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    Home » Recipes » Main Course Recipes

    Portuguese Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Yogurt Dip

    Jun 7, 2016 | by Jennifer | Last Updated: Jul 1, 2021

    Jump to Recipe

    These Portuguese Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Yogurt Dip use always moist boneless, skinless chicken thighs, grilled with Portuguese spices and served with a spiced yogurt dip and grilled lemons, for drizzling.

    Portuguese chicken skewers on platter with lemons

    Food on sticks! It's one of the best thing about summer, in my opinion. These Portuguese Chicken Skewers use always moist, boneless, skinless chicken thighs, that are tossed in a medley of Portuguese-inspired spices. Add to that a cilantro yogurt sauce and grilled lemons for drizzling and you have a quick, easy and delicious meal!

    You can cook these skewers on the BBQ, in a grill pan on the stove-top or under the broiler in your oven. Be sure not to crowd the skewers too much, so that the chicken will cook both quickly and evenly. Don't like cilantro? I don't either. Simply substitute flat parsley for the cilantro leaves. Surprisingly, even though coriander comes from cilantro, I like it in spice form.

    Cook's Notes

    Note that the recipe calls for smoked paprika, which adds bit of smokey flavour to the chicken rub. Look for it in little red cans in the spice section of your grocery store. It's a great addition to your spice cabinet! If you can't find it, you can use regular paprika.

    I definitely suggest that you don't skip the lemons. The warm lemon drizzle is such a nice note with the chicken. You could also use the juice in combination with some oil and seasoning for a great salad dressing to go with your skewers.

    Portuguese chicken skewers on platter with lemons

    Portuguese chicken skewers on platter with lemons

    Portuguese Chicken Skewers with a Cilantro Yogurt Dip

    Quick, easy and delicious, these Portuguese chicken skewers use always moist chicken thighs, rubbed in Portuguese inspired spices and grilled or broiled. Served with a Coriander Yogurt Sauce.
    Author: Jennifer
    5 stars from 4 ratings
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    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 10 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Main Course
    Servings 4 servings

    Ingredients
     

    For the chicken rub:

    • 1 Tbsp. smoked paprika
    • 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp. for flavour or up to 1 tsp. for a bit of heat
    • 2 tsp. fresh oregano leaves, finely chopped (or 1/2 tsp. dried)
    • 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
    • 1/2 tsp. fine sea salt
    • Freshly ground black pepper
    • 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
    • 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs, , trimmed of visible fat and cut into three pieces
    • 12 oregano sprigs, halved
    • 2 lemons, halved

    Coriander Yogurt Sauce:

    • 1 cup plain greek-style yogurt
    • 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, chopped (or sub flat leaf parsley)
    • 1/2 tsp. coriander
    • 1/2 tsp. fine sea salt
    • Freshly ground black pepper
    • For garnish: pinch of paprika, cayenne or smoked paprika
    Prevent screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat on high a BBQ grill, grill pan on the stove-top or oven broiler, with rack about 6-inches from heat. If using oven broiler, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and set aside.
    • In a large bowl, mix together the paprika, cayenne, oregano garlic salt, pepper and oil. Add prepared chicken and mix well to coat.
    • Thread the chicken onto 3 or 4 long metal skewers and tuck 3 oregano sprigs onto each skewer between the chicken pieces. Be sure not to push the chicken together too much, so it cooks quickly and evenly.
    • Cook the chicken on the BBQ for 3-4 minutes per side, in a grill pan for 4-5 minutes per side or under the broiler for 5-6 minutes per side (on aluminum foil lined baking pan), or until charred in spots and cooked through. When you turn the chicken over, place the lemon halves cut side down on the grill or grill pan or cut-side up under the broiler and allow them to cook until the chicken is done.
    • Meanwhile, to make the coriander yogurt sauce, place the yoghurt, cilantro (or parsley) leaves, coriander, salt and pepper in a small food processor and process for 30 seconds to combine.
    • Serve the skewers with the yogurt sauce, grilled lemon and micro greens or a salad, if you like.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 408kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 47g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 222mg | Sodium: 713mg | Potassium: 875mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 2360IU | Vitamin C: 34.8mg | Calcium: 133mg | Iron: 3.3mg

    Nutritional information provided for general guidance only and should not be relied upon to make personal health decisions.

    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Portuguese
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    Meet the Author:
    Hi! I'm Jennifer, a home-cook of many years and a lifelong seeker of delicious food! I'm an equal opportunity eater. I enjoy eating all the foods!

    I love to share the classic recipes that I have enjoyed for years, as well as newer discoveries, that have become fast favourites.
    More about me here ...


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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kathy Ouimet says

      October 05, 2021 at 7:34 pm

      Could you cook this dish in the oven if your winter days don't allow grilling outside?

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        October 05, 2021 at 8:56 pm

        Hi Kathy and absolutely! We have too much snow to grill outside in the Winter here, too :) You can go either the really hot oven or the broiler route. For the hot oven, preheat oven to about 475F, lay the skewers on a baking sheet and bake in the centre of the oven until just cooked through. You can pop right under the broiler at the end if you want a little extra colour. For the straight broiler method, place a rack about 6-8 inches from the broiler (usually 2nd level from the top) and broil until browned and cooked through (it doesn't take long :) In both cases, keep your chicken pieces on the smaller side and thread them loosely, so they will cook quickly, without drying out. Enjoy!

        Reply
    2. Gillie says

      January 25, 2021 at 9:46 pm

      Pulled this one out of the depths of the three ring binder on Saturday.......oh my, why did we wait so long to cook it again? So GOOD! We had leftovers cold with salad and a baked potato the next night.

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        January 26, 2021 at 8:48 am

        So glad to hear, Gillie :) Thanks so much!

        Reply
    3. Karmen says

      June 18, 2018 at 11:49 am

      5 stars
      Loved this recipe...So easy and delicious! Your weekly email is one i look forward to and I've bookmarked quite a few "must try" recipes! Keep up the great work!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        June 18, 2018 at 6:47 pm

        Thanks so much, Karmen :)

        Reply
    4. Dustin says

      June 14, 2018 at 9:10 pm

      5 stars
      Made this tonight. I had bone in thighs so I removed the bone and kept them whole. Turned out great. My wife isn't big on heat but I was able to add a touch more cayenne with out her knowing. Served it with an arugula salad out of my garden and a chive vinaigrette. Love the recipe!!!!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        June 15, 2018 at 6:49 am

        So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks :)

        Reply
    5. June says

      June 11, 2018 at 11:29 am

      As chicken thighs can vary in size so much, (particularly between organic and non organic chicken) it would be very helpful to have the weight required for this recipe provided as well.

      Love your recipes.

      Thanks

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        June 11, 2018 at 1:12 pm

        Thanks June and I will keep that in mind, going forward :)

        Reply
    6. Joeyman says

      September 04, 2016 at 11:26 am

      Wow, the flavor is incredibly delicious. We made this recipe for the beach, followed the prep as written, however, left the boneless chicken thighs whole, grilled them up. Definitely will be in our rotation year round. Easy Peezy and full of flavor. Thanks for the recipe!!!!!!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        September 04, 2016 at 8:27 pm

        So glad you enjoyed it :) Thanks for coming back to let me know!

        Reply
    7. Cathy says

      June 16, 2016 at 11:38 am

      5 stars
      Wonderful summer meal. Served with fresh green beans and rice. The flavors were delicious and the meat was very juicy. I truly enjoyed the coriander sauce and could see this being used on a sandwich.
      A chilled glass of sauvignon blanc was a nice compliment for a summer dinner pool side.

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        June 16, 2016 at 11:55 am

        So glad you enjoyed it, Cathy. It's dish we'll make here a lot this summer :) I love the coriander sauce, as well and yes, I think it would be great on a sandwich!

        Reply
        • Gillie says

          January 25, 2021 at 9:47 pm

          Pretty good in an Oregon winter too 🤣

          Reply
    8. Dalila G. says

      June 16, 2016 at 8:01 am

      Grilling is a favorite for us, we grill year round, so what if it's freezing outside in January! LOL!!
      This is a great way to cook chicken thighs and those spices, nice touch.
      I really like your plate setting, actually, you really have a fabulous set up in ALL your pictures. :-)
      Where did you get this set, I really like it, so "comfy" if you know what I mean.
      Just like a "home" feel.
      Thanks Jennifer!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        June 16, 2016 at 8:04 am

        I wish we could grill year round. We just have too much snow and no where to keep our BBQ out of it :) And thanks ... my enamelware is vintage. I pick up pieces when I see them at vintage store, flea markets, where ever :) I love the homey feel of them, too!

        Reply
    9. Andrew phillips says

      June 11, 2016 at 7:41 pm

      5 stars
      Worked out great - brilliant summer recipe. I served it with a glass of chilled vino verde.

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        June 12, 2016 at 10:11 am

        So glad you enjoyed it :) Thanks for coming back to let me know!

        Reply
    10. Celia Becker @ www.AfterOrangeCounty.com says

      June 10, 2016 at 12:21 pm

      This dish looks absolutely fabulous!! I'll be trying it soon. I'd love to know where you got the enamel serveware? It's so charming! Can you please share your source?

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        June 10, 2016 at 1:37 pm

        Hi Celia, the enamelware is vintage. I have collected quite a bit of it from antique/vintage stores. You can find a lot of it online on ebay and etsy as well.

        Reply
    11. Karen (Back Road Journal) says

      June 08, 2016 at 4:24 pm

      Great photos. I like everything about your chicken skewers, even the coriander yogurt sauce. Pinning right now.

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        June 08, 2016 at 9:10 pm

        Thanks Karen and thanks for sharing :)

        Reply
    12. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says

      June 08, 2016 at 12:22 pm

      Food on a stick is most definitely one of the best parts of summer! Loooove these skewers, Jennifer!! Love that you used chicken thighs, those spices rock and that yogurt sauce sounds divine! Forget the napkins, just hand me a dozen of these! ;) Cheers, friend!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        June 08, 2016 at 9:10 pm

        Thanks Cheyanne :)

        Reply
    13. Laura | Tutti Dolci says

      June 08, 2016 at 2:14 am

      I love that yogurt sauce, what delicious looking skewers!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        June 08, 2016 at 8:14 am

        Thanks Laura and yes, the yogurt sauce was just perfect with the chicken!

        Reply
    14. Sara says

      June 08, 2016 at 12:13 am

      These skewers look divine, we've been grilling a lot lately and this one definitely needs to go on the menu ASAP!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        June 08, 2016 at 8:14 am

        Thanks Sara and these are definitely kid-friendly with the lesser amount of cayenne :)

        Reply
    15. Robyn @ Simply Fresh Dinners says

      June 07, 2016 at 3:20 pm

      I love smoked paprika and include it whenever I can. Your pictures are so crystal clear, I feel like this dish is sitting right here on my desk. A fantastic meal, Jennifer!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        June 08, 2016 at 8:13 am

        Thanks so much, Robyn :)

        Reply
    16. Chris Scheuer says

      June 07, 2016 at 2:54 pm

      Yum, this looks amazing! I love how every nationality has a wonderfully flavorful way of doing chicken thighs!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        June 08, 2016 at 8:13 am

        Thanks Chris. I loved how quick and easy it was, too. Always good :)

        Reply
    17. Gerlinde @Sunnycovechef says

      June 07, 2016 at 2:05 pm

      I love the smoked paprika and the coriander . What a great rub and dipping sauce.

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        June 08, 2016 at 8:13 am

        Thanks Gerlinde. It's a great combination of flavours!

        Reply
    18. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

      June 07, 2016 at 11:53 am

      These look PERFECT for summer grilling Jennifer! I love the cilantro yogurt dip!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        June 07, 2016 at 1:07 pm

        Thanks so much, Mary Ann :)

        Reply
    19. Sarah says

      June 07, 2016 at 11:46 am

      Yes!!!! So I'm finally biting the bullet and buying a charcoal grill. This looks like just what Dave and I need in our lives for our first grill trial. Wish me luck!! ;)

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        June 07, 2016 at 1:06 pm

        Luck!! Grilling is the best. My favourite way to cook in the summer, by far. Enjoy :)

        Reply
    20. sue | theviewfromgreatisland says

      June 07, 2016 at 11:01 am

      Between the coriander and the smoked paprika you've got me convinced, and drooling...I actually harvest my own coriander when my cilantro goes to seed, it's wonderful!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        June 07, 2016 at 11:10 am

        Thanks Sue. It's a great combination of flavours!

        Reply
    21. Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says

      June 07, 2016 at 9:41 am

      I cannot wait to try this Jennifer! We really love the boneless skinless thighs too. Skewers are a wonderful way to grill without having to baby the food too much. Can't wait to try this lovely combination of spices - I say go big on the cayenne! The sauce sounds great too - an all around home run!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        June 07, 2016 at 10:13 am

        Thanks Tricia. I say go big on the cayenne, too :)

        Reply

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