Name: Greek Style Chicken Skewers with Hummus Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast; 2 teaspoons cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped; 4 sprigs rosemary; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice (plus zest of one lemon); 2 cups chickpeas (canned, drained and rinsed); 1/3 cup tahini (roasted sesame paste); 1/4 cup lemon juice (plus zest of one lemon); 2 cloves garlic, crushed; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup water (gradually added as needed)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 4 reviews

I absolutely love sharing my Greek Style Chicken Skewers with Hummus Recipe because it brings together the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean in such a fresh and approachable way. There’s something so joyful about juicy, perfectly spiced chicken threaded onto skewers paired with creamy, tangy hummus that makes every bite feel like a celebration. Whether I’m cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or hosting friends for a weekend BBQ, this dish never fails to impress and satisfy with its bright, hearty flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Greek Style Chicken Skewers with Hummus Recipe

From the moment I started making this recipe, I was captivated by the balance of flavors that come together in such a simple yet delicious way. The cumin and paprika give the chicken a warm, smoky punch while the fresh rosemary and garlic add layers of aromatic depth that just make your mouth water. The lemon juice brightens everything up, making the chicken taste light and vibrant, not heavy at all. Paired with the velvety, homemade hummus, which has a perfect hint of garlic and lemon, every bite is a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that I find absolutely irresistible.

One of the best things about this recipe is how straightforward the preparation is, yet it feels so special and restaurant-worthy. I love that I can marinate the chicken quickly, thread it onto skewers, and grill it while whipping up the hummus in my food processor. It’s all very hands-on-friendly and doesn’t require fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. This recipe is perfect for all kinds of occasions: casual dinners, summer picnics, backyard parties, or even meal prep that you can remix throughout the week. It stands out because it’s healthy, flavorful, and versatile — everything I look for when cooking for my family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white ceramic bowl is filled to the top with light beige chickpeas, showing smooth, round textures tightly packed together. In front of the bowl is a small wooden bowl filled with a layer of pale sesame seeds, with some seeds scattered around it on the white marbled surface. Nearby, a single peeled garlic clove rests with its off-white, slightly shiny surface, and a bright yellow lemon wedge with visible juicy pulp sits on the white marbled surface. A few chickpeas are also scattered casually near the garlic and lemon, all set against a soft, bright background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients in this Greek Style Chicken Skewers with Hummus Recipe are simple yet essential for building those authentic Mediterranean flavors we love. Each one contributes to the overall taste, texture, and appearance of the dish, ensuring every bite is balanced and satisfying.

Chicken breast: Using skinless chicken breast ensures lean, juicy meat that cooks evenly on the skewers.
Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy aroma that is quintessential to Greek-inspired dishes.
Paprika: Gives a subtle smoky flavor and rich color to the chicken.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps tenderize the meat during marination.
Black pepper: Freshly ground for a sharper, more vibrant spice profile.
Garlic: Adds a punchy, savory note that complements the chicken and hummus perfectly.
Rosemary sprigs: Infuse the chicken with a fragrant, woodsy flavor that’s classic in Greek cuisine.
Olive oil: High-quality extra virgin is best for marinating and enriching the hummus.
Lemon juice and zest: Bring brightness and a refreshing tang to both the chicken marinade and hummus.
Chickpeas (canned): The base of the hummus, providing creamy texture and rich flavor.
Tahini: A roasted sesame seed paste that delivers a luscious nuttiness to the hummus.
Water: Added gradually to achieve that perfect hummus consistency.

Directions

Step 1: If you are using wooden skewers for the chicken, soak them in water for at least 15 minutes before cooking to prevent them from burning. This little prep step helps keep things safe and clean.

Step 2: Slice each chicken breast into strips that are about ¾-inch thick. I like slicing with the grain so the strips are longer and hold together nicely on the skewers. Aim to get about 4 to 5 pieces from each breast.

Step 3: Prepare the marinade by combining cumin, paprika, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, roughly chopped garlic cloves, rosemary sprigs, olive oil, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice in a resealable plastic bag. Add the chicken strips, seal the bag, and massage everything together so the chicken is fully coated. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes — this is where the magic happens.

Step 4: Thread the marinated chicken strips onto the skewers, folding them carefully without crowding to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Heat your grill to medium heat. Before placing the skewers, brush the grill grates with a small amount of vegetable oil using a folded paper towel to avoid sticking. When the grill is hot, add the chicken skewers and cook for approximately 4 to 6 minutes per side. You want to see nice grill marks and ensure the internal temperature hits 160-165°F — the chicken should be fully cooked but still juicy.

Step 6: To make the hummus, combine chickpeas, tahini, ¼ cup lemon juice, crushed garlic, and kosher salt in a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. While the processor runs, slowly drizzle in olive oil. If the hummus feels too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your preferred consistency. Taste and adjust salt if needed. I like to drizzle a little olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika on top before serving.

