High-Protein Spiced Chicken Skewers Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade high-protein spiced chicken skewers with this easy baking recipe. These tender, juicy skewers feature a fragrant yogurt and spice marinade that creates incredible flavor while keeping the chicken moist. Perfect for meal prep or entertaining!

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

25 mins

Serves:

4 servings

Ingredients

<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>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving

🔥 Calories: 165 calories

🥑 Fat: 8 g

🧈 Saturated Fat: 2 g

🍞 Carbohydrates: 15 g

🍭 Sugar: 6 g

🍗 Protein: 9 g

🫀 Cholesterol: 5 mg

🧂 Sodium: 285 mg

Equipment

<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>

Directions

<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>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in High-Protein Spiced Chicken Skewers Recipe?

This recipe uses boneless chicken breast, Greek yoghurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and a rich spice blend including paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and cayenne pepper. The yoghurt creates a tenderising marinade while the spices infuse deep flavour.

How to cook High-Protein Spiced Chicken Skewers Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook High-Protein Spiced Chicken Skewers by marinating cubed chicken breast in a spiced yoghurt mixture for at least 2 hours, threading onto soaked wooden skewers, and baking at 220°C for 20-25 minutes on a wire rack. The elevated baking method creates char marks similar to grilling while keeping the meat juicy inside.

Can I grill these chicken skewers instead of baking them?

Absolutely! These spiced chicken skewers work brilliantly on a grill. Prepare a medium-hot grill and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken reaches 74°C internally. Grilling will enhance the charred flavour profile while maintaining the juicy interior.

How long should I marinate the chicken for best results?

While 2 hours will provide good flavour, marinating the chicken overnight (8-12 hours) yields optimal results. The yoghurt's lactic acid works gradually to tenderise the meat, while allowing spices to fully penetrate. Don't exceed 24 hours as the chicken texture may become too soft.

Can I make these skewers ahead for meal prep?

These chicken skewers are excellent for meal prep! Once cooked, they maintain moisture and flavour for 3-4 days when refrigerated in airtight containers. You can even freeze the marinated, uncooked chicken for up to 3 months, then defrost and cook when needed.

Want to try something else in ...