Chicken, Artichoke and Grape Skewers with Tarragon-Yogurt Sauce

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When it comes to getting foodie inspiration from restaurants, it usually goes something like this.

View menu online before visiting restaurant. Usually unnecessarily far in advance.

Wipe the drool from my keyboard (or phone) and realize something has caught my eye.

Get to restaurant, pretend to read the menu, while convincing husband to order my second favorite option. Because I already decided on that as well.

Order. Anxiously await.

Take the first bite, and revel in the fact that I am the world’s best order-er because I’m always able to pick out the best item on the menu.

Eat every last bite, wiping up every drop of sauce and spice. This is very necessary so I can figure out exactly what I’m putting in this, when I re-create it at home.

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Unfortunately, my most recent visit to a trendy new restaurant didn’t quite go this way. I got through step four, deciding on a chicken, grape and artichoke kabob for one of our appetizers. After that, things fell apart.

The skewer that arrived was threaded with chicken that had been grilled, then sliced, and chilled, alternated with cold grapes and artichokes and not much of a seasoning in site. Needless to say, it didn’t match the vision I had for a fresh grilled kabob with steamy, plump fruit and savory vegetables aside hot, marinated chicken. Apparently, the chef missed the memo on what’s good.

What’s a foodie with an unsatisfied craving to do? Make it at home. The right way. Of course.

PS: If you’re local to me and wondering what restaurant this was, just ask – I’m happy to share. Fortunately while this one particular item wasn’t exactly what I expected, we very much enjoyed the rest of our meal and I’ll gladly recommend some other things on the menu!

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Chicken, Artichoke and Grape Skewers with Tarragon-Yogurt Sauce
Printable Recipe

Skewers
2 tablespoons olive oil
zest from 1 lemon
2 tablespoons lemon juice
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 chicken breasts, about 5oz each, trimmed and cut into 3/4″ cubes
9 oz package frozen artichokes, cooked according to package directions
1 cup (160gm) seedless red grapes

Tarragon-Yogurt Sauce
1/2 cup (4oz) nonfat plain Greek yogurt
2 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons water
2 teaspoons finely chopped tarragon
salt and pepper, to taste

If using wooden skewers, arrange them on a rimmed baking sheet and cover with hot water (it doesn’t need to be boiling; hot water from the tap is fine. Soaking the skewers helps prevent them from catching on fire while grilling.)

To prepare skewers, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, mustard, and salt. Add chicken and allow to marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, pre-heat grill to medium-low heat. Prepare tarragon-yogurt sauce by combining all ingredients in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Thread chicken, artichokes and grapes onto skewers. Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through. Serve warm with tarragon-yogurt sauce.

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe: 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 291.7
Total Fat 9.2 g
Saturated Fat 1.6 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.2 g
Monounsaturated Fat 5.4 g
Cholesterol 82.2 mg
Sodium 816.5 mg
Potassium 659.0 mg
Total Carbohydrate 16.5 g
Dietary Fiber 3.7 g
Sugars 4.9 g
Protein 38.5 g

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17 Responses to “Chicken, Artichoke and Grape Skewers with Tarragon-Yogurt Sauce”

  1. 1

    Emily — June 21, 2011 @ 1:24 pm Reply

    These look excellent – and, in fact, I'd love to try them substituting grapes with olives!

  2. 2

    Nicole, RD — June 21, 2011 @ 1:51 pm Reply

    These sound…amazing! So unique! We would love these in my hosue – can't wait to make them!

  3. 3

    Cara — June 21, 2011 @ 1:54 pm Reply

    Ohh, I bet olives and grapes together would actually be great! I've made afennel salad that uses both.

  4. 4

    Tracey Jones — June 21, 2011 @ 2:29 pm Reply

    I hate when I order at a restaurant and know I can make it better at home! These look great! YUM! 🙂

  5. 5

    Amanda L. — June 21, 2011 @ 3:19 pm Reply

    This looks delicious!

  6. 6

    Dawn Hutchins — June 21, 2011 @ 3:21 pm Reply

    I am impressed with this recreation Cara.  I'm definitely saving this one.  And I had to laugh at your restaurant visits.  I am the SAME way.  From reading the menu way to early to trying to convince Chris to order my second favorite thing (though that rarely works.)

  7. 7

    Joanne — June 21, 2011 @ 5:54 pm Reply

    I hate it when restaurant food disappoints, but I also kinda love it because it means I get to recreate it at home!  You've done an awesome job with these and should probably give the chef some tips on how to better his fare!

  8. 8

    Chrysta — June 21, 2011 @ 6:29 pm Reply

    So good! You should take yours to the restaurant and show the chef how to do it the right way!=)

  9. 9

    d.liff @ yelleBELLYboo — June 21, 2011 @ 6:29 pm Reply

    I made a similar, more hearty dinner not long ago (http://yellebellyboo.blogspot.com/2011/06/chicken-and-artichokes-in-white-wine.html)  I love that your recipe doesn't make me want to crave carbs!  It'd be a great appetizer too!!

  10. 10

    Junia @ Mis Pensamientos — June 21, 2011 @ 8:57 pm Reply

    ooo love the idea of grapes on skewers!!! grilling fruit is amazing! gonna make my kebabs soon too~~~ 😀

  11. 11

    Kaytorade — June 22, 2011 @ 2:46 am Reply

    I always pick out my meals beforehand and hate when they don't live up to expectations!

  12. 12

    Noelle M Ritter — June 22, 2011 @ 11:29 pm Reply

    What a fabulous combo!

  13. 13

    Kerstin — June 23, 2011 @ 3:13 am Reply

    Mmm, your version is making my mouth water!  I feel like I'm becoming more and more disappointed at restaurants now that I'm better in the kitchen, but you're right, at least the idea of the dish is still inspiring and we can make something tasty at home.  I haven't used grapes in a savory dish yet and definitely need to!

  14. 14

    Olga @ MangoTomato — June 27, 2011 @ 1:38 am Reply

    gorgeous! I've also done the same with pork

  15. 15

    Mara — June 28, 2011 @ 5:05 am Reply

    I can't sleep and am getting caught up on blog reading.  Unfortunately, I am now drooling and bummed that I have to wait until the grocery opens to go get the ingredients.  Also, I died laughing, because John and I are always attempting to convince each other to get our 2nd choice!

  16. 16

    Jana — December 29, 2011 @ 2:26 pm Reply

    I Cara I'm new to reading your blog and love it! How long and what temperature do you cook the skewers for, I cant seem to find it? Thanks

  17. 17

    Cara — December 29, 2011 @ 2:44 pm Reply

    Hi Jana! Wow, this is embarrassing – I can't believe I posted this missing a whole chunk of text, and that no one else noticed! (shows what careful readers they are!) I am so sorry about that. I just edited the post to give the instructions. Hope you enjoy this recipe!

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