Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Bites with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

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Juicy • Zesty • Protein-packed • Perfect for bowls, wraps, or appetizers

 Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

For the Chicken

  • 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-size cubes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp ground cumin
  • Zest + juice of ½ lemon
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes

For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce

  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced or grated
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste

 Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken:
    In a bowl, toss chicken with olive oil, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, cumin, lemon zest & juice, salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using). Marinate 15–30 minutes (or up to 8 hours).
  2. Cook the chicken:
    • Grill: Preheat to medium-high. Skewer or use a grill basket; grill 8–10 minutes, turning, until charred and cooked through.
    • Pan-sear: Heat a skillet over medium-high with a little oil. Cook 6–8 minutes, turning until golden and done.
  3. Make the sauce:
    Stir all sauce ingredients until smooth. Chill 10 minutes for best flavor.
  4. Serve:
    Spoon yogurt sauce onto a platter, top with hot chicken bites, finish with extra parsley and lemon zest.

 Tips

  • Cut chicken evenly for quick, juicy cooking.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches for better browning.
  • Add a final drizzle of olive oil or squeeze of lemon before serving.

 Nut & Allergen Information

 Contains:

  • Dairy (Greek yogurt)

 Does NOT Contain (As Written):

  • Peanuts
  • Tree nuts
  • Gluten
  • Eggs
  • Soy

 Note:

  • Always check labels for yogurt if cross-contact is a concern.

 Q & A

Q: Can I use chicken thighs?
A: Yes—thighs are extra juicy. Cooking time may be 1–2 minutes longer.

Q: Can I bake these instead?
A: Yes. Bake at 220°C / 425°F for 15–18 minutes, broil 2 minutes for color.

Q: Is the sauce garlicky?
A: Mild but flavorful. Reduce garlic or use roasted garlic for sweetness.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Use a thick dairy-free yogurt (coconut or soy) and season well.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Refrigerate chicken and sauce separately for up to 3 days.

 Serving Ideas

  • Stuff into pita or wraps
  • Serve over rice, quinoa, or couscous
  • Add to a Mediterranean salad bowl

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