Teresa's Recipes
Chicken and Vegetable Skewers with Basil and Lemon Marinade
Elevate your grilling game with these vibrant Chicken and Vegetable Skewers! Marinated in a zesty basil and lemon blend, these skewers bring a burst of flavor and color to your table. Perfect for summer barbecues or a cozy family dinner, they are not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes. Each bite delivers tender chicken alongside juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp bell peppers, and savory red onion, making it a well-rounded dish that celebrates the freshness of seasonal produce. Historically, skewering meats and vegetables over an open flame dates back centuries, allowing for communal cooking and delightful flavors.
Ingredients
- 8-10, soaked in water if wooden Wooden or metal skewers
- 1 teaspoon, or to taste Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste Black pepper
- 1/4 cup Olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1, juiced and zested Lemon
- 1/2 cup, chopped Fresh basil leaves
- 2 cups Cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium, cut into wedges Red onion
- 2 medium (any color), cut into bite-sized pieces Bell peppers
- 1.5 pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes Chicken breast
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 8g
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Sugar: 2g
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped basil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended to create a fragrant marinade.
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C). If using an oven, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- While the grill is heating, prepare the skewers. Thread the marinated chicken, bell peppers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes onto the soaked skewers, alternating between ingredients for a colorful presentation.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C) and the vegetables are tender.
- If baking, place the skewers on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
- Serve the skewers hot, garnished with extra fresh basil leaves. Pair with a light salad or couscous for a complete meal.
Tips
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what’s in season or your personal preferences—zucchini, mushrooms, and asparagus work well too.
- If you prefer, you can use shrimp or firm tofu as a substitute for chicken.