Italian Chicken Skewers recipe

Italian Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and vibrant dish that brings the essence of Italian cuisine to your table. These skewers are perfect for grilling season and make for a delightful meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

To make these delicious chicken skewers, you’ll need:

• Chicken and Marinade:
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Skewers and Vegetables:
  • Wooden or metal skewers
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 red onion, cut into wedges
  • 1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds

Preparation

Marinating the Chicken:

1. Place the chicken cubes in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
2. Gather the ingredients for the marinade.

Making the Marinade:

1. Combining the Marinade Ingredients:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
   • Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
2. Marinating Time:
   • Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more intense flavor.

Assembling the Skewers:

1. Skewering the Chicken and Vegetables:
   • If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
   • Thread the marinated chicken, bell peppers, onion, and zucchini onto the skewers, alternating between chicken and vegetables.
2. Tips for Even Cooking:
   • Ensure that the pieces are not too tightly packed on the skewers to allow for even cooking.

Cooking the Skewers:

1. Grilling Instructions:
   • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
   • Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
2. Oven Instructions:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Place the skewers on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

Preparing the Italian Sauce:

1. Mixing the Sauce Ingredients:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
2. Serving the Sauce:
   • Serve the sauce alongside the skewers for drizzling or dipping.

Combining Everything:

1. Coating the Skewers with Sauce:
   • Brush the cooked skewers with the Italian sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
2. Garnishing and Serving:
   • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

Pair the Italian Chicken Skewers with a side of pasta salad, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad. For a complete meal, serve with a side of risotto or roasted potatoes.

Storage Tips

• Keeping Leftovers Fresh:
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating Instructions:
  • Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain moisture.

Variations

• Using Different Proteins: Try this recipe with boneless pork cubes, shrimp, or tofu for a delicious twist.
• Adding Different Vegetables: Experiment with cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or eggplant for added variety.

Tips for Success

• Achieving Juicy Chicken: Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it tender and juicy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.
• Balancing Flavors: Taste the marinade and sauce as you go, adjusting the balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs to suit your preferences.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to a day in advance and assemble the skewers just before cooking.
2. How do I store leftovers?
   • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I bake the skewers instead of grilling?
   • Yes, bake the skewers at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through.
4. What if I don’t have skewers?
   • You can cook the marinated chicken and vegetables directly on a grill or in a skillet without skewers.
5. How long do these skewers last?
   • The cooked skewers will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

Italian Chicken Skewers are a delightful and flavorful dish that brings a taste of Italy to your kitchen. They’re easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious combination of balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs!

Yield: 6

Italian Chicken Skewers recipe

Print

Italian Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and vibrant dish that brings the essence of Italian cuisine to your table. These skewers are perfect for grilling season and make for a delightful meal that everyone will enjoy.

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless and skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch thick cubes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 medium onion, yellow or red, roughly chopped
• 2 cloves garlic
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch thick pieces and season with salt and pepