This is a classic chicken seller marinade i.e. restaurant marinated grilled chicken and is a favorite of both adults and kids at our house.
You can use any part of the chicken, but I love grilling thighs. Cut the chicken thighs into 1- to 2-inch cubes and marinate for at least two hours or preferably overnight, then thread them onto skewers to grill. However, if you have little time you can also fry them in a pan.
This marinade makes about 1 pound of chicken
1/2 cup plain yogurt
2-3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 tablespoon of tomato paste
1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
juice of half a lemon or lime
optional for grilling: 2 onions, tomatoes, peppers cut into about 1-inch pieces (as big as chicken pieces)
-Chop the chicken pieces and rub them well with the lemon/lime juice.
-In a bowl combine all the ingredients and mix well.
-Add the chicken pieces and coat them well with the sauce.
-Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours.
-Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers. Alternate chicken pieces with pieces of onion, tomato and/or bell pepper for added deliciousness.
-Grill them for ~10 minutes, turning them. Cooking time varies with different grills and the size of the chicken pieces. Just don’t overcook them and dry them out.
If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook these skewers in the oven at 400-420F or grill them.
-Eat with rice, alone or wrapped in a heated focaccia/tortilla or in a sandwich.
