Zesty Moroccan Chicken Skewers with Couscous and Yogurt Sauce
Elevate your dinner with these Zesty Moroccan Chicken Skewers, marinated to perfection in a blend of vibrant spices and complemented by fresh vegetables. Grilled to juicy perfection, each piece of tender chicken is interspersed with colorful bell peppers and sweet cherry tomatoes, creating a delightful medley of flavors. Served over warm fluffy couscous and paired with a cool dollop of Greek yogurt, this dish is not only visually stunning but also packed with satisfying taste and nutrition. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive gathering with friends.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh garlic, minced
1 1/2 tablespoons (Minced)
Chili paste (sambal oelek)
1 1/2 tablespoons (None)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (None)
Ground cumin
1 teaspoon (None)
Ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Kosher salt
5/8 teaspoon (Divided)
Chicken thighs, skinless & boneless
4 (Cut into 36 pieces)
Yellow bell pepper
1/2 (Cut into 12 pieces)
Cherry tomatoes
12 (None)
Cooking spray
As needed (For grilling)
Greek yogurt
1/4 cup (For serving)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, chili paste, olive oil, ground cumin, ground coriander, and 1/8 teaspoon of kosher salt. Mix well to create a marinade.
2
Transfer the marinade into a zip-top plastic bag. Add the chicken thighs cut into 36 pieces, ensuring they are well coated. Seal the bag and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, turning the bag halfway through for even flavor distribution.
3
While the chicken marinates, soak 12 wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling. After soaking, drain and pat the skewers dry.
4
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any leftover marinade. Carefully thread the chicken pieces, bell pepper slices, and cherry tomatoes onto the skewers, alternating each ingredient. Season the skewers with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt.
5
Lightly spray the grill rack with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for approximately 4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
6
Meanwhile, prepare couscous according to package instructions. Serve the skewers over a bed of couscous with a generous scoop of Greek yogurt on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The recipe uses four skinless and boneless chicken thighs.
How many pieces should the chicken be cut into?
The chicken thighs should be cut into 36 individual pieces.
What is the recommended marinating time for the chicken?
The chicken should be marinated in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
What ingredients are in the Moroccan marinade?
The marinade consists of minced garlic, chili paste (sambal oelek), olive oil, ground cumin, ground coriander, and kosher salt.
How many skewers are required for this dish?
The recipe calls for 12 wooden skewers.
How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning on the grill?
Soak the wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes and then pat them dry before threading the ingredients.
Which vegetables are used on the skewers?
The skewers feature yellow bell pepper slices and whole cherry tomatoes.
What kind of chili paste is recommended?
The recipe suggests using sambal oelek for the chili paste.
How should the grill be prepared?
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly spray the rack with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
How long do the skewers need to cook?
Cook the skewers for approximately 4 minutes per side until the chicken is fully cooked through.
What is the chicken served over?
The skewers are served over a bed of warm, fluffy couscous.
What sauce is served with the Moroccan chicken?
The dish is served with a generous scoop of cool Greek yogurt on the side.
How much garlic is needed?
You will need 1 1/2 tablespoons of fresh minced garlic.
Can I use a different type of bell pepper?
Yes, while yellow bell pepper is specified, any color bell pepper cut into 12 pieces would work.
How is the flavor distributed evenly while marinating?
The chicken should be marinated in a zip-top bag and turned halfway through the marinating process.
What spices provide the Moroccan flavor profile?
Ground cumin and ground coriander provide the primary Moroccan-inspired aromatic profile.
What type of oil is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How many cherry tomatoes are needed?
The recipe requires 12 cherry tomatoes.
Should the marinade be reused after the chicken is removed?
No, you should discard any leftover marinade once the chicken is removed.
Is the salt added all at once?
No, the salt is divided: 1/8 teaspoon goes into the marinade and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon is used to season the assembled skewers.
What is the texture of the finished chicken?
The chicken should be juicy and tender with visible grill marks.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs are recommended for their juiciness when grilled over medium-high heat.
How do I ensure the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit or when the juices run clear.
What is the total count of ingredients?
The recipe uses 11 main ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for quick weeknight meals?
Yes, it is designed to be a quick weeknight meal or an impressive gathering dish.
How much Greek yogurt is recommended per serving?
The recipe suggests 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt for serving.
How should the bell peppers be cut?
The half of a yellow bell pepper should be cut into 12 distinct pieces.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
The dish is described as zesty, spicy, and vibrant due to the blend of chili paste and spices.
Does the couscous need special seasoning?
The couscous should be prepared according to its package instructions.
What is the purpose of the cooking spray?
The cooking spray is applied to the grill rack specifically to prevent the skewers from sticking.