Cooking tips:

• Skewer tips: Prevent the chicken from sticking to wooden skewers by using soaked skewers or adding a little olive oil. Alternatively, use reusable metal skewers.
• Grilling technique:  Grill over medium heat and turning the skewers frequently for even cooking.

Smoked Paprika

When it comes to Spanish paprika, we absolutely love using La Vera Spanish smoked paprika for the intense and rich smoky flavor. Here are a few of our recommendations: 

• La Dalia Sweet Smoked Paprika
• Artisan Spanish smoked paprika, Pimenton from La Vera region
• La Chinata Sweet Smoked Paprika

Serving Suggestions:

1. Spanish-Style Rice or Grains

• Saffron Rice or Arroz Amarillo (yellow rice)
• Pearled barley or couscous with olive oil and herbs

2. Potatoes

• Patatas Bravas (crispy potatoes with spicy tomato sauce)
• Roasted baby potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes
• Poor Man’s Potatoes – Patatas a lo Pobre
• Spanish Potatoes | Patatas a la Importancia
• Roasted Potatoes with Chorizo and Thyme

3. Bread

• Crusty bread (like rustic sourdough or Spanish pan de pueblo) to soak up the juices
• Grilled flatbread brushed with olive oil and garlic

4. Vegetables

• Grilled asparagus, zucchini, or green beans with lemon
• Simple mixed greens salad with sherry vinaigrette
• Spanish Green Salad with Asparagus and Blue Cheese
• Oven Roasted Asparagus

Ingredients and substitutions

Chicken thigh or chicken breast meat

We used chicken breast meat as it tends to be easier to prepare. For a more flavorful and juicier chicken skewer, use boneless chicken thighs or chicken tenderloins. 

Chicken substitutions:

Not a fan of chicken, we got you. 

Here’s a few other options that work well with grilling or pan frying skewers.
Turkey breast – leaner but still tender when marinated well.

• Firm tofu or halloumi – for a vegetarian option (also holds up well on skewers).

Mix and match the veg

We used a combination of red and green pepper, but why stop there? Add some cherry tomatoes, courgette (zucchini), or red onion for some extra flavor and color. 

🧄 Marinade Substitutes

• Yogurt → Sour cream, buttermilk, or dairy-free yogurt (for dairy-free diets).
• Lemon juice → Lime juice or a splash of white wine vinegar.
• Olive oil → Avocado oil or grapeseed oil (neutral options).
• Smoked paprika → Regular paprika + a pinch of chipotle powder or liquid smoke.
• Cayenne pepper → Chili flakes, hot paprika, or omit for a milder flavor.
• Cumin → Ground coriander or garam masala for a different twist.
• Garlic → Garlic powder or roasted garlic paste.

Can this recipe be cooked in the oven?

Yep, it sure can! Roast in the oven at 220°C (425°F) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Wine and Drink Pairing

These Summery Spanish Chicken Skewers with smoky paprika and citrusy yogurt marinade call for a wine that complements both the smoky spice and the zesty freshness. Here are a few excellent pairings:

🍷 White Wines

1. Albariño (Spain)

• Crisp, citrusy, and slightly saline—perfect for cutting through the smoky marinade and enhancing the lemon and yogurt notes.

2. Verdejo (Rueda, Spain)

• Bright, aromatic, and slightly herbal. It matches beautifully with the cumin and paprika flavors.

3. Unoaked Chardonnay

• Clean and round without overpowering the spices. Choose a cooler-climate Chardonnay (like from Burgundy or Sonoma Coast).

🍷 Rosé Wines

1. Spanish Rosado (from Navarra or Rioja)

• Dry with red berry notes and a touch of spice—amazing with grilled meat and peppers.

2. Provence Rosé

• Delicate and refreshing, it works well with the light, smoky, and tangy profile of the skewers.

🍷 Red Wines (light-bodied)

1. Garnacha (Grenache)

• Fruity, low-tannin, and often slightly smoky—excellent with grilled chicken and paprika.

2. Pinot Noir

• If you prefer red, a light and juicy Pinot won’t overpower the chicken or marinade.

🧊 Bonus: Chilled Spanish Cava (Sparkling Wine)

• Crisp, fizzy, and festive—a great match for grilled tapas and summer vibes.

Serving Tip: Chill whites and rosés well, and if serving a light red (like Garnacha or Pinot), give it a slight chill (~15°C) for a refreshing summer pairing.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Serving Size: 1/5 of recipe (approx. 100g chicken + veggies & marinade)

*%DV based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

More Spanish Chicken Recipes:

Whether you’re looking for a no-fuss recipe that can easily be whipped up for a weeknight meal, or a high-protein post-workout dinner that’s healthy and nutritious, we’ve got you with 7 of our favorite easy chicken recipes that will transport your tastebuds straight to the Mediterranean!

Check out our complete recipe guide for 7 Easy Chicken Recipes That Are Perfect for Weeknight Dinners here. 

Love this recipe?

Leave us a comment and tell us your favorite Spanish recipe!