fussy. Whether you’re hosting friends or want to make a weeknight meal feel extraordinary, this Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Hummus Spread recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Hummus Spread comes from simple, fresh ingredients that work in harmony for layers of flavor, texture, and color. Every item on this list plays its part—nothing complicated, but all absolutely essential.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for juicy, tender skewers that soak up the marinade beautifully.
- Olive oil: Adds richness to the marinade and keeps the chicken moist while grilling.
- Lemon juice: Brightens everything with its zesty acidity and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic brings crucial bite and aromatic depth to the marinade.
- Dried oregano: This classic Mediterranean herb infuses the chicken with earthy, savory notes.
- Smoked paprika: Just a bit gives the marinade its gentle heat and smoky undertone.
- Salt and black pepper: A pinch of both is key to making all the flavors pop.
- Wooden or metal skewers: Use either; just remember to soak wooden ones so they don’t burn on the grill!
- Prepared hummus: Creamy hummus is the luscious canvas this dish is built on; choose classic or roasted garlic for extra depth.
- Olive oil for hummus: A silky drizzle on top of the hummus adds shine and flavor.
- Smoked paprika or ground cumin (optional): Sprinkle either over the hummus for a smoky or earthy twist, depending on your mood.
- Cherry tomatoes: These sweet, juicy gems add pops of color and freshness to every bite.
- Cucumber: Cool, crisp slices bring balance and crunch to the spread.
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley brightens up the whole plate with color and a hint of herbal freshness.
- Pita bread or flatbreads (optional): Perfect for scooping up all those delicious flavors and making it a full meal.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Hummus Spread
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add the chicken cubes and toss well, making sure every piece is evenly coated. Give the chicken at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours, if time allows) to soak in all those Mediterranean flavors—this is where the magic happens.
Step 2: Preheat and Prepare the Grill
While the chicken marinates, fire up your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, this is a good time to make sure they’ve been soaking so they won’t char. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, keeping a little bit of space between each piece for even cooking.
Step 3: Grill the Skewers
Place the chicken skewers on the hot grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning every few minutes for those irresistible grill marks. The chicken should be cooked through—juicy and slightly charred on the edges. Let them rest for a minute or two before removing them from the skewers.
Step 4: Prepare the Hummus Spread
While the chicken grills, spoon the hummus onto a serving platter or individual plates, swirling it generously. Drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle with smoked paprika or cumin, letting its aroma bloom into the creamy spread. This base is both visually inviting and deliciously flavorful.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Lay the grilled chicken skewers over the hummus spread and arrange cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and warm pita or flatbread alongside. Finish off with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. The entire platter is now ready for sharing and dipping—Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Hummus Spread is at its best this way!
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Hummus Spread
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the impact of garnishes here! A big handful of bright, chopped parsley scattered over everything gives a lovely pop of green. If you want to take things up a notch, a few pinches of sumac or za’atar add tang and aroma, while a shower of toasted sesame seeds brings extra crunch.
Side Dishes
Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Hummus Spread pairs beautifully with light, crisp Greek salads, lemony rice pilaf, or roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. For a heartier table, set out bowls of marinated olives and more warm pita bread for easy grabbing and dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your presentation! Try serving everything family-style on a big platter so guests can build their own bites. Layer the chicken and veggies over a hummus base in shallow bowls for individual servings, or tuck everything into pita pockets for a grab-and-go Mediterranean sandwich. The vibrant colors make this a natural centerpiece—let your creativity shine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, you’re in luck—Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Hummus Spread holds up wonderfully for meal prep. Store the chicken, hummus, and veggies separately in airtight containers in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. This makes for quick and tasty lunches later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken skewers for up to 2 months—just let them cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe bag, and squeeze out any excess air. Skip freezing the hummus and fresh veggies, as their textures are best enjoyed fresh, but freezing the chicken means you’re halfway to another Mediterranean spread in the future!
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken skewers in a covered skillet over low heat or give them a quick zap in the microwave, just until heated through. Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken juicy. Serve over fresh hummus and crisp veggies for a revived meal that tastes as delicious as day one.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs for the skewers?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will turn out even juicier and a little more flavorful thanks to their higher fat content. Just cut them into 1-inch pieces and follow the recipe as written.
Is it okay to use store-bought hummus?
Definitely! Store-bought hummus is a fantastic shortcut and makes this dish super easy. Choose your favorite flavor—classic or roasted garlic work beautifully for the Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Hummus Spread.
What can I use instead of a grill?
A grill pan or even your oven’s broiler will work in a pinch. Just cook the skewers as described, making sure to turn them for even charring and doneness.
Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Yes, you can! Marinating the chicken overnight infuses even more flavor and keeps it extra tender. The lemon juice and olive oil work together to break down the chicken beautifully.
Is Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Hummus Spread gluten free?
The chicken skewers and hummus themselves are entirely gluten free. Just be mindful when serving with pita or flatbreads—opt for a gluten-free version if needed, or load up on extra veggies for dipping.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something utterly irresistible about Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Hummus Spread—the vibrant flavors and sheer fun of assembling each bite make every meal feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re sharing this dish with loved ones or treating yourself, you’ll want to add it to your regular kitchen line-up. Give it a try and let the fresh, bold flavors transport you straight to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean!