Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Bites with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Ingredients

For the Chicken Bites:

• 1 ½ lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs (cut into bite-size pieces)

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

• 3 garlic cloves (minced)

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp ground coriander

• Salt and black pepper (to taste)

• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

For Garlic Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 1 ½ tbsp lemon juice

• 2 garlic cloves (finely grated or pressed)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley (chopped, optional)

• Salt and pepper (to taste)

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 Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:

   • In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, salt, and pepper.

   • Add chicken pieces and toss to coat well.

   • Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours in the fridge).

2. Make Garlic Yogurt Sauce:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper.

   • Chill until serving.

3. Grill the Chicken Bites:

   • Preheat grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat.

   • Thread chicken pieces onto skewers (or cook directly in a grill pan).

   • Grill for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).

4. Serve:

   • Place grilled chicken bites on a platter.

   • Garnish with parsley and serve with garlic yogurt sauce on the side.

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 Q&A Section

Q1: Can I bake instead of grilling?
 Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, then broil for 2–3 minutes to add char.

Q2: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
 Absolutely. Thighs stay juicier and are often preferred for grilling.

Q3: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
 You can marinate the chicken a day before. Grill just before serving for best flavor.

Q4: What can I serve it with?
 Serve with pita bread, roasted vegetables, couscous, rice pilaf, or a fresh Mediterranean salad.

Q5: Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
 Yes, replace Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or a dairy-free alternative.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
 Store chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken on a skillet or in the oven.