
Grilled Chicken Skewers with Caramelized Figs, Red Onion, and Za’atar Yogurt Sauce
An original grill recipe featuring chicken cubes marinated with lemon, garlic, and spices, skewered with fresh figs and red onion. They are grilled until charred and juicy, then served with a creamy yogurt, za’atar, and olive oil sauce.
Ingredients
- 700 g boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed (1.25 inch)
- 8 units fresh figs (cut por the mitad)
- 180 g red onion (cut en trozos large for brocheta)
- 45 ml olive oil (divided)
- 30 ml lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 cloves garlic (2 grated for the marinada and 1 grated for the sauce)
- 5 g smoked paprika
- 2 g ground cumin
- 1 g dried oregano
- 6 g salt (divided)
- 2 g black pepper (divided)
- 180 g plain Greek yogurt
- 6 g za’atar
- 15 ml honey
- 10 g fresh parsley (chopped)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes.
- 2
In a large bowl, mix 30 ml (2 tbsp) olive oil, lemon juice, 2 grated garlic cloves, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, 4 g (3/4 tsp) salt, and 1 g (1/4 tsp) black pepper.
- 3
Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and toss well to coat with the marinade. Let rest for 15 minutes in a cool kitchen spot or refrigerated.
- 4
In another bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with the remaining grated garlic clove, za’atar, honey, 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil, 2 g (1/4 tsp) salt, and 1 g (1/4 tsp) black pepper. Stir in the chopped parsley and set aside.
- 5
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 425°F to 450°F (220°C to 230°C). Clean and lightly oil the grates with the remaining olive oil.
- 6
Thread the marinated chicken, red onion pieces, and fig halves onto the skewers, alternating evenly.
- 7
Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for 12 to 15 minutes at 425°F to 450°F (220°C to 230°C), turning every 3 to 4 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), the onion is tender, and the figs are caramelized.
- 8
Transfer the skewers to a platter, rest for 3 minutes, and serve with the za’atar yogurt sauce on top or on the side.
Chef tips
For better caramelization, lightly pat the figs dry before skewering. Do not overcrowd the skewers; leaving small gaps helps heat circulate and cook the chicken evenly.
Substitutions
You can use boneless chicken thighs instead of breast. If you do not have za’atar, combine dried thyme, sesame seeds, and an extra pinch of oregano. Honey can be replaced with maple syrup, though the flavor will change slightly.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
Illustrative imageVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife
Chopping, slicing and cutting strips
- The knife I use most when cooking
- Chops, slices and cuts into strips
- Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
Illustrative imageTeakhaus Teak Cutting Board
Stable base for chopping
- Stable surface for chopping
- Gentle on your knife edge
- Hand-wash and let it dry
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