This chicken shish recipe is perfect for grilling and offers a taste of the Mediterranean. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful mixture of lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and spices, and then grilled to perfection. It’s a simple and healthy dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or at a summer party or barbecue.
Chicken Shish Recipe Ingredients
To make this chicken shish recipe, you’ll need
- boneless skinless chicken breasts
- lemon juice
- olive oil
- Dijon mustard
- turmeric
- smoked paprika
- minced garlic
- sea salt
- lemon pepper
- fresh dill
- bell peppers
- onions
- bamboo skewers
Chicken Shish Recipe Instructions
- Start by cutting the chicken into cubes, ensuring they are all similar in size to ensure even cooking.
- In a bowl, prepare the chicken shish marinade by combining the lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, turmeric, smoked paprika, minced garlic, sea salt, lemon pepper, and fresh dill. Mix the ingredients well until they form a smooth marinade.
- Place the chicken cubes in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring that all the chicken is evenly coated. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the chicken to marinate and absorb the flavors.
- While the chicken is marinating, soak the bamboo skewers in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. This will also help the chicken cook evenly.
- After the marinating time is complete, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and thread the chicken cubes onto the skewers, alternating with bell peppers and onions for added flavor and colour.
- Preheat the grill to medium heat. Once preheated, place the skewers on the grill and cook for approximately 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a slightly charred exterior.
- Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will ensure that the juices redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish.
These delicious Mediterranean-style chicken shish kebabs are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them with a side salad, grilled vegetables, or some warm pita bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply looking for a tasty dinner idea, these marinated and grilled chicken skewers are sure to impress!
Nutrition Details
When it comes to healthy meals, these delicious chicken shish kebabs are a fantastic choice. Each serving of these mouthwatering kebabs contains approximately 171 calories. Not only are they packed with flavor, but they are also high in protein and low in carbohydrates, making them a nutritious option for a satisfying meal. The secret lies in the delicious marinade that enhances the taste of the succulent chicken without adding excess calories or fat.
To put it simply, these chicken shish kebabs are a guilt-free indulgence that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.
Add Some Variety to Your Plate
Incorporate these delicious and healthy chicken shish kebabs into your weekly meal rotation for a well-balanced diet. Their nutritional profile, combined with the enticing marinade, will have your taste buds craving more. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different side dishes that complement the Mediterranean-inspired flavors of these kebabs. From fresh salads to roasted vegetables, the options are endless when it comes to serving these scrumptious kebabs.
Variations
This chicken shish recipe can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer an easy homemade version or a more authentic Mediterranean style, there are several ways to make this dish your own.
Adjust the Spices
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of spices in the marinade. On the other hand, if you love bold and spicy flavors, feel free to add a bit more of your favorite spices. Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect balance for your taste buds.
Add More Vegetables
To enhance the flavors and textures of the dish, consider adding some additional vegetables to the skewers. Cherry tomatoes and mushrooms are popular choices that complement the chicken beautifully. Not only will this add variety to your dish, but it will also increase the nutritional value.
Serve with Mediterranean-Inspired Side Dishes
The best chicken shish recipe is often enjoyed with a variety of Mediterranean-inspired side dishes. Pair your chicken shish kebabs with classics like tzatziki, hummus, or Greek salad for a complete and satisfying meal. These sides will complement the flavors of the chicken and enhance the overall dining experience.
Try out these variations and create your own authentic chicken shish recipe. Mix and match the flavors and ingredients to suit your preferences and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal. The possibilities are endless when it comes to making this classic Mediterranean dish your own!
Preparation and Cooking Time
The preparation time for this chicken shish recipe is minimal. To achieve the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the marinade to infuse the chicken, resulting in juicy and flavorful skewers.
When it comes to cooking the chicken shish kebabs, you have two options—grilling or using an oven. If you prefer the smoky and charred taste of grilled chicken, fire up the barbecue and cook the skewers over medium heat. It’s best to turn them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Alternatively, if you don’t have access to a grill or simply prefer the convenience of using an oven, you can still achieve delicious results. Preheat your oven to the appropriate temperature—around 200°C (400°F)—and cook the chicken shish kebabs for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and has a lovely golden color.
