As I prepped for a weekend BBQ, the vibrant colors of summer vegetables and the thought of smoky grilled delights stirred anticipation in my heart. What makes a gathering special? It’s the food, of course, and these Grilled Chicken Skewers with Toum never fail to impress! With a marinade that infuses the chicken with a savory punch, lighter grilling becomes a celebration of flavors, especially with that creamy garlic toum sauce on the side. Not only is this dish a fantastic crowd-pleaser, but it’s also gluten-free and surprisingly easy to whip together. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy night in, these skewers bring a taste of Lebanon straight to your table. Ready to elevate your grilling game? Let’s dive into the step-by-step magic of marinating and grilling!
Why Are These Skewers So Irresistible?
Bold flavors abound! The marinade elevates every bite with its zesty and garlic-rich notes, ensuring an explosion of taste.
Quick preparation means you can whip these up easily, making them perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings—just like my Fiesta Lime Chicken.
Versatile serving options allow you to pair these skewers with pitas, fresh salads, or grilled vegetables, catering to all tastes!
Crowd-pleaser status is guaranteed; impress your guests with something deliciously unique that sparks conversation and delight.
Cultural heritage shines through every bite, offering a glimpse into the rich tradition of Lebanese cuisine, reminiscent of dining at a vibrant bistro.
Grilled Chicken Skewers With Toum Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make your mouthwatering Grilled Chicken Skewers with Toum!
For the Toum
• Garlic – Provides intense flavor; ensure fresh garlic for the best taste.
• Egg Whites – Aid in emulsifying the toum; substitutes are not recommended for texture.
• Lemon Juice – Adds acidity and brightness; fresh juice offers optimal flavor.
• Oil (Vegetable or Olive) – Creates a rich texture; use a neutral oil for a lighter toum.
• Salt – Enhances all flavors; adjust to your personal taste preferences.
For the Marinade
• Chicken Thighs – The main protein chosen for tenderness; skirt steak or chicken breast can substitute if desired.
• Tomato Paste – Adds richness to the marinade; roasted tomato puree also works well.
• Coriander – Offers fresh herbal notes; fresh coriander can replace dried for more brightness.
These flavorful ingredients combine to create dynamic Grilled Chicken Skewers with Toum that are sure to impress!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Grilled Chicken Skewers With Toum
Step 1: Make the Toum
Begin by preparing the creamy garlic toum. In a food processor, pulse together 4 cloves of fresh garlic, 2 egg whites, and the juice of one lemon until smooth. Gradually stream in ¾ cup of vegetable or olive oil while running the processor, allowing the mixture to emulsify and thicken. Once fully blended, season the toum with salt to taste before transferring it to a bowl for marinating.
Step 2: Prepare Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of ground coriander, and 3 tablespoons of oil. Add ¼ cup of the prepared toum to this mixture, stirring everything together until well combined. This flavorful marinade will ensure your chicken thighs become immensely tender and infused with savory depth.
Step 3: Marinate Chicken
For the main event, take 2 pounds of chicken thighs and slice them in half lengthwise, ensuring even cooking. Season the chicken with salt, then place it into a resealable plastic bag along with the marinade. Massage the bag gently to coat the chicken thoroughly, then store it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 3 hours—or up to 12 hours for maximum flavor payoff.
Step 4: Pre-Grill
Once marinated, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 1 hour. This step ensures more even cooking when grilling. Meanwhile, prepare your grilling area by preheating the grill to a medium heat setting; this is essential for achieving that desirable grilled flavor and beautiful char on your skewers.
Step 5: Grill Chicken
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, ensuring not to overcrowd them for even grilling. Brush the grill grate lightly with oil to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is golden brown and slightly charred. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for perfectly juicy chicken skewers.
Step 6: Serve
Once grilled to perfection, remove the chicken skewers from the heat. Serve them immediately on warm pitas along with fresh pickles and a generous side of the reserved toum. This tantalizing assembly of your Grilled Chicken Skewers with Toum brings forth delightful flavors, sure to impress family and friends alike.
Expert Tips for Grilled Chicken Skewers With Toum
- Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest garlic and chicken available—this ensures maximum flavor and tenderness in your skewers.
- Marination Time: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 3 hours, but overnight will reward you with even deeper flavors.
- Room Temperature: Don’t skip letting the chicken sit at room temperature before grilling; this promotes even cooking and juiciness.
- Skewer Spacing: Be sure not to overcrowd the skewers; this allows even grilling and delightful char all around the chicken.
- Resting Period: After grilling, let the skewers rest for a few minutes to retain their juices—this is essential for achieving tender chicken!
What to Serve with Grilled Chicken Skewers with Toum
Looking to complement the bold flavors of your freshly grilled skewers? Here are some delightful pairings that will create a balanced and satisfying meal.
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Creamy Hummus: A spreadable classic perfect for dipping. Its smooth texture and nutty flavor complement the savory chicken beautifully.
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Crisp Tabbouleh Salad: The refreshing parsley and bulgur wheat salad add brightness and a burst of fresh flavors that pair well with the richness of toum.
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Grilled Vegetables: Charred zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant bring an earthy taste to the table, enhancing your meal’s overall smokiness.
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Pita Bread: Fluffy, warm pitas are ideal for wrapping those savory skewers. They soak up the juices from the chicken, making every bite heavenly.
