Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Skewers with Creamy Hummus Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To achieve the best sear, dry the surface of the chicken with paper towels before tossing it with the olive oil.

Excess moisture on the surface of the meat causes it to steam rather than sear, which prevents the development of a flavorful, golden-brown crust. This simple step makes a noticeable difference in the final texture of the chicken.

If you find that the parsley is wilting too quickly, add it immediately before serving rather than while the skewers are still resting.

You can also experiment with adding a pinch of smoked paprika or sumac to the hummus before drizzling it with olive oil to add another layer of complexity that complements the smoky flavor of the grilled chicken.

Variations

• Lemon Herb Chicken: Add two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and one teaspoon of dried oregano to the olive oil marinade for a brighter, more aromatic flavor profile that highlights the Mediterranean inspiration.
• Spiced Chicken Skewers: Incorporate one teaspoon of ground cumin and a half-teaspoon of chili flakes into the olive oil before marinating to give the chicken a subtle, warming heat that pairs beautifully with the creamy hummus.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat

Reheat the chicken skewers gently in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, or place them in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes.

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. The chicken and hummus can be stored together, but for the best texture, keep them in separate containers if possible to prevent the hummus from becoming watery. Consume within 3 days for the best quality and flavor, ensuring the leftovers are refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking.

You can prepare the chicken and marinate it up to 24 hours in advance, keeping it stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to grill. The hummus can also be prepared or purchased ahead of time.

However, the grilling and final assembly should be done just before serving to ensure the chicken is hot and the hummus remains at the ideal consistency.

Serving ideas

Serve the skewers hot directly off the grill, arranged attractively over the bed of hummus. This dish is best accompanied by warm pita bread, which acts as a vessel for both the chicken and the creamy hummus. A side of crisp cucumber or tomato salad provides a refreshing contrast to the smoky, savory notes of the grilled meat.

For a larger gathering, you can arrange multiple platters of these skewers to serve as a communal meal.

Ensure there is plenty of extra hummus available on the side, as guests will likely want more to pair with their bread or vegetables. The combination of the warm, charred chicken and the cold, smooth hummus is always a crowd-pleaser.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Skewers with Creamy Hummus

Prep 15 minCook 12 minRest 5 minTotal 32 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 2 cups hummus, store-bought or made ahead
• fresh parsley, for serving

Instructions

1. Place the cubed chicken breast in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and toss to coat thoroughly. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to develop flavor. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
2. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is charred and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
3. Spread the hummus onto a large oval plate using the back of a spoon to create a smooth base. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the hummus. Arrange the hot grilled skewers on top, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately while hot.

Contains: sesame

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

18 g

Fat

19 g

Fiber

4 g

Sugar

1 g

Sodium

450 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.