Herbed Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers
Try this Herbed Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Herbed Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- marinade:
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
- 1 1/2 tablespoons finely minced garlic
- 1/2 cup minced fresh herbs i used a mix of basil, rosemary and oregano
- skewers:
- 2 medium zucchini cut into 1/2 inch slices
- 1 large red bell pepper cut into 3/4 inch squares
- 1 medium red onion cut into wedges and then 3/4 inch square
- 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1 inch cubes
- 1 lemon cut into wedges for serving
- Carbohydrate 4.0971699193713 g
- Cholesterol 65.77089365 mg
- Fat 6.68281668675089 g
- Fiber 0.934630709017339 g
- Protein 26.7399592024781 g
- Saturated Fat 1.09889868345608 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (167g)
- Sodium 75.7744383301712 mg
- Sugar 3.16253921035396 g
- Trans Fat 0.585373044997509 g
- Calories 188 calories
Step-by-step
- In a small bowl combine garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, herbs, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Set aside.
- Place cut vegetables in a zip lock bag and add 3 tablespoons of the herb marinade. Toss to coat.
- Place chicken in separate bag and add remaining marinade and toss to coat.
- Let sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes and up to 4-6 hours.
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Thread the skewers alternating with meat and vegetables.
- Lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Grill for 3-4 minutes and then flip.
- Continue to cook and flip when necessary until the chicken is cooked through to 165 degrees.
- Serve with lemon wedges and squeeze on top.
Herbed Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers: A Summertime Delight
As a busy working mom, I'm always on the lookout for quick, healthy, and delicious meals that the whole family will enjoy. Summer evenings spent grilling are a cherished tradition in our home, and these Herbed Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers have become a firm favorite. They’re incredibly flavorful, easy to prepare ahead of time, and require minimal cleanup – a huge win in my book! The vibrant colors of the vegetables and the fragrant herbs make them a visually appealing dish, perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a more elaborate gathering with friends.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The marinade, a fragrant blend of garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, fresh herbs, olive oil, salt, and pepper, infuses the chicken and vegetables with incredible flavor. I love using a mix of fresh herbs – basil, rosemary, and oregano work beautifully together, but feel free to experiment with your favorites. Thyme or parsley would also be delicious additions. The marinade not only adds depth of flavor but also helps to keep the chicken moist and tender during grilling.
Preparing the skewers ahead of time is key to effortless grilling. I usually marinate the chicken and vegetables the night before, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This means that when dinner time arrives, all I need to do is thread the ingredients onto skewers and toss them on the grill. The grilling process itself is quick and easy, taking only about 10-12 minutes. The result is juicy, flavorful chicken and perfectly charred vegetables, a culinary masterpiece achievable even on the busiest of days.
Tips and Variations:
For the marinade: Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes would add a nice kick, or you could use a different citrus fruit like lime or orange.
For the vegetables: Feel free to substitute your favorite vegetables. Cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, bell peppers of different colors, and onions are all excellent choices. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
For serving: A simple side of couscous, quinoa, or rice pairs perfectly with these skewers. A fresh green salad adds a refreshing contrast.
Make it a party platter: These skewers are also fantastic for parties and gatherings. Prepare a large batch ahead of time and arrange them attractively on a platter. Your guests will be impressed by the ease and elegance of this dish.
These Herbed Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers are much more than just a meal; they're a celebration of summer flavors and a testament to the fact that delicious, healthy food doesn’t have to be complicated. So, gather your family and friends, fire up the grill, and enjoy the vibrant tastes of summer.
Beyond the Grill: While grilling is the traditional method, you can also bake these skewers in the oven. Simply preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Leftovers: Leftover skewers are just as delicious the next day! They're perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. You can enjoy them cold or reheat them gently in a pan or microwave.
So next time you're looking for a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner, give these Herbed Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers a try. They're a surefire way to impress your family and friends, and they’ll quickly become a go-to recipe in your culinary repertoire.
