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Turmeric Chicken Skewers with Cucumber Salad
Annie Graves

Turmeric Chicken Skewers with Cucumber Salad

Try these Turmeric Chicken Skewers with Cucumber Salad! Juicy, spiced chicken skewers served with a light and refreshing cucumber salad.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinating 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Turmeric Chicken Skewers
  • 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for heat
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Wooden or metal skewers if using wooden, soak them in water for 30 minutes
For the Cucumber Salad
  • 2 cucumbers thinly sliced
  • 1/4 red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped (or parsley)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins
  • Cherry tomatoes halved, for extra color in the salad
  • A sprinkle of feta cheese for added creaminess in the salad
Substitutions
  • Vegan/Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh and marinate using the same spice blend.
  • Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free but you can omit the feta if adding it to the salad.

Method
 

Marinate the Chicken
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, turmeric, cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
  2. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to allow the flavors to develop.
  3. If you’re short on time, you can skip the marinating step, but it enhances the flavor!
Prepare the Cucumber Salad
  1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and red onion.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), fresh dill, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss to coat.
  4. Chill in the fridge while you grill the chicken.
Grill the Chicken
  1. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers.
  3. Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice char.
  4. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Serve
  1. Serve the Turmeric Chicken Skewers hot, alongside the chilled Cucumber Salad.
  2. Garnish with extra fresh dill or lemon wedges if desired.
  3. Enjoy!

Notes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 350-400
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 5g

Notes/Advice:

  • Additions/Subtractions:
    • If you don’t have access to a grill, you can cook the chicken skewers in a hot skillet or roast them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes.
    • Feel free to adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper or paprika.
    • The cucumber salad can be made more substantial by adding diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, or even chickpeas.