Grilled Chicken Skewers recipe

These vibrant grilled chicken skewers are packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, featuring tender chicken marinated in lemon, garlic, and herbs, then grilled to perfection. They're an easy and impressive dish perfect for summer BBQs or a weeknight meal.

Servings: 4 Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 12-15 minutes Total time: 32-35 minutes (plus minimum 30 minutes marinating time) Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Marinade:

• 600 g (1.3 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes

• 60 ml (4 tablespoons) olive oil

• 30 ml (2 tablespoons) fresh lemon juice

• 3 cloves garlic, minced (~15 g)

• 5 ml (1 teaspoon) dried oregano

• 2.5 ml (½ teaspoon) dried thyme

• 5 ml (1 teaspoon) smoked paprika

• 2.5 ml (½ teaspoon) salt

• 1.25 ml (¼ teaspoon) black pepper

For the Skewers (Optional):

• 2 medium bell peppers (any color), cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) pieces (~300 g total)

• 1 medium red onion, cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) pieces (~120 g)

• 200 g (1 cup) cherry tomatoes

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl

• Whisk

• Sharp knife

• Cutting board

• 10-12 metal or wooden skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for at least 30 minutes)

• Grill (gas or charcoal)

• Tongs

• Meat thermometer

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken (5 minutes): Pat the chicken cubes dry with paper towels. In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk well to combine. Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, tossing to ensure all pieces are evenly coated.

2. Marinate (30 minutes - 2 hours): Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for best flavor. If using wooden skewers, this is a good time to soak them in water.

3. Prepare Vegetables (5 minutes): While the chicken marinates, chop your bell peppers and red onion into similarly sized pieces as the chicken.

4. Thread the Skewers (10 minutes): Thread the marinated chicken and vegetables alternately onto the skewers. Don't overcrowd them; leave a little space between pieces for even cooking.

5. Preheat Grill (10 minutes): Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 200-230°C / 400-450°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

6. Grill the Skewers (12-15 minutes): Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 74°C (165°F).

7. Rest and Serve (5 minutes): Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken tender.

Tips & Variations

• Don't Overcrowd: Leave a small gap between ingredients on the skewer to allow heat to circulate, ensuring everything cooks evenly.

• Marinating Time: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or even overnight. However, 30 minutes will still yield tasty results.

• Check Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a bit of heat.

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and use halloumi cheese, firm tofu, or a wider variety of vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and pineapple chunks.

• Different Protein: This marinade works wonderfully with shrimp, pork tenderloin, or even firm fish like swordfish. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving (approximate)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal

• Protein: 35-40 g

• Carbs: 10-15 g

• Fat: 20-25 g

Shopping List

• Chicken thighs or breasts

• Olive oil

• Lemon

• Garlic

• Dried oregano

• Dried thyme

• Smoked paprika

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Bell peppers

• Red onion

• Cherry tomatoes

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Quick summary: Zesty grilled chicken skewers with lemon, garlic, and herbs, perfect for a flavorful and easy meal.