Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Creamed Spinach

This is pure comfort — grilled chicken marinated in warm spices and yogurt, brushed with butter as it chars over the grill, then served over a creamy skillet of wilted spinach, aged Ontario cheddar and fresh herbs. Rich, cozy, and ridiculously good for a campsite dinner or dinner at home. Recipe by Chef Dwight Smith.

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PREP15 min
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Cooking25 min
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Ready in1 h 10 min

Ingredients

For the Yogurt Chicken Skewers

For the Creamed Spinach

Instructions

Marinate The Chicken

  1. Step
    Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise, then cut across into large chunks.
  2. Step
    In a bowl, combine the yogurt, garlic, garam masala, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, turmeric, cayenne, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  3. Step
    Add the chicken and mix until fully coated. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes — longer if you have the time.
  4. Step
    Thread the chicken onto metal skewers.

Making The Creamed Spinach

  1. Step
    Place a skillet on the grill and add the butter. If cooking at home, melt butter over medium-low heat.
  2. Step
    Pour in the cream and a small splash of milk. Season with salt and cracked black pepper.
  3. Step
    Let it simmer gently until creamy and slightly thickened, about 8–10 minutes.
  4. Step
    Add the spinach and stir until wilted.
  5. Step
    Finish with aged cheddar, chives, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Grill The Chicken

  1. Step
    Place the skewers over the grill.
  2. Step
    Cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken develops a deep char and is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  3. Step
    Brush with melted butter during the final few minutes of cooking to give the chicken extra richness and colour.
  4. Step
    If cooking in the oven, preheat to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the chicken skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them. Bake for 15–18 minutes, turning halfway through, until browned and cooked through. Brush with melted butter during the final 3–4 minutes of cooking.

Plating

  1. Step
    Spoon the creamed spinach onto a plate or shallow skillet.
  2. Step
    Remove the chicken from the skewers and place it just off-centre over the creamed spinach base.
  3. Step
    Finish with extra chives, black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon.