Skewers with Tzatziki sauce

Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce – A Quick, Delicious, and Healthy Delight

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Who doesn't love skewers? This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or a barbecue with friends. Chicken skewers are delicious, juicy, and pair wonderfully with a refreshing Tzatziki sauce. The history of skewers is fascinating, with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures, where meat has been cooked over an open fire, providing an unmistakable flavor. Now, let's find out how we can recreate this delicacy at home!

Ingredients Needed

For the skewers:
- 1 chicken breast (approximately 500 g)
- Grill spices (choose a blend you like, e.g., paprika, oregano, salt, pepper)
- 1 large red bell pepper
- 1 large onion

For the Tzatziki sauce:
- 1 large Danone Cremosso yogurt (approximately 400 g)
- 2-3 tablespoons of sour cream
- 1 smaller cucumber
- 2 garlic cloves
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (adjust the amount to taste)
- Fresh dill, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the chicken breast:
- Rinse the chicken breast well under cold running water and pat it dry with a paper towel.
- Cut the chicken breast into cubes of about 2-3 cm. This will help with even and quick cooking.
- Season the chicken cubes with a blend of grill spices. It is recommended to let the meat sit at room temperature for about 1 hour to allow the spices to penetrate well into the meat. This step is essential for achieving an intense and savory flavor.

2. Preparing the vegetables:
- Wash the red bell pepper and cut it into large cubes, similar in size to the chicken.
- Cut the onion into quarters. This will add a fantastic flavor to the skewers, and when cooked, it becomes sweet and tasty.

3. Assembling the skewers:
- Take some skewers (make sure they are wooden and soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning).
- Alternate pieces of meat, bell pepper, and onion on the skewers, being careful not to overcrowd them. Leave a little space between them to allow heat to circulate.

4. Cooking the skewers:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (or prepare the grill).
- Place the skewers on a baking tray lined with parchment paper (if using the oven) and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through for even cooking. If using a grill, cook for 10-12 minutes, turning them to achieve an even browning.

5. Preparing the Tzatziki sauce:
- Peel the cucumber and grate it on a fine grater. Place it in a sieve and press it well to remove excess water. This step will prevent the sauce from becoming too watery.
- In a bowl, mix the yogurt with the sour cream, grated cucumber, crushed garlic (for a more intense flavor, you can let it macerate in salt for 10 minutes before adding), lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Adjust the taste according to your preferences.

Serving

Chicken skewers with Tzatziki sauce are delicious served with various sides. You can opt for a seasonal salad, boiled potatoes with parsley, or even basmati rice for a more substantial meal. The Tzatziki sauce adds a touch of freshness and flavor, making it ideal for balancing the taste of the meat.

Helpful Tips

- Vegetarian option: Substitute chicken with tofu or mushrooms, cut into cubes. Season them the same way as the chicken for a delicious taste.
- Extra Tzatziki sauce: Add chopped kalamata olives for an extra flavor boost.
- Try different spices: Experiment with different spices, such as cumin or coriander, to give the skewers a unique twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pork or beef?
- Absolutely! These skewers are delicious with other types of meat. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of meat used.

2. How can I make the Tzatziki sauce healthier?
- You can reduce the sour cream or replace it with Greek yogurt to maintain a creamy texture but with fewer calories.

3. What are the nutritional benefits of this recipe?
- Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, and the vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals. The Tzatziki sauce, rich in probiotics due to the yogurt, aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut flora.

Calories and Nutritional Information

A serving of chicken skewers with Tzatziki sauce contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of sauce consumed. This makes the recipe an excellent option for a healthy meal.

Get ready to impress family and friends with these delicious and healthy chicken skewers! Enjoy!