Albanian Grilled Chicken Skewers with Yogurt Sauce

Introduction

These Albanian grilled chicken skewers are juicy, flavorful, and perfectly seared on the Arteflame grill. Served with a cooling garlic yogurt sauce, they make a delicious and mouthwatering meal. The reverse searing technique locks in the juices while grilling everything to perfection on the Arteflame flat top cooktop.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp butter (for grilling)
• Wooden skewers (soaked in water)
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
• 1 small cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the grill.
2. Stack firewood on top of the oiled napkins.
3. Light the napkins and allow the fire to build up. In about 20 minutes, the Arteflame grill will be ready for cooking.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the cubed chicken and toss to coat evenly.
3. Let the chicken marinate while the grill heats up.

Step 3: Prepare the Yogurt Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup plain yogurt, olive oil, chopped dill, cucumber, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well and set aside for serving.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken Skewers

1. Skewer the marinated chicken onto the soaked wooden skewers.
2. Sear the skewers on the center grill grate of the Arteflame at 1,000F for about 1 minute on each side to lock in the juices.
3. Move the skewers to the flat cooktop and let them cook until the internal temperature reaches 155F.
4. Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes, as the chicken will continue cooking to reach 165F.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve the grilled chicken skewers with the yogurt sauce.
2. Enjoy your flavorful and juicy Albanian grilled chicken skewers!

Tips

• Using butter instead of oil enhances the chicken’s flavor.
• Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
• Always allow meat to rest after grilling for juicier results.

Variations

1. Spicy Albanian Skewers: Add red pepper flakes and cayenne to the marinade for extra heat.
2. Herb-Infused Skewers: Use fresh parsley, thyme, and rosemary for an herby twist.
3. Garlic-Lemon Skewers: Double the garlic and add extra lemon juice for a bright, bold flavor.
4. Yogurt-Free Skewers: Use olive oil in place of the yogurt for a lighter marinade.
5. Grilled Veggie Skewers: Add bell peppers, onions, and zucchini to the skewers for extra texture and flavor.

Best Pairings

• Grilled flatbread
• Fresh tomato and cucumber salad
• Roasted red pepper hummus
• Grilled lemon potatoes
• Cold glass of Albanian white wine

Conclusion

Cooking these Albanian grilled chicken skewers on the Arteflame grill ensures they are juicy, flavorful, and have a perfect sear. The reverse searing technique keeps the meat tender while allowing you to grill everything to perfection. Try different variations to find your favorite and enjoy a fantastic meal right from the grill!