Spring Veggie & Lemon Moroccan Chicken Skewers with Minted Goat Cheese Yogurt
Try this Spring Veggie & Lemon Moroccan Chicken Skewers with Minted Goat Cheese Yogurt recipe.
Try this Spring Veggie & Lemon Moroccan Chicken Skewers with Minted Goat Cheese Yogurt recipe.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon salt
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken cut into bite size cubes
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt (i use 0%)
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint chopped
- 2-3 ounces goat cheese crumbled
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger peeled + roughly chopped
- 2 dried chile de arbol seeds removed (or 1/2 -1 teaspoon cayenne pepper)
- 2 small to medium lemons grated + juiced
- 1 (6 ounce) jar marinated artichoke quarters
- 1 bunch asparagus cut into fourths
- 1 lemon, juiced + zest
- 1/2 a lime juiced
- Carbohydrate 3.25127640074249 g
- Cholesterol 79.37866475 mg
- Fat 12.8680028100572 g
- Fiber 1.12635872529752 g
- Protein 24.9178043421325 g
- Saturated Fat 2.19968440141472 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -8 SKEWERS (139g)
- Sodium 105.016262399238 mg
- Sugar 2.12491767544498 g
- Trans Fat 1.02956025817896 g
- Calories 230 calories
Step-by-step
- Place the chicken in a gallon size ziplock bag or medium size bowl.
- To the bowl of a food processor add the garlic, ginger, dried chile de arbol (or 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. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss well. Place in the fridge for at least 2 hours 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, crushed red pepper flakes, 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 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 lemon herb vinaigrette and the minted goat cheese yogurt.
A Busy Mom's Delight: Spring Veggie & Lemon Moroccan Chicken Skewers
As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Weeknight dinners need to be quick, healthy, and, let's be honest, exciting enough to tempt even my picky eaters. That's why I've fallen head over heels for this Spring Veggie & Lemon Moroccan Chicken Skewer recipe. It's a vibrant explosion of flavor, ready in under an hour, and requires minimal cleanup – a trifecta for any busy parent!
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The marinade, a fragrant blend of garlic, ginger, spices, and olive oil, infuses the chicken with incredible depth. I usually prepare the marinade in the morning, allowing the chicken to soak up all that deliciousness while I tackle the day. Then, when dinner time rolls around, it's a matter of threading the chicken onto skewers (I prefer metal for ease of grilling), adding some colorful asparagus and artichoke hearts, and grilling until perfectly cooked. The whole process takes around 20 minutes – even faster if you use a grill pan indoors.
The sides are equally effortless. A zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette adds a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the chicken, while the minted goat cheese yogurt provides a creamy, tangy coolness that balances the spices perfectly. I often double the yogurt recipe, using it as a dip for veggies or a spread on sandwiches throughout the week. It's that versatile!
This dish is more than just a convenient weeknight meal; it's a celebration of fresh spring produce. The asparagus and artichokes add a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness, complementing the savory chicken beautifully. It's a dish that's both healthy and satisfying, leaving you feeling energized and ready to tackle whatever the evening brings.
Beyond the Weeknight: This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Feel free to swap out the vegetables for whatever’s in season – bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and even pineapple would be delicious additions. If grilling isn't your thing, you can easily bake the skewers in the oven or pan-fry them on the stovetop. The versatility is a major plus, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Tips for Success:
- Marinate overnight: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill: Ensure there’s enough space between the skewers for even cooking.
- Use pre-cut vegetables: Save time by buying pre-cut asparagus and artichoke hearts.
- Get the kids involved: Threading the skewers is a fun activity for little ones.
This Spring Veggie & Lemon Moroccan Chicken Skewer recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a testament to the fact that delicious, healthy, and convenient dinners are entirely achievable, even for the busiest among us. Give it a try, and I’m confident it will become a staple in your family’s dinner rotation.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of couscous or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Add a simple green salad for extra freshness.
- Use leftover chicken to create wraps or salads.
So go ahead, treat yourself (and your family) to a flavorful and stress-free dinner. You deserve it!
