Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the Chicken and Marinade: Pat the chicken thigh chunks dry with a paper towel and place them in a large bowl. In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Pour the marinade over the chicken chunks and mix thoroughly until every piece is coated. Cover the bowl with cling film and place it in the fridge to marinate for at least 30 minutes. What works best for me is leaving it for 2-4 hours to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat deeply.
- Make the Yogurt Dip: While the chicken is marinating, prepare the dip. Squeeze the grated cucumber in your hands or in a clean tea towel to remove as much excess water as possible. This is a key step to prevent a watery dip!
- Combine the Dip Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, squeezed cucumber, minced garlic, chopped mint, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil. Stir well, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate until you're ready to serve.
- Assemble the Skewers: If you haven't already, soak your wooden skewers in water. Once the chicken has finished marinating, thread the pieces onto the skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece to ensure they cook evenly. Aim for about 4-5 pieces per skewer.
- Grill the Skewers: Preheat your barbecue or a griddle pan over a medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning them every 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and has some lovely charred edges.
- Check for Doneness: The chicken should be golden brown and slightly caramelised. To ensure it's cooked safely, the internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F) on a meat thermometer. You can find more guidance on cooking chicken safely from the Food Standards Agency.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest on a plate or board for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken tender. Serve the warm bbq chicken skewers immediately with the chilled yogurt dip on the side.
Notes
For the best flavour, marinate the chicken for 2-4 hours. Squeezing the excess water from the grated cucumber is a key step to ensure a thick, creamy dip.
