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
- Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the grill.
- Stack firewood on top of the oiled napkins.
- 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
- In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the cubed chicken and toss to coat evenly.
- Let the chicken marinate while the grill heats up.
Step 3: Prepare the Yogurt Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup plain yogurt, olive oil, chopped dill, cucumber, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well and set aside for serving.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken Skewers
- Skewer the marinated chicken onto the soaked wooden skewers.
- 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.
- Move the skewers to the flat cooktop and let them cook until the internal temperature reaches 155F.
- Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes, as the chicken will continue cooking to reach 165F.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the grilled chicken skewers with the yogurt sauce.
- 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
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Spicy Albanian Skewers: Add red pepper flakes and cayenne to the marinade for extra heat.
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Herb-Infused Skewers: Use fresh parsley, thyme, and rosemary for an herby twist.
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Garlic-Lemon Skewers: Double the garlic and add extra lemon juice for a bright, bold flavor.
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Yogurt-Free Skewers: Use olive oil in place of the yogurt for a lighter marinade.
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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!