Herbed Chicken & Veggie Skewers
Highlighted under: Quick & Easy
I absolutely love these Herbed Chicken & Veggie Skewers! They are the perfect blend of juicy chicken and colorful vegetables, seasoned to perfection. When I first experimented with this recipe, I wanted something quick yet delicious for a summer barbecue. The result was impressive; my family couldn't stop raving about the flavors. What I adore the most is how the marinade infuses the chicken with a fragrant herbaceous note while keeping it incredibly moist. Trust me, these skewers will become a favorite in your home just like they have in mine!
When I first decided to make these Herbed Chicken & Veggie Skewers, I was inspired by the abundance of fresh herbs in my garden. I wanted the flavors to shine, so I created a marinade with olive oil, garlic, and mixed herbs. This combination not only tenderizes the chicken but also enhances the natural flavors of the veggies as they grill. I recommend letting the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to fully absorb the seasoning.
During one of our grilling nights, I discovered that using wooden skewers makes a difference in presentation. Make sure to soak them in water for about 15 minutes beforehand. This way, they don’t burn on the grill and your skewers look beautiful and vibrant when served!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Juicy chicken infused with aromatic herbs
- Colorful and crisp vegetables add great texture
- Perfect for grilling season or quick weeknight dinners
- Healthy and low in calories yet filling
Choosing the Right Ingredients
To make the most flavorful Herbed Chicken & Veggie Skewers, opting for fresh ingredients is key. Fresh herbs such as parsley and thyme not only brighten the marinade but also lend their aromatic qualities to the chicken as it cooks. If fresh herbs are hard to find, dried herbs can be used, but the flavors won't be as vibrant. Additionally, selecting organic chicken can enhance the overall taste, making the dish even more enjoyable.
When it comes to vegetables, feel free to get creative! While bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions work beautifully, you can substitute vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or asparagus could add delightful flavors and textures. Just ensure the vegetables have similar cooking times to the chicken so everything cooks evenly on the grill.
Mastering the Skewering Technique
Properly assembling your skewers can make a real difference in cooking efficiency. When threading the ingredients, try to leave a small gap between them. This technique allows the heat and smoke to circulate properly, which results in a beautifully charred exterior and tender inside. If using wooden skewers, pre-soaking them helps to prevent burning; at least 15-30 minutes is ideal. However, if you find your skewers still catch fire, consider wrapping the exposed sections in aluminum foil when you start grilling.
Alternating between chicken and vegetables is not just aesthetically pleasing but also ensures that everything cooks uniformly. For instance, the chicken may cook slightly faster than denser vegetables, so spacing them out helps achieve that perfect tenderness. If you find that the chicken appears done while the veggies are still crunchy, simply move the skewers to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking without drying out the chicken.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the skewers
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red onion, quartered
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, fresh parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a marinade.
Marinate the Chicken
Add the cubed chicken to the marinade and mix until fully coated. Cover and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Skewers
While the chicken marinates, soak wooden skewers in water for about 15 minutes to prevent burning. This is especially important if you’re using wooden skewers.
Assemble the Skewers
Thread the marinated chicken, bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion onto the skewers, alternating between chicken and vegetables.
Grill the Skewers
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Serve
Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Herbed Chicken & Veggie Skewers!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or zest in the marinade. Experiment with different vegetables based on what's in season or your personal preferences!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These skewers can be marinated a day in advance, making meal prep a breeze. After marinating, simply cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This not only saves you time on busy days but also enhances the flavor as the chicken absorbs the herbs overnight. If you have leftover skewers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the grill for a quick meal.
If you're looking to pack some extra flavor, consider making a double batch of the marinade to use as a dressing for side salads or grilled pineapples. Just be sure to keep the used marinade from the chicken separate, as it can harbor bacteria. Always reserve some marinade before adding the raw chicken if you plan to use it as a dressing.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Herbed Chicken & Veggie Skewers are not only delightful on their own but also paired well with various sides. A light couscous salad or jasmine rice complements the flavors beautifully and adds a nice base. Tossing in some fresh lemon or feta cheese can elevate the dish, adding tanginess that works well with the herb-infused chicken.
For a complete meal, consider serving these skewers with a cooling tzatziki sauce or a vibrant chimichurri. Both sauces add a refreshing contrast to the savory skewers, making each bite exciting. Additionally, these skewers could be served over a bed of greens as a hearty salad; just slice the cooked skewers into bite-sized pieces for easy serving.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use different meats?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
→ What vegetables can I use?
Feel free to use your favorites! Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and asparagus also work great on skewers.
→ Can I make these in the oven?
Yes, you can bake the skewers in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
→ What can I serve with these skewers?
These skewers pair wonderfully with a side salad, rice, or grilled potatoes for a complete meal.
Herbed Chicken & Veggie Skewers
I absolutely love these Herbed Chicken & Veggie Skewers! They are the perfect blend of juicy chicken and colorful vegetables, seasoned to perfection. When I first experimented with this recipe, I wanted something quick yet delicious for a summer barbecue. The result was impressive; my family couldn't stop raving about the flavors. What I adore the most is how the marinade infuses the chicken with a fragrant herbaceous note while keeping it incredibly moist. Trust me, these skewers will become a favorite in your home just like they have in mine!
What You'll Need
For the skewers
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red onion, quartered
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers
How-To Steps
In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, fresh parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a marinade.
Add the cubed chicken to the marinade and mix until fully coated. Cover and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
While the chicken marinates, soak wooden skewers in water for about 15 minutes to prevent burning. This is especially important if you’re using wooden skewers.
Thread the marinated chicken, bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion onto the skewers, alternating between chicken and vegetables.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Herbed Chicken & Veggie Skewers!
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or zest in the marinade. Experiment with different vegetables based on what's in season or your personal preferences!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 90mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 9g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 29g