Whether you choose to grill or use an oven, always make sure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) to ensure it’s safe to eat. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
To further enhance the flavor and tenderness of the chicken, you can baste it with some of the remaining marinade throughout the cooking process. This adds an extra layer of deliciousness to the chicken shish skewers.
Pro Tip:
- Increase the oven temperature to the “broil” setting for the final few minutes of cooking to give the chicken shish kebabs a beautifully caramelized finish.
With the option to grill or use an oven, you can easily enjoy these mouthwatering chicken shish kebabs any time of the year. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your preferred method, but the end result is always a delicious and satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions
These chicken shish kebabs can be served in various ways to create a delicious Mediterranean-style meal. Here are some serving suggestions to help you enjoy this healthy meal:
Main Course
Serve the chicken shish kebabs as a main course alongside fragrant rice or couscous. The tender grilled chicken, combined with the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean marinade, creates a satisfying and hearty meal.
Mediterranean-Inspired Meal
Create a full Mediterranean-inspired meal by pairing the chicken shish kebabs with other traditional dishes. Tabbouleh, a fresh herb and bulgur salad, enhances the freshness of the kebabs. A refreshing Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and feta cheese provides a tangy and cooling element to the meal.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables make a wonderful accompaniment to chicken shish kebabs. Toss Mediterranean favorites like zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, and red onions in olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast until tender and slightly caramelized. The vegetables add vibrant colors and flavors to the meal.
- Serve the chicken shish kebabs with rice or couscous as a main course.
- Create a Mediterranean-inspired meal by pairing the kebabs with tabbouleh and Greek salad.
- Roast vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, and red onions to serve alongside the kebabs.
For a complete and healthy meal, don’t forget to add a dollop of tzatziki sauce on the side. The cool and creamy dip made from yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill complements the grilled chicken and adds an extra layer of Mediterranean flavor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this chicken shish recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean. The homemade marinade adds incredible flavor to the chicken, infusing it with tangy lemon, aromatic garlic, and fragrant spices. When grilled to perfection, the chicken shish develops a slightly charred exterior, resulting in a smoky and mouthwatering dish.
What makes this recipe even better is its easy preparation and cooking process. With just a few simple steps, beginners can create a mouthwatering meal that will impress their guests. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a summer party, these homemade chicken shish skewers are sure to be a hit.
So why not give this simple chicken shish recipe a try? With its delicious marinade and minimal cooking time, it’s the perfect choice for a stress-free and flavorful meal. Indulge in the taste of the Mediterranean and savor every bite of this easy-to-make dish. Get ready to wow your taste buds with these homemade chicken shish kebabs!
FAQs
Can I make this chicken shish recipe in the oven instead of grilling?
Yes, you can! If you prefer to use the oven, preheat it to the appropriate temperature and cook the kebabs for the specified time.
Can I add different vegetables to the skewers?
Yes, you can customize the recipe by adding different vegetables to the skewers, such as cherry tomatoes or mushrooms.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, this recipe is easy to make and perfect for beginners. With minimal preparation and cooking time, you’ll have delicious chicken shish kebabs in no time!
Chicken Shish Recipe
Ingredients
- boneless skinless chicken breasts
- lemon juice
- olive oil
- Dijon mustard
- turmeric
- smoked paprika
- minced garlic
- sea salt
- lemon pepper
- fresh dill
- bell peppers
- onions
- bamboo skewers
Instructions
- Start by cutting the chicken into cubes, ensuring they are all similar in size to ensure even cooking.boneless skinless chicken breasts
- In a bowl, prepare the chicken shish marinade by combining the lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, turmeric, smoked paprika, minced garlic, sea salt, lemon pepper, and fresh dill. Mix the ingredients well until they form a smooth marinade.lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, turmeric, smoked paprika, minced garlic, sea salt, lemon pepper, fresh dill
- Place the chicken cubes in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring that all the chicken is evenly coated. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the chicken to marinate and absorb the flavors.
- While the chicken is marinating, soak the bamboo skewers in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. This will also help the chicken cook evenly.bamboo skewers
- After the marinating time is complete, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and thread the chicken cubes onto the skewers, alternating with bell peppers and onions for added flavor and colour.bell peppers, onions
- Preheat the grill to medium heat. Once preheated, place the skewers on the grill and cook for approximately 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a slightly charred exterior.
- Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will ensure that the juices redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish.