Seven Spice Chicken Skewers

These Seven Spice Chicken Skewers are a delightful blend of traditional Middle Eastern flavors with a modern twist. Marinated in a fragrant mix of seven spices, they offer a juicy and tender bite with a hint of smokiness from grilling. Perfect for a summer barbecue or an easy weeknight dinner, this dish respects traditional culinary methods while introducing a fresh, vibrant element with a lemon-herb yogurt sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
• Skewers (wooden or metal)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, allspice, black pepper, salt, and lemon juice. Mix well to create a marinade.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for deeper flavor.
3. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
5. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers.
6. Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
7. While the chicken is grilling, prepare the yogurt sauce by mixing the plain yogurt with parsley, mint, and a pinch of salt.
8. Serve the chicken skewers hot with the lemon-herb yogurt sauce on the side.