High-Protein Spiced Chicken Skewers Recipe

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">800g boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 3cm cubes</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g Greek yogurt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 garlic cloves, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp lemon juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp ground cumin</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp ground coriander</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp turmeric</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp garam masala</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Lemon wedges for serving</li></ul>

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Baking tray with wire rack</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Digital meat thermometer</li></ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and all the spices (paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, cayenne, salt, and pepper). Whisk until you have a smooth, uniform marinade. The yogurt contains lactic acid which helps tenderize the chicken, while also creating a protective coating that keeps the meat moist during baking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Add the cubed chicken breast to the marinade and mix thoroughly, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. This marinating time allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and the yogurt to tenderize the chicken proteins.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking tray with foil and place a wire rack on top. The rack elevates the skewers, allowing hot air to circulate around the chicken for even cooking and a slight char similar to grilling.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece to ensure even cooking. Don't overcrowd the skewers – about 4-5 pieces per skewer is ideal. If using wooden skewers, make sure they've been soaked in water to prevent burning.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Arrange the skewers on the prepared wire rack, ensuring they don't touch each other. The marinade will create steam as it cooks, so spacing allows for proper heat circulation and browning.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning the skewers halfway through cooking time. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) and has developed a golden-brown exterior with some charred edges. For extra color, you can switch the oven to broil for the final 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Remove from the oven and let the skewers rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring your chicken stays moist when served.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top. These skewers pair wonderfully with a side of cucumber raita, grain salad, or flatbreads for a complete meal. They'll stay moist and delicious for 3-4 days refrigerated, making them perfect for meal prep!</li></ol>