Quick Answer
This blog post provides a comprehensive recipe for lemon herb grilled chicken skewers. The marinade, made with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a variety of herbs, infuses the chicken with delicious flavors. The post also includes serving suggestions, tips for grilling, and positive reviews from readers who have tried the recipe.
Introduction
Grilled chicken skewers are a beloved dish that combines the smoky flavors of grilling with tender and juicy pieces of marinated chicken. One variation that stands out is lemon herb grilled chicken skewers, which infuse the meat with zesty citrus notes and aromatic herbs. This recipe takes traditional grilled chicken to new heights by incorporating fresh ingredients like lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, oregano, parsley, and more.
The combination of tangy lemons and fragrant herbs creates a delightful flavor profile that elevates these skewers from ordinary to extraordinary. The acidity from the lemons helps tenderize the meat while adding brightness to each bite. Meanwhile, an array of savory herbs adds depth and complexity for a truly satisfying meal.
Not only do these lemon herb grilled chicken skewers taste incredible but they also offer versatility in terms of serving options. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for an easy weeknight dinner idea packed with flavor – this recipe has got you covered!
So let’s dive into how to prepare these mouthwatering Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Skewers!
Recipe Overview
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Skewers are a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for summer grilling. This recipe combines the tangy freshness of lemon with aromatic herbs to create tender and juicy chicken skewers bursting with flavor.
The key ingredients for this recipe include boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, fresh lemons, garlic cloves, olive oil, and an assortment of herbs such as rosemary, oregano, and parsley. These simple yet powerful ingredients work together to infuse the chicken with zesty citrus notes and fragrant herbaceousness.
Preparation
- Start by marinating the chicken in a mixture of freshly squeezed lemon juice (both zest and juice), minced garlic cloves, and chopped herbs like rosemary leaves.
- Allow the marinade flavors to penetrate into every bite by refrigerating it for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours if time permits.
- Once adequately marinated, thread your succulent pieces onto wooden or metal skewers, ensuring even distribution on each stick.
- Gently brush some additional marinade over them before placing them on preheated grill grates.
Grilling
Grill until they turn golden brown while making sure they’re cooked through completely without any pink center remaining inside. The cooking time may vary depending upon thickness but generally takes around 10-12 minutes per side when grilled over medium-high heat.
The grilling method adds smoky charred goodness which enhances their taste further. However, you can also use the oven’s broiler function if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill. Just place under high heat setting, turning once halfway through until done.
Marinade Preparation
Preparing the marinade is a crucial step in creating flavorful and tender lemon herb grilled chicken skewers. The combination of olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, and herbs infuses the chicken with bright citrusy flavors that complement its natural taste. Here’s how to prepare the marinade:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice and zest of 2 lemons
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- A handful of fresh herbs (such as rosemary, oregano, parsley), finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
To begin making the marinade for your chicken skewers:
- In a bowl or ziplock bag large enough to hold all the chicken pieces comfortably, combine olive oil along with freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Add in grated lemon zest which adds an extra burst of tanginess.
- Mince three cloves worths’ amounting into about one tablespoonful – this will give you just enough flavor without overpowering other ingredients!
- Next up comes adding those aromatic herbs! Finely chop them before tossing them into your mixture; it’ll help release their oils more effectively during marination process resulting better overall flavor profile when cooked later on down line…
- Season generously salt & black pepper according personal preference but remember don’t go overboard since we want our dish balanced rather than overly salty/spicy etc..
- Mix everything together until well combined ensuring each ingredient gets evenly distributed throughout entire liquid base.
Now that you have prepared your deliciously fragrant marinade let’s move onto discussing recommended marination time!
For optimal results allow at least thirty minutes minimum so flavors penetrate meat thoroughly however longer duration such as overnight would yield even tastier outcome due increased absorption period by proteins present within poultry fibers themselves…
Tips for enhancing the flavors:
- For an extra kick of flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or paprika to the marinade.
- If time allows, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator. This will allow all those wonderful flavors to meld together and result in even more tender and flavorful skewers.
- Before grilling, remove excess marinade from the chicken by gently patting it dry with paper towels. This helps prevent flare-ups on the grill.
By following these simple steps and tips, your lemon herb grilled chicken skewers are sure to be bursting with deliciousness!
Skewer Assembly
Threading the marinated chicken onto skewers is a crucial step in preparing lemon herb grilled chicken skewers. It not only ensures that the meat cooks evenly but also adds an appealing presentation to your dish.
Choosing the Type of Skewers
When it comes to choosing the type of skewers, you have two options – wooden or metal. Wooden skewers are more commonly used and readily available at most grocery stores. However, if you prefer reusable and durable options, metal skewers can be a great investment for grilling enthusiasts.
Preparing Wooden Skewers
Before threading the chicken onto wooden skewers, it’s important to soak them in water beforehand for about 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning during cooking on high heat while ensuring they stay intact throughout grilling.
Assembling the Skewers
- Start by removing excess marinade from each piece of marinated chicken.
- Take one end of a soaked wooden or metal skewer and carefully thread through one piece of seasoned poultry.
- Continue adding pieces until all desired portions are threaded on each individual stick.
- Leave some space between each chunk so that hot air circulates around every part during grilling process; this helps ensure even cooking without any undercooked spots.
- Repeat these steps with remaining ingredients until all prepared kebabs are assembled.
A helpful tip when assembling your kebabs is to alternate different components such as vegetables like bell peppers, onions or cherry tomatoes along with chunks of marinated chicken breast or thigh meat. This creates beautiful color contrasts while infusing additional flavors into every bite!
Remember not to overcrowd the sticks as tightly packed ingredients may result in unevenly cooked parts due to restricted airflow over certain areas – aim for spacing out everything adequately instead! By following these simple assembly instructions and tips mentioned above, you’ll achieve perfectly balanced flavor profiles alongside visually stunning presentations when serving up delicious lemon herb grilled chicken skewers.
Grilling Instructions
Grilling the lemon herb chicken skewers is a straightforward process that results in deliciously charred and flavorful meat. Whether you have access to a gas or charcoal grill, a grill pan, or even a flat top griddle, these instructions will guide you through achieving perfectly cooked skewers.
1. Preheat your Grill:
- Before starting the grilling process, preheat your chosen cooking surface.
- For gas and charcoal grills: Heat them to medium-high heat (around 400°F/200°C).
- If using an indoor option like a grill pan or flat top griddle, set it over medium-high heat on your stovetop.
2. Oil the Cooking Surface:
- To prevent sticking and ensure easy flipping of the chicken skewers during cooking, lightly oil the grate of your outdoor grill with vegetable oil.
- If using an indoor option such as a grill pan or flat top griddle, brush some oil onto its surface before heating it up.
3. Place Skewers on The Grill:
- Carefully place each marinated chicken skewer onto the heated cooking surface at least one inch apart from each other.
- This spacing allows for proper air circulation around each piece of meat while they cook evenly.
4. Cooking Time & Flipping:
- Cook for approximately 10 minutes per side until golden brown and thoroughly cooked through; this may vary depending on how thickly sliced your pieces are but aim for internal temperature reaching about 165°F(74°C).
5. Basting (Optional):
While turning occasionally throughout their time spent over direct heat, you can baste the grilled chicken with any remaining marinade if desired. This step adds extra flavor depth, but be cautious not to cross-contaminate by reusing marinade that has come into contact with raw poultry.
6. Resting Period:
Once fully cooked, remove from direct flame/grill, and allow resting for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
- Carefully remove each skewer from the grill using tongs or oven mitts, and transfer them onto a serving platter.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro if desired.
- Serve your lemon herb grilled chicken skewers hot alongside your favorite accompaniments such as flatbread, hummus, yogurt sauce, feta, tomatoes, cucumber salad, grilled lemons, and olives.
By following these grilling instructions, you’ll achieve perfectly cooked lemon herb chicken skewers that are juicy on the inside and beautifully charred on the outside. Enjoy this delicious dish at barbecues, picnics, outdoor gatherings – or even indoors when you’re craving those summer flavors all year round!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving lemon herb grilled chicken skewers, the options are endless. Here are some delicious accompaniments that will complement the flavors of this dish:
1. Flatbread:
Serve your grilled chicken skewers with warm flatbread for a satisfying and filling meal. You can either use store-bought or make your own homemade flatbread.
2. Hummus:
Pairing the tender and flavorful chicken with creamy hummus is always a winning combination. The smooth texture of hummus adds an extra layer of richness to each bite.
3. Yogurt Sauce:
Create a refreshing feta and herb yogurt sauce by combining Greek yogurt, crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice in a bowl. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Serve alongside the skewers as dipping sauce or drizzle over them before serving.
4. Fresh Fruits & Vegetables:
Add freshness to your plate by including sliced tomatoes, cucumber salad, grilled lemons alongside these succulent kebabs. The vibrant colors add visual appeal while providing additional textures and flavors on every forkful!
5. Grilled Veggies/Peppers:
Grilling vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, onions, mushrooms, etc., alongside the chicken not only enhances their natural sweetness but also provides variety in taste. Additionally, you can toss them lightly in olive oil, salt, and pepper prior to grilling for added flavor dimension.
6. Olives:
For those who love briny notes, pairing olives with these tangy herby kebabs would be perfect! The salty kick from olives complements beautifully against the citrus marinade used here.
To create an easy cucumber salad, toss together thinly sliced cucumbers, diced red onions, chopped mint leaves, freshly squeezed lime juice, a pinch of sugar (optional), salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Allow the flavors to meld together for about 10 minutes before serving.
These suggestions will elevate your lemon herb grilled chicken skewers into a complete and satisfying meal that is sure to impress family and friends. Feel free to mix and match these accompaniments based on your personal preferences or get creative with other side dishes that you love!
Tips and Variations
Making the perfect lemon herb grilled chicken skewers is all about adding your own personal touch. Here are some additional tips to enhance the flavors and variations you can try:
1. Experiment with Different Herbs and Spices:
- While rosemary, oregano, parsley, dill, or a combination of these herbs work well in the marinade for lemon herb grilled chicken skewers, don’t be afraid to get creative.
- Try adding other fresh herbs like thyme or basil for an aromatic twist.
- For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the marinade.
2. Infuse Extra Flavor Into Your Marinade:
- Add extra depth by including minced garlic cloves along with freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest in your marinade mixture.
- Consider incorporating grated ginger for a subtle kick that pairs beautifully with citrusy notes.
3. Optimize Marination Time:
The longer you marinate your chicken before grilling it on skewers, the more flavorful it will become as it absorbs all those delicious herby-lemon juices. However, if time is limited, you can still achieve great results even after just 30 minutes thanks to the thin slicing technique used here, which allows quick absorption.
4. Try Alternative Cooking Methods:
- If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, don’t worry! You can still make these mouthwatering skewers using alternative cooking methods such as utilizing the oven’s broiler function.
- Simply preheat your oven’s broiler setting (or use its grill function) at high temperature. Place prepared wooden-skewered-chicken onto a baking sheet lined pan. Broil them until they turn golden brown and cooked through. Make sure to keep turning occasionally so each side gets an evenly charred result similar to what we would expect from the traditional grilling method.
By following these tips and trying out different variations, you can create a lemon herb grilled chicken skewer recipe that suits your taste preferences. Whether it’s adding extra herbs or spices to the marinade or exploring alternative cooking methods, don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen!
Reader Reviews
At Brood, we love hearing from our readers who have tried out the recipes we share. Here are some positive comments and reviews from those who have made these delicious lemon herb grilled chicken skewers:
Sarah M.:
“I absolutely loved this recipe! The marinade was so flavorful with just the right amount of tanginess from the lemon juice. I added a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick, and it turned out amazing!”
John D.:
“These chicken skewers were a hit at my backyard barbecue party! The combination of fresh herbs and zesty lemon gave them such a vibrant taste that everyone enjoyed.”
Emily S.:
“I’m always looking for healthy yet tasty dinner options, and these grilled chicken skewers fit perfectly into my meal plan! They were juicy on the inside with crispy edges – simply delightful!”
Mark T.:
“Being vegetarian, I substituted tofu cubes instead of chicken in this recipe to make it suitable for me, and let me tell you – it worked like magic! The flavors still came through beautifully.”
We encourage all our readers to try making these mouthwatering lemon herb grilled chicken skewers themselves by following our easy-to-follow recipe above.
If you’ve already given this dish a go or if you decide to give it a try soon, please leave your own review or feedback below in the comments section as we would love to hear about your experience!
Remember that cooking is all about experimenting too; feel free to add your personal touches or modifications based on what ingredients resonate best with your palate.
Happy grilling!
The Brood Team
Conclusion
Lemon herb grilled chicken skewers are a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. Throughout this blog post, we have explored various recipes and tips from external sources to help you create the ultimate lemony, herby flavor in your grilled chicken skewers.
By marinating the chicken with ingredients such as olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, rosemary, oregano, parsley or dill – you can infuse it with incredible flavors. The marinade not only adds depth but also helps tenderize the meat while grilling.
The beauty of these skewers lies in their simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients combined together harmoniously on wooden or metal sticks before being cooked over an open flame – they transform into succulent bites bursting with tanginess from lemons and aromatic herbs.
When serving these delectable treats at your next gathering or family mealtime spread out some flatbread alongside them along with accompaniments like hummus yogurt sauce feta tomatoes cucumber salad olives etc., which will elevate its taste even further!
Don’t be afraid to get creative! Experiment by adding different herbs or spices to customize the marinade according to your preferences. You could try using thyme instead of rosemary for a more earthy flavor profile; swap out parsley for cilantro if you enjoy vibrant tastes; sprinkle red pepper flakes onto each piece before grilling if heat is what excites your palate!
In conclusion, lemon herb grilled chicken skewers offer an easy yet impressive way to bring bold flavors straight off the grill onto our plates. So why wait? Give this recipe a go today! Whether enjoyed as part of casual backyard barbecues or served up elegantly at dinner parties- there’s no doubt that everyone will love sinking their teeth into juicy pieces infused beautifully by zesty citrus notes & fragrant garden-fresh aromas. Try experimenting too because when it comes to these skewers, the possibilities are endless.