Moroccan Chicken Skewers

Moroccan Chicken:

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken, cut into bite size cubes
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled + roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 tablespoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 small to medium lemons, grated + juiced
• 1 (6 ounce) jar marinated artichoke quarters
• 1 bunch asparagus, cut into fourths
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes

Lemon Herb Vinaigrette:

• 1 lemon, juiced + zest
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 a lime, juiced

Herbed Yogurt:

• 1 cup plain greek yogurt (I use 2%)
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• salt and pepper, to taste

• Place the chicken in a gallon size ziplock bag or medium size bowl.
• To the bowl of a food processor add the garlic, ginger, cayenne, cilantro, parsley, smoked paprika, cumin, salt and pepper. Process 1-2 minutes or until everything is finely chopped. Stream in 1/2 cup olive oil. Stir in the lemon zest + juice. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss well. Place in the fridge for at least 2 hour or overnight.
• Meanwhile make the vinaigrette. Add the lemon zest and juice to a small sauce pot. Bring mixture to a simmer and simmer, about 1 minute or until the zest absorbs the juice. WATCH CLOSELY, you do not want the zest to get burnt to the pan. Spoon the zest out of the pot and into a small bowl. Add the olive oil, parsley, salt, honey and lime juice. Whisk to combine. Set aside.
• To make the minted goat cheese yogurt mix together the greek yogurt, chopped mint, freshly chopped dill, lemon juice and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in the crumbled goat cheese. Place in the fridge until ready to use.
• Preheat the grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Thread the chicken, asparagus and artichokes onto metal skewers (or wood skewers that have been soaked in water). I alternated with asparagus+ artichokes + cherry tomatoes and then chicken, repeat. Place the chicken on the grill until the chicken is golden and no longer pink in the center, about 5 minutes each side. You may also cook the chicken in a skillet if needed. Serve the chicken with the the lemon herb vinaigrette and the herbed yogurt.