Description
This Chicken Skewers recipe features tender and flavorful marinated chicken pieces grilled to perfection on bamboo skewers. Combined with fresh herbs and a vibrant marinade of garlic, ginger, and olive oil, these skewers are ideal for a quick and satisfying meal that serves four.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
Marinade
- 1 cup fresh parsley, minced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, minced
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped fine
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1½ tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1½ cups olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
Other
- ½ teaspoon salt (for chicken seasoning)
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 8 wooden bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 15-30 minutes
Instructions
- Prepare the skewers: Soak the bamboo skewers in water for at least 15-30 minutes before threading to prevent burning during grilling.
- Make the marinade: In a large bowl, combine the minced fresh parsley, cilantro, and basil. Add dried oregano, garlic powder, ginger powder, olive oil, salt, and fresh cracked black pepper. Stir thoroughly until well blended.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the cut chicken pieces in a separate bowl. Add ¼ to ½ cup of the prepared marinade, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to coat all pieces evenly. Reserve the remaining marinade in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4-6 days.
- Let chicken marinate: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors fully.
- Thread the chicken onto skewers: Carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, leaving about 1 inch of space at one end to hold the skewer without burning. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high temperature to prepare for cooking.
- Grill the skewers: Place the chicken skewers on the grill, spacing them apart for even heat distribution. Grill each side for 3-4 minutes, turning to cook all sides evenly (approximate total cooking time 12-16 minutes). While grilling, baste each turn with additional reserved marinade to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Check for doneness: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill once cooked through. Serve hot with accompaniments like pita bread, hummus, tzatziki, and fresh vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Soaking bamboo skewers helps prevent them from catching fire on the grill.
- You can use either chicken breasts or thighs based on preference; thighs tend to be juicier after grilling.
- Reserve extra marinade for basting to keep chicken moist and flavorful during grilling.
- Do not overcrowd the skewers to ensure even cooking and proper heat circulation.
- Leftover marinade can be kept refrigerated for up to 4-6 days but should not be reused for raw chicken after grilling.
- Check chicken temperature with an instant-read thermometer to guarantee it is fully cooked.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