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Pickled Veggies: Tangy, crunchy pickles add a sharp contrast, cutting through the richness of the toum and enhancing the dish with extra zing.
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Mint Yogurt Sauce: A dollop of zesty yogurt sauce with a hint of mint offers a cooling effect that balances the meal and adds creaminess.
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Lemonade or Mint Tea: To wash everything down, a sweet and tangy lemonade or a refreshing mint-infused tea can elevate your dining experience.
These pairings not only enhance the flavors of your Grilled Chicken Skewers with Toum but also create a colorful and vibrant feast that will leave everyone satisfied!
Make Ahead Options
These Grilled Chicken Skewers with Toum are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can make the toum sauce and marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Begin by preparing the toum (creamy garlic sauce) and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the chicken, simply marinate it in the lemon-tomato mixture for up to 12 hours before grilling. When you’re ready to serve, let the marinated chicken sit at room temperature for 1 hour before threading it onto skewers and grilling. This ensures that you’ll achieve tender, juicy skewers just as delicious as if made fresh, saving you precious time on busy weeknights!
Grilled Chicken Skewers With Toum Variations
Feel free to play with the ingredients and make these skewers your own delicious creation!
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Chicken Breasts: Swap chicken thighs for breasts for a leaner option, keeping the flavor profile intact.
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Tofu Alternative: For a vegetarian twist, use firm tofu marinated the same way, creating a delightfully savory dish for all!
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Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade for some delightful heat that tantalizes the taste buds.
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Herb Infusion: Try fresh herbs like parsley or mint in the toum for a vibrant twist that brightens each bite. They add lively flavors and color!
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Smoky Flavor: Incorporate smoked paprika into your marinade to introduce a subtly smoky depth, reminiscent of a backyard BBQ.
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Vegetable Skewers: Mix skewers with colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and onions for a complete grilled veggie feast; just grill alongside the chicken for added char!
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Citrus Zing: Use lime juice instead of lemon for a zesty twist that complements the garlic and adds a refreshing note.
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Sauce Variations: Serve with your choice of dipping sauce, like a yogurt-based sauce or a spicy harissa, to give guests delightful options for dipping!
Explore additional flavorful options by trying these variations, and don’t forget to pair your skewers with beautiful sides. If you’re looking for more ideas, try serving them with fresh salad or alongside some delightful Korean Spicy Chicken for a lively meal!
Storage Tips for Grilled Chicken Skewers With Toum
Fridge: Store leftover grilled chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the skewers in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: To enjoy your skewers again, reheat on a grill or skillet for best results, heating until thoroughly warmed through while retaining that tender texture.
Avoid Sogginess: If you choose to store the toum, keep it separately to ensure the skewers remain crispy and flavorful upon serving.
Grilled Chicken Skewers With Toum Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe ingredients for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, select garlic that is firm and free from sprouting. Look for fresh chicken thighs that are plump and have a pale pink color. Avoid tomato paste with a can that shows any signs of rust or bloating; fresh, high-quality ingredients make all the difference!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Very! Leftover grilled chicken skewers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you find you have a lot left, consider freezing them for future meals. Just ensure they’re cooled completely before storing to avoid condensation, which can affect their texture.
Can I freeze the chicken skewers? How?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the grilled chicken skewers to cool completely. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring as much air as possible is removed. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on a grill or skillet until warmed through—this helps retain that delicious tenderness.
What if my toum doesn’t emulsify properly?
No worries! If your toum isn’t emulsifying, start again with a fresh batch of egg whites and ensure you’re adding the oil very slowly at the beginning while the food processor is running. This step is crucial to achieve that smooth, creamy texture. If it remains clumpy, you can try adding a little bit of water to help stabilize it, though this may alter the thickness a bit.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Absolutely! Since this recipe uses raw egg whites, it’s important to keep in mind that they may pose a risk for individuals who are elderly, pregnant, or immunocompromised. Consider using pasteurized egg whites, which can be found in cartons at most grocery stores, to mitigate health risks while still enjoying a delicious dish.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! The Grilled Chicken Skewers With Toum are gluten-free as none of the core ingredients—chicken, garlic, lemon juice, and oil—contain gluten. However, if you’re serving them with pita, be sure to choose gluten-free pita or serve simply with a fresh salad for those who are gluten-sensitive.
Mouthwatering Grilled Chicken Skewers With Toum You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by preparing the creamy garlic toum. In a food processor, pulse together garlic, egg whites, and lemon juice until smooth. Gradually stream in oil while running the processor to emulsify and thicken. Season with salt to taste before transferring to a bowl.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine lemon juice, tomato paste, ground coriander, and oil. Add the prepared toum and stir until well combined to ensure chicken thighs become tender and infused with flavor.
- Slice chicken thighs in half lengthwise, season with salt, and place them into a resealable plastic bag with the marinade. Massage gently to coat thoroughly and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or up to 12 hours.
- Once marinated, remove chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 1 hour. Preheat the grill to a medium heat setting.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, ensuring not to overcrowd. Brush the grill lightly with oil to prevent sticking. Grill for about 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove skewers from heat and serve immediately on warm pitas, fresh pickles, and a generous side of the reserved toum.
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