Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Mezze Platter
This Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Mezze Platter is a perfect blend of smoky, marinated chicken and a colorful assortment of dips, veggies, and warm pita. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that works for family dinners, parties, or even casual outdoor grilling. With bold flavors from garlic, lemon, and spices, paired with creamy hummus, refreshing tzatziki, and fresh vegetables, this platter makes for a balanced and shareable meal.
Time
Prep time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: ~1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
1 ½ lbs (700g) boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into cubes
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp cumin
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Skewers (wooden soaked or metal)
For the Mezze Platter:
1 cup hummus
1 cup tzatziki
½ cup baba ganoush (optional)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, sliced
½ cup Kalamata olives
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
Warm pita or flatbread, cut into wedges
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Marinate the chicken:
In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken cubes, toss well, and marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor).
Prepare the skewers:
Thread the marinated chicken onto soaked wooden skewers (or metal ones).
Cook the chicken:
Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high. Cook skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
Oven: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway, or broil for a charred finish.
Stovetop: Pan-sear on a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat for about 12 minutes, turning to brown evenly.
Assemble the mezze platter:
On a large serving board or platter, arrange hummus, tzatziki, baba ganoush (if using), cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, olives, feta, and pita wedges.
Serve:
Place the warm chicken skewers on the platter, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
Protein swaps: Replace chicken with lamb, beef, shrimp, or salmon for variety. For a vegetarian option, use halloumi or marinated tofu.
Make-ahead: Marinate the chicken a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. This saves time and deepens the flavor.
Grill flavor indoors: If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a stovetop grill pan or oven broiler can give the chicken that same charred finish.
Extra dips: Add muhammara (roasted red pepper dip), labneh, or a simple olive tapenade for more mezze variety.
Pita upgrade: Warm pita bread in the oven wrapped in foil or lightly toast it on the grill for a smoky flavor. You can also use lavash or naan.
Veggie add-ons: Roasted eggplant, pickled onions, stuffed grape leaves (dolmas), or roasted peppers bring more Mediterranean flair.
Nuts & crunch: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts, almonds, or pistachios over the dips for extra texture.
Spice level: Add a pinch of chili flakes or drizzle with harissa or hot honey if you like more heat.
Presentation: Arrange everything on a large wooden board or platter for a shareable, rustic look. Keep the chicken skewers in the center and dips around for easy grabbing.
Q&A
Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?
Yes. Bake the skewers at 425°F (220°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway. For a charred finish, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.
Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 30 minutes, but 2–4 hours is ideal for maximum flavor. Overnight marinating is fine too if kept refrigerated.
Q: Can I prepare this platter ahead of time?
Yes. The dips, chopped veggies, and pita can be prepped a day in advance. Cook the chicken just before serving so it stays juicy and warm.
Q: What other dips can I include?
Muhammara, labneh, or a simple olive tapenade are great additions if you want to expand the mezze spread.
Q: How do I keep it family-friendly?
Skip spicy seasonings and keep the skewers mild. Guests can always add heat later with chili flakes, hot sauce, or harissa on the side.
Nutrition
(per serving, 6 servings)
Calories: ~420
Protein: 34g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 4g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Sodium: ~620mg
(Values will vary based on portion sizes, dips used, and whether you choose chicken breast or thigh.)
Conclusion
The Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Mezze Platter is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Juicy, marinated chicken pairs beautifully with fresh veggies, creamy dips, and warm pita, creating a colorful spread perfect for sharing. It’s versatile enough for a weeknight family dinner yet elegant enough for entertaining guests. This platter brings balance, variety, and bold Mediterranean flavors to the table, making it a recipe worth keeping on repeat.