This easy and delicious Barbeque Chicken Skewers with Saffron Spice Mix recipe serves 4 people, making it perfect for a family BBQ or a gathering with friends. A simple yet delicious way to spice up your grilling game, these chicken skewers are marinated in a vibrant saffron spice mix, adding a touch of Mediterranean flair. Serve with some bread, a tangy Mediterranean yogurt sauce, and a fresh salad for the perfect meal.
For the Saffron Spice Mix, you need:
2 good pinches of quality saffron threads (about 1/6 gram), powdered finely in a pestle and mortar (preferably smoked Spanish saffron)
2 tablespoons of sweet Spanish paprika powder
3 tablespoons of smoked Spanish paprika powder
2 teaspoons of garlic powder
2 teaspoons of onion powder
1/2 teaspoon of cayenne powder
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
A sprinkling of cumin and cloves, powdered finely in a pestle and mortar
1/2 teaspoon of salt
How You Make the Saffron Spice Mix:
Finely grind the spices in a pestle and mortar.
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until fully combined.
Store the Saffron Spice Mix in an airtight spice jar for future use.
For the Barbeque Chicken Skewers, you need:
2 chicken breasts
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 teaspoon of white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons of water
2 tablespoons of Saffron Spice Mix
1 clove of garlic, minced
How You Make the Barbeque Chicken Skewers:
Cut the chicken into cubes and place them in a bowl or plastic bag.
Add the olive oil, water, minced garlic, vinegar, and Saffron Spice Mix to the chicken. Stir until the chicken is well coated in the marinade.
Refrigerate the chicken and let it marinate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
Once the chicken has marinated, thread the pieces onto barbeque skewers. Be sure not to overcrowd the skewers.
Grill the chicken skewers over high heat until fully cooked inside and nicely charred on the outside.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your Barbeque Chicken Skewers with Saffron Spice Mix hot off the grill with a fresh side salad and crusty bread. For extra flavor, pair them with a Mediterranean yogurt sauce. These skewers are perfect for a summer BBQ or as a Spanish tapa.
FAQ for Saffron Spice Mix and Barbeque Chicken Skewers
1. What is saffron spice mix?
Saffron spice mix is a flavorful blend of high-quality saffron threads and various spices, including sweet and smoked paprika, garlic, onion powder, cayenne, and other seasonings. This spice mix enhances the flavor of dishes like chicken skewers, adding a rich and aromatic taste with a hint of heat.
2. How do I make saffron spice mix?
To make saffron spice mix, finely grind saffron threads in a pestle and mortar. Then, combine it with sweet and smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne powder, cumin, cloves, black pepper, and salt. Store the mix in an airtight jar for later use.
3. Can I use saffron spice mix for other dishes?
Yes! While it’s perfect for barbecued chicken skewers, saffron spice mix can be used to season a variety of dishes, such as grilled vegetables, seafood, rice, soups, or even as a marinade for lamb and beef.
4. What makes saffron spice mix special?
The combination of saffron’s unique floral, earthy flavor with smoked paprika, garlic, and other spices gives this spice mix its distinctive taste. Saffron adds a golden color and depth, making it ideal for both savory and aromatic dishes.
5. How do I make the barbecued chicken skewers?
For the barbecued chicken skewers, cut chicken breasts into cubes and marinate them in olive oil, white wine vinegar, water, minced garlic, and saffron spice mix. Let the chicken marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight, then thread onto skewers and grill until fully cooked.
6. Can I substitute saffron with other spices?
While saffron has a unique flavor, you can experiment with other spice blends if you don’t have saffron. Consider using turmeric or a combination of sweet and smoked paprika for a similar golden hue and flavor profile. However, saffron's distinctive taste is hard to replicate.
7. How long should I marinate the chicken for the skewers?
It’s best to marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, but for the most flavorful results, marinate overnight. This allows the saffron spice mix and other ingredients to fully penetrate the chicken, enhancing the flavor.
8. What should I serve with the barbecued chicken skewers?
Barbecued chicken skewers with saffron spice mix are great served with fresh salads, flatbreads, or Mediterranean yogurt sauce. You can also pair them with roasted vegetables or a summer corn salad for a complete meal.
9. Can I cook the chicken skewers in the oven instead of a BBQ?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) , place the skewers on a baking sheet, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. You can also broil them for a few minutes at the end to get a nice char.
10. How can I store the saffron spice mix?
Store your saffron spice mix in an airtight jar or container in a cool, dry place. This will help preserve the flavors for several months. Make sure the jar is sealed properly to avoid exposure to moisture or air.
11. What other dishes are good with saffron spice mix?
Saffron spice mix pairs wonderfully with many other dishes! Try it with classic paella, grilled fish, grilled pork skewers, or grilled shrimp for a flavorful, aromatic kick. It’s also great in saffron risotto or as a seasoning for rice and vegetable dishes.