Grilled to golden perfection and bursting with zesty Moroccan spices, these chicken skewers are a celebration of seasonal flavors. Artichokes and asparagus add a fresh, springtime twist, while a lemon herb vinaigrette ties everything together with bright acidity and herbal depth.
And let’s not forget the dreamy minted goat cheese yogurt—cool, creamy, and slightly tangy, it’s the ultimate companion to the spice-kissed chicken. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or making a flavorful weeknight dinner, these skewers deliver big on both taste and presentation.
Full Recipe:
For the Chicken Marinade:
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken, cut into bite-size cubes
2 cloves garlic
1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
2 teaspoons dried chile de arbol (or ½ to 1 cayenne pepper)
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons fresh parsley
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
½ tablespoon cumin
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
½ cup olive oil
Zest and juice of 1 small to medium lemon
For the Skewers:
1 ounce jar marinated artichoke quarters
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 4-inch pieces
For the Lemon Herb Vinaigrette:
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon honey
Juice of ½ lime
Salt to taste
For the Minted Goat Cheese Yogurt:
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Juice of ½ lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
3 oz goat cheese, crumbled
Directions:
In a food processor, blend garlic, ginger, chile, cilantro, parsley, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until finely chopped. Stream in the olive oil and blend until smooth. Stir in lemon zest and juice.
Pour marinade over the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
For the vinaigrette: In a small saucepan, simmer lemon zest and juice for 1 minute. Transfer to a bowl, add olive oil, parsley, honey, lime juice, and salt. Whisk together and set aside.
For the yogurt sauce: Mix yogurt, mint, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir in crumbled goat cheese. Chill until ready to serve.
Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
Thread chicken, asparagus, and artichokes onto metal or soaked wooden skewers, alternating ingredients.
Grill skewers 5–6 minutes per side until chicken is golden and cooked through.
Serve with vinaigrette and minted goat cheese yogurt.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including marinating)
Kcal: 387 kcal | Servings: 8 skewers
Introduction to a Bright, Seasonal Dish
Grilling season is the perfect time to introduce bold flavors and vibrant colors to your table, and these Moroccan Chicken Skewers with Spring Veggies and Minted Goat Cheese Yogurt do exactly that. Inspired by the sun-soaked spices of North Africa and the crisp freshness of spring produce, this dish offers a stunning balance of heat, zest, and cooling creaminess. Whether you’re planning a backyard dinner party or just looking for something exciting and easy to prepare, this recipe delivers a well-rounded, flavor-packed meal that’s sure to impress.
Combining lean, juicy chicken with a punchy spice rub and charred seasonal vegetables like asparagus and marinated artichokes, this dish is as nutritious as it is visually appealing. The added dimension comes from a zippy lemon herb vinaigrette and a cool, creamy minted goat cheese yogurt—an inventive twist on the typical tzatziki or tahini sides you might expect.
Inspiration Behind the Recipe
This recipe takes its cue from traditional Moroccan cooking, known for its rich spices and love for marrying sweet, savory, and spicy elements. Cumin, cinnamon, paprika, and chile flakes blend beautifully in the marinade, which infuses the chicken with a smoky and aromatic depth.
The addition of lemon zest and juice lightens the dish and gives it a refreshing citrus lift, perfect for warmer weather. Meanwhile, the vinaigrette and yogurt bring in Mediterranean touches, making this recipe a globally inspired fusion of flavors that still feels grounded and approachable.
What’s also brilliant about this recipe is how it allows room for creativity. The spice mix can be dialed up or down depending on heat preference, and the vegetables can be swapped out with what’s fresh and available—from cherry tomatoes to zucchini or even bell peppers. This makes it easy to adapt for different seasons or dietary needs.
Why Skewers Are the Ultimate Meal Solution
Skewers are one of the most underrated ways to cook, especially during spring and summer. They are fast to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for both indoor cooking and outdoor grilling. They also provide built-in portion control and make plating and serving less of a hassle.
In this recipe, skewering the chicken with asparagus and artichokes not only adds visual interest but also ensures that every bite includes a harmonious mix of textures and flavors. The char from the grill caramelizes the outside of the chicken and crisps the edges of the vegetables, amplifying the overall flavor profile.
It’s a fantastic dish to prepare ahead of time, too. The chicken can marinate overnight, and the yogurt dip can be made and chilled in advance. This is ideal for entertaining or for meal prepping during a busy week.
The Power of Fresh Herbs and Spices
Fresh herbs are a cornerstone of this dish’s layered flavor. Parsley and cilantro provide an herbaceous base in the marinade, while mint adds brightness and a cooling touch to the goat cheese yogurt. Fresh lemon juice and zest, used in both the marinade and the vinaigrette, heighten the overall flavor without overwhelming the palate.
The real standout, however, is the blend of Moroccan-inspired spices. Smoked paprika gives a subtle charred sweetness, while cumin and cinnamon add warmth and complexity. A small amount of heat from cayenne or chile de arbol ensures that the flavor isn’t flat, but rather dynamic and multidimensional.
These elements come together to create a bold, fragrant, and deeply satisfying eating experience that is both comforting and exciting.
Creamy Minted Goat Cheese Yogurt: The Ultimate Sauce
One of the most memorable parts of this dish is the minted goat cheese yogurt. It takes the concept of a dipping sauce and elevates it with gourmet flair. Creamy Greek yogurt provides a high-protein base, while the tangy, soft goat cheese adds richness and depth.
Mint is the key player here. Its fresh, slightly sweet notes contrast beautifully with the heat of the chicken and the smokiness of the grill. A touch of lemon juice and crushed red pepper flakes round out the flavor, making it not just a cooling accompaniment but a flavor enhancer that ties the whole dish together.
This sauce also doubles as a fantastic spread for wraps or sandwiches using leftover chicken, making it versatile beyond just one meal.
Versatility and Meal Planning
What’s particularly appealing about this recipe is how easily it can be transformed. Want to go meat-free? Swap the chicken for firm tofu or halloumi cheese. Prefer something heartier? Add couscous or a warm grain salad on the side. Trying to stay low-carb? Serve it over cauliflower rice or a crisp salad with fresh greens and herbs.
It’s also a great make-ahead option. Marinate the chicken the night before and prep your veggies. The yogurt sauce tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld. This dish can be turned into lunches for the week, an easy grab-and-go picnic option, or a beautiful addition to a weekend barbecue spread.
Perfect for Entertaining
This dish shines on a platter. Colorful vegetables, golden grilled chicken, and drizzles of lemon vinaigrette against a dollop of creamy white goat cheese yogurt—it’s both rustic and elegant. Your guests will love the complexity of flavors and the freshness of each bite.
And because it doesn’t require much last-minute attention (besides throwing it on the grill), it’s a stress-free dish that lets you spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen.
Serve it with a crisp rosé or a lemony sparkling water for a pairing that complements the meal’s brightness.
Nutrition and Health Perks
This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s good for you. Chicken is a lean source of protein, asparagus is rich in fiber and folate, and artichokes support digestion and are high in antioxidants. The yogurt dip offers probiotics, and the goat cheese provides calcium with fewer lactose-related issues than cow’s milk cheese.
With heart-healthy olive oil, fresh herbs, and no refined sugars or processed ingredients, this is a clean, wholesome recipe that supports balanced eating without sacrificing flavor.
Conclusion
Moroccan Chicken Skewers with Spring Veggies and Minted Goat Cheese Yogurt is more than just a seasonal dish—it’s a culinary experience. It offers an explosion of flavors and textures, from smoky to tangy, spicy to cooling. It embraces fresh produce, lean proteins, and bold spices in a way that feels both exotic and homey.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner looking to try something new, this dish is forgiving, flexible, and guaranteed to impress. It’s ideal for spring and summer, but easily adapted for year-round enjoyment. Pair it with your favorite sides, enjoy it with friends, or keep it all to yourself—you deserve it.
This dish is proof that with just a few quality ingredients and a little bit of prep, you can bring global flavor into your everyday kitchen.