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- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Zest and juice of 2 fresh lemons - 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon honey - 1 teaspoon sea salt - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat) - Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes - When choosing chicken, look for fresh, firm pieces. Avoid chicken with any discoloration. The best chicken has no odor and feels moist. Always choose organic if you can for better taste and health. To make the marinade, start by mixing olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a bowl. This blend gives the chicken a fresh taste. Then, add chopped basil, minced garlic, honey, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like heat. Whisk until everything is well combined. Marinating is key for great flavor. Let the chicken soak in this mix for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, two hours is even better. This allows the chicken to absorb all the tasty flavors. Before grilling, preheat your grill over medium-high heat. This step is vital for a good sear on the chicken. If the grill is not hot enough, your chicken might cook unevenly. When skewering the chicken, use soaked wooden skewers. This prevents them from burning on the grill. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece. This helps them cook evenly and get nice grill marks. Cook the skewers on the grill for about 10 to 12 minutes. Turn them often to avoid burning and to get that golden-brown color. Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken is done. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is juicy and safe to eat. Once cooked, let the skewers rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to settle, making each bite even more delicious. For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This gives the chicken time to soak up all the great tastes. If you are short on time, even 15 minutes can help. Just make sure to coat the chicken well in the marinade. To get even cooking, preheat your grill for at least 10 minutes. This hot start helps the chicken sear nicely. Avoid common mistakes like overcrowding the grill. Leave space between the skewers so heat can circulate. Flip the skewers regularly for a nice brown color. Lemon basil chicken skewers pair well with rice or salad. For a fun touch, serve with a side of grilled veggies. To impress your guests, arrange the skewers on a large platter. Add lemon slices and fresh herbs around them for a colorful look. For a special touch, drizzle with olive oil just before serving. {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in this recipe. Shrimp is a great option, cooking quickly and soaking up flavors. Tofu is also a tasty choice for a vegetarian meal. When using shrimp, marinate for about 15-20 minutes. Tofu absorbs flavors slower, so marinate for at least an hour to get that zesty taste. To change the flavor, consider adding spices or herbs. For a smoky taste, try smoked paprika. If you enjoy heat, mix in more red pepper flakes. You can also add fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for a different twist. These small changes can create exciting new flavors with every bite. Make your skewers more colorful and nutritious by adding seasonal vegetables. Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini work well. Just cut them into similar sizes as the chicken. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to brighten the dish. These seasonal additions make the dish fun and fresh while enhancing the overall flavor of your lemon basil chicken skewers. For the full recipe, check out the details earlier. After grilling, let the skewers cool. This helps keep the chicken juicy. Store any leftovers in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to store them longer, freeze them. In the freezer, they last for about three months. Just make sure to label your container with the date. To reheat chicken skewers, use an oven or a grill. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the skewers on a baking tray. Heat for about 10 minutes. For the grill, preheat to medium heat. Grill for about five minutes, turning them to avoid burning. Avoid using a microwave, as this can make the chicken dry. You can prep skewers ahead of time. Marinate the chicken and place it on the skewers. Cover them and keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This helps the flavors soak in. For long-term storage, freeze prepped skewers in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. This makes it easy to grab and cook later. You can follow the full recipe for more details on preparation. To ensure your chicken is safe to eat, check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer for accuracy. If you don’t have one, look for visual cues. The chicken should be white and opaque, with no pink inside. Juices should run clear when you cut into it. Yes, you can use many herbs! Try parsley, cilantro, or oregano for different flavors. Each herb will change the taste of the dish. For example, cilantro adds a fresh, zesty flavor. Oregano gives a more earthy taste. Experiment to find what you enjoy most! These skewers pair well with light side dishes. Consider a fresh salad or grilled vegetables. You can also serve rice or couscous for a filling option. For drinks, try a chilled white wine or sparkling lemonade. These choices will balance the bright, zesty flavors of the chicken. Grilling chicken skewers requires a few key techniques. First, preheat your grill on medium-high heat. This helps get nice grill marks. Make sure to leave space between the chicken pieces on the skewer. This allows for even cooking. Turn the skewers occasionally for a nice, golden-brown color. Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a day in advance. Place the chicken in the marinade and keep it in the fridge. When ready to cook, just thread the pieces onto skewers and grill. This saves time and lets the flavors soak in more! For a quick meal, prepare the skewers and grill them just before serving. For the full recipe, check out the instructions above! In this post, I covered everything you need for tasty lemon basil chicken skewers. We explored the right ingredients, effective marinating, and grilling techniques. I shared tips for serving and variations to enhance flavor. Remember, cooking is about fun and creativity. Feel free to experiment with flavors and ingredients. Keep practicing, and you’ll master the grill. Enjoy your meals and the joy they bring!

- Lemon Basil Chicken Skewers

Elevate your summer grilling with these delicious Lemon Basil Chicken Skewers! This recipe features juicy marinated chicken cubes infused with the vibrant flavors of lemon and fresh basil, perfect for any backyard barbecue. Learn step-by-step how to create these tasty skewers in under an hour. Click to explore the full recipe and impress your guests with this mouthwatering dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Zest and juice of 2 fresh lemons

2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon honey

1 teaspoon sea salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)

Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil with the lemon zest and juice. Add the finely chopped basil, minced garlic, honey, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you prefer some heat). Whisk together until the marinade is well blended.

    Carefully add the cubed chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you want deeper flavor absorption.

      Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot. This ensures a nice sear on your chicken skewers.

        Once marinated, take the chicken out of the refrigerator. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece to allow for even cooking and better char.

          Place the skewers gently on the preheated grill. Cook for approximately 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally to achieve an even golden-brown color and delicious grill marks. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

            Once cooked through, remove the skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for a couple of minutes, which helps the juices redistribute throughout the chicken.

              Serve the skewers warm on a platter, garnished with fresh basil leaves and lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Arrange the skewers on a large serving platter, perhaps with a side of grilled vegetables or a refreshing salad to complement the bright flavors of the chicken. Scatter a few lemon slices around for added color and aroma.