Servings and Timing

This Greek Style Chicken Skewers with Hummus Recipe makes about 4 servings, perfect for a family meal or small gathering. The prep time takes around 15 minutes, mostly to slice and marinate the chicken. Cooking the skewers takes about 10 to 12 minutes, depending on your grill heat and thickness of the strips. The hummus blends up quickly in just 5 minutes. Altogether, you’re looking at roughly 40 minutes from start to finish, including marinating time. There’s no extended resting or cooling time needed, so you can serve it fresh and warm right off the grill.

How to Serve This Greek Style Chicken Skewers with Hummus Recipe

The image shows several pieces of grilled light golden chicken on wooden skewers placed on a black grill with clear grill marks. Beside the chicken, there are thick slices of white onion and red tomato halves, both also grilled with visible dark char lines. In the blurred background, a round slice of green zucchini is on the grill. The colors focus on the warm tan of the chicken, the white of the onion, and the bright red of the tomato against the black grill, all on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve these skewers, I like to create a colorful, Mediterranean-inspired spread that feels festive and inviting. Fresh, warm pita bread or crusty whole-grain bread is a natural partner for scooping up that luscious hummus, while a crisp cucumber and tomato salad on the side adds brightness and crunch. I often sprinkle some chopped parsley or fresh mint over the skewers for a pop of green and an extra herbaceous note that really lifts the dish.

For presentation, I arrange the chicken skewers on a large platter with a generous bowl of hummus in the center. Drizzling extra virgin olive oil and a few dustings of smoked paprika on the hummus makes it visually appealing and adds flavor contrast. I serve everything warm or at room temperature, which allows the flavors to really shine without being too hot or heavy.

As for drinks, this meal pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the lemony chicken and the creamy hummus. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with a slice of lemon or a chilled iced tea with fresh mint works wonderfully. I find this recipe perfect for casual weeknights but also a standout choice for weekend entertaining or summertime cookouts.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Greek Style Chicken Skewers with Hummus Recipe is, and I often play around with it depending on what’s in my pantry or dietary needs. If you’re gluten-free, this dish is naturally safe since it’s all fresh ingredients; just serve with gluten-free pita or veggie sticks. For a vegan version, you can swap the chicken for marinated tofu or portobello mushroom strips grilled the same way, and serve with the hummus as the star protein.

Flavor-wise, you could experiment with different herbs like oregano or thyme in the marinade if you want a slightly different herbaceous twist. Adding a bit of chili flakes or smoked paprika to the chicken marinade brings a nice kick if you enjoy some heat. If you don’t have a grill, the broiler method works beautifully. Just watch the skewers closely, flipping halfway through to get that golden color without burning.

For another texture variation, I sometimes add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or kalamata olives to the hummus for a briny, savory pop. It’s a great way to customize the dish and keep it exciting every time I make it.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, I recommend storing the chicken skewers and hummus separately in airtight containers to keep flavors fresh. The chicken lasts well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the hummus should be good for about 4 to 5 days. Keeping them apart prevents the hummus from absorbing too much moisture and keeps everything tasting bright and delicious when reheated or served again.

Freezing

You can freeze the chicken skewers if needed by wrapping them tightly in foil or placing them in a freezer-safe container. I suggest freezing them for up to 2 months to maintain optimal freshness. Hummus can also be frozen, but its texture may change slightly upon thawing. If you freeze hummus, store it in a separate container and thaw it overnight in the fridge. Give it a good stir with some olive oil or water before serving to refresh its creaminess.

Reheating

The best way to reheat the skewers is gently in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Microwaving works for speed but can sometimes dry out the chicken, so cover the skewers with a damp paper towel if you use the microwave to keep moisture in. For the hummus, serve it chilled or at room temperature — reheating is not necessary and usually not recommended to preserve its creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute if you prefer darker meat with a bit more fat and juiciness. Just slice them into similar-sized strips and adjust cooking time if needed, as thighs can cook a little faster.

Is it necessary to soak wooden skewers before grilling?

Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 15 minutes before grilling is important to prevent them from burning or catching fire on the grill. This simple step makes grilling safer and keeps the skewers intact.

Can I prepare the marinade and hummus ahead of time?

Definitely! The marinade flavors deepen with time, so you can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in advance. The hummus also keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days, making it a great make-ahead component to save time on the day you cook.

What sides go best with this recipe?

I love serving these skewers with a fresh Greek salad, grilled vegetables, or warm pita bread. A side of roasted potatoes or rice pilaf also pairs wonderfully if you want something more substantial.

Can I make the hummus without a food processor?

You can! If you don’t have a food processor, use a sturdy blender or even a potato masher to mash the chickpeas, then whisk in the tahini and liquids until smooth. It might take a bit more elbow grease, but it’s totally doable.

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Greek Style Chicken Skewers with Hummus Recipe. It’s such a joyful dish to make and share, bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors that remind me of sunny Mediterranean afternoons. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s a recipe that feels special but comes together with real ease. Give it a go—you might just find it becoming one of your go-to meals!