Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken Veggie Skewers
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy some easy summer meals that are both delicious and a doddle to make? Ever wondered what to do with all that gorgeous produce from the garden? These Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggie Skewers are your answer! The zesty lemon and fragrant herbs are seriously banging!
Brief Overview
These skewers are inspired by Mediterranean grilling recipes , simple to create, and healthy. They are super easy to make, taking only about an hour including marinating time.
This recipe makes about 4-6 servings, perfect for a family BBQ!
Main Benefits
These skewers are packed with protein and vitamins. Serve them at your next summer barbecue recipes for a crowd pleasing dish.
What makes them special? The bright, fresh flavors and the fact that they're fun to eat!
Are you Ready to make the Chicken Kabobs?
Right, so, let's talk about why these skewers are gonna be your new go-to for quick summer dinners . Honestly, I stumbled upon a similar recipe on Taste of Home and thought, "Right, let's jazz this up a bit.
" And, boom! Grilled chicken skewers with a twist.
The secret? That lemon herb marinade . It's ridiculously simple, but it transforms everything. I used fresh rosemary and thyme from my garden.
The smell alone will transport you to sunny Greece. Trust me on this!
You’ll need about twenty minutes for chopping the vegetables and preparing the marinade plus thirty minutes to marinate the chicken, but longer is perfectly fine.
I once left mine for a couple of hours. The flavour was incredible!
Vegetable skewers add a pop of colour and loads of nutrients. My favourite combo is bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes.
But feel free to get creative! Mushrooms, courgettes anything goes, really.
Oh, and a little tip? If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least thirty minutes before grilling.
Otherwise, they'll go up in flames quicker than you can say "bonfire"!
These healthy summer meals are not only delicious. Each skewer is packed with around thirty five grams of protein and low in fat, it's a guilt free treat.
Plus, the vibrant colours make them look amazing on any plate.
Okay, let's get down to the nitty gritty of making these Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggie Skewers. This recipe is one of those easy summer meals that even I can manage after a long day.
And honestly? It tastes way fancier than it actually is to make! It is also a great recipe for summer barbecue recipes
Ingredients & Equipment: Getting Ready to Grill!
Right, so before we even think about firing up the grill, let's make sure we've got all our bits and bobs.
I can't tell you the number of times I've started a recipe only to realise I'm missing something crucial. A proper disaster, I tell ya.
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
This is where the magic happens. We're aiming for that delicious lemon herb marinade flavor.
- Olive Oil: ⅓ cup (79 ml) . Good quality olive oil makes a difference. Don't scrimp!
- Fresh Lemon Juice: ¼ cup (59 ml) . Squeeze it yourself. Trust me, it's worth it. It's a must have when prepping healthy summer meals .
- Fresh Rosemary: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) , chopped.
- Fresh Thyme: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) , chopped.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. (Don't be shy!)
- Lemon Zest: 1 teaspoon . Adds a lovely aromatic punch.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon .
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon .
- Paprika: ½ teaspoon (optional, but it gives a nice colour).
- Chicken Breasts: 1.5 lbs (680g) , boneless, skinless, cut into 1 inch cubes. Make sure it is fresh.
- Bell Peppers: 1 red and 1 yellow , cut into 1 inch pieces. Adds the colour for your vegetable skewers
- Zucchini: 1 , cut into ½-inch thick rounds.
- Red Onion: 1 , cut into wedges.
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint (about 2 cups, 284g) .
- Optional: Button Mushrooms
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Power!
The secret here is that combo of lemon, rosemary, and thyme. Honestly, it's like a little trip to the Mediterranean, right in your backyard.
- Essential Spice Combinations : Lemon + Herbs = Summer Bliss.
- Flavor Enhancers : Don't underestimate the power of fresh garlic and lemon zest. They really lift the flavour.
- Quick Substitution Options : No fresh rosemary? A teaspoon of dried rosemary will do in a pinch. Or, you can try oregano for a different flavour profile.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You don't need loads of fancy gadgets for this. Just the basics.
- Grill (gas or charcoal) or grill pan. For that easy BBQ recipes .
- Skewers (metal or wooden). If using wooden, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes ! We don't want them catching fire.
- Large Bowl. For marinating.
- Small Bowl or Measuring Cup. For the marinade.
- Tongs. Because nobody wants burnt fingers, right?
And that's it! Once you've got everything sorted, you're well on your way to enjoying some amazing summer grilling ideas .
I promise you, these grilled chicken skewers are going to be a hit. Plus, it's a great way to enjoy some quick summer dinners ! Think of these chicken kabobs as a vibrant way to enjoy a Mediterranean grilling recipes .
Get ready for summer barbecue recipes to shine in your home.
Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggie Skewers: Summer on a Stick!
Honestly, are you even having a proper summer if you're not firing up the BBQ? I'm totally obsessed with these Grilled Chicken Skewers .
They're ridiculously easy, packed with flavor, and perfect for lazy summer evenings. This recipe is inspired by a delicious Mediterranean grilling recipes , and it will definitely be a hit.
They are just the thing when you are looking for easy summer meals
Prep Power: Get Your Ducks in a Row
Before you even think about touching the grill, get organized. It's all about the mise en place , darling. Chop your vegetable skewers ingredients red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes.
Cubing the chicken evenly is key for consistent cooking. Plus, remember to soak those wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to avoid a bonfire on your grill.
Trust me, I've been there. This is essential for summer barbecue recipes .
Skewer Assembly: step-by-step
- Make the Marinade: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, rosemary, thyme, garlic, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and paprika in a bowl.
- Marinate the Chicken: Toss chicken cubes in half the marinade. Let it sit in the fridge for 30 minutes to 4 hours . Save the rest of that lemon herb marinade for brushing!
- Chop Veggies: Get all your veggies chopped and ready to go while the chicken marinates.
- Thread the Skewers: Thread chicken and veggies alternately onto skewers. Get creative with the order!
- Grill Time: Preheat the grill to medium heat. Grill the skewers, turning and brushing with marinade, for 15- 20 minutes . The chicken needs to hit 165° F/ 74° C to be safe, you know? Make sure you use a thermometer to get Quick summer dinners ready.
Pro Tips and Tricks for Skewer Success
Don’t overcrowd the grill, seriously. Give those chicken kabobs some space to breathe and caramelize properly. You know, if you're short on time, you can even prep the skewers in the morning and keep them in the fridge.
Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before grilling for more even cooking. These simple steps guarantee that you have Healthy summer meals for everyone.
Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Skewers
Right then, let's talk about making these Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggie Skewers truly sing . It's all about the details, innit? We are going for some delicious easy summer meals here and these tips will take you there!
Serving Suggestions: Posh 'Em Up!
Forget boring plates! These Chicken kabobs deserve a proper presentation. Lay the grilled chicken skewers across a bed of fluffy quinoa.
Or, how about a vibrant Greek salad? Think tomatoes, cucumbers, feta the works! For a creamy touch, a dollop of homemade tzatziki is divine.
It would pair perfectly with many other Mediterranean grilling recipes . For drinks, a chilled glass of rosé or a homemade lemonade does the trick nicely.
Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh
Leftovers? Lucky you! Pop the cooked skewers in an airtight container and they'll happily chill in the fridge for up to 3 days .
Want to freeze them? No problem! Remove the chicken and veggies from the skewers first. Freeze in a freezer safe bag for up to 2 months .
For reheating, a quick zap in the microwave or a few minutes in a hot pan works wonders. Just make sure the chicken is piping hot all the way through!
Variations: Get Creative with your Summer BBQ recipes
Want to mix things up a bit? Sorted! For a bit of spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the lemon herb marinade is a game changer.
Got vegetarian mates coming over? Swap the chicken for halloumi cheese it grills beautifully! And for a seasonal twist, use butternut squash and Brussels sprouts in the autumn.
Just remember vegetable skewers take slightly longer to cook.
Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Healthy summer meals
Alright, let's be real: this is a pretty virtuous meal. Each serving clocks in around 350 calories. You are getting a solid 35g of protein, thanks to the chicken, and plenty of vitamins and fiber from the veggies.
The lemon herb marinade also gives you a healthy dose of antioxidants. It's a win-win! You can quickly prepare this easy BBQ recipes that are good for you.
Okay, now you're armed with all the knowledge you need to make these skewers a roaring success. This recipe makes for great summer grilling ideas .
So get grilling, get experimenting, and most importantly, have a laugh doing it! Even if you burn a few skewers, it's all part of the fun.
Remember that with the Summer barbecue recipes , a few mistakes won't hurt!. These Quick summer dinners have your back in the toughest situations.
You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good veggies to use on these Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggie Skewers? I'm not a big fan of bell peppers.
No worries, mate! If bell peppers aren't your cup of tea, try using other veggies that grill well. Courgette (zucchini), mushrooms, chunks of aubergine (eggplant), and even corn on the cob (cut into smaller rounds) are all brilliant options.
The key is to choose veggies that cook at a similar rate to the chicken for the best results with these easy summer meals.
How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavour? Is 30 minutes really enough?
Thirty minutes is a good starting point, but letting the chicken marinate for longer (up to 4 hours) will really amplify the zesty lemon herb flavour. Think of it like brewing a good cuppa the longer it steeps, the stronger the taste! Just be sure to keep it in the fridge for food safety reasons.
I'm using wooden skewers. How do I stop them from catching fire on the BBQ?
Ah, a classic BBQ dilemma! The trick is to soak those wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading them with the chicken and veggies. This saturates the wood, preventing it from burning up on the grill. Consider it like giving your skewers a little swimming lesson before their big grilling debut.
Can I prepare these skewers ahead of time? What's the best way to store them?
Absolutely, you can prep these skewers in advance! Assemble them, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling. This makes it a breeze to throw them on the grill when your guests arrive. If you have leftover cooked skewers, store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What can I serve with these chicken skewers to make it a complete meal?
These Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggie Skewers are incredibly versatile! For a light and refreshing meal, serve them with a Greek salad or a simple quinoa salad. They're also delicious with some crusty bread for soaking up the marinade, or alongside a creamy tzatziki sauce for dipping.
A side of grilled corn on the cob is always a winner too! Easy summer meals, made easy!
My family is calorie conscious. Any suggestions on how to make these skewers even healthier?
Certainly! You can reduce the calories by using less olive oil in the marinade or swapping some of the chicken for more veggies. Also, ensure you're using lean chicken breast and trimming any visible fat before cutting it into cubes.
Serving the skewers with a simple green salad instead of a heavier side dish is another great way to keep the meal light and healthy.
Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken Veggie Skewers
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 3g |