Chicken and Vegetable Skewers with Basil and Lemon Marinade

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.

Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • Wooden or metal skewers (8-10, soaked in water if wooden)
  • Salt (1 teaspoon, or to taste)
  • Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon, or to taste)
  • Olive oil (1/4 cup)
  • Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
  • Lemon (1, juiced and zested)
  • Fresh basil leaves (1/2 cup, chopped)
  • Cherry tomatoes (2 cups)
  • Red onion (1 medium, cut into wedges)
  • Bell peppers (2 medium (any color), cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • Chicken breast (1.5 pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. If baking, place the skewers on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
  7. Serve the skewers hot, garnished with extra fresh basil leaves. Pair with a light salad or couscous for a complete meal.

Dietary Information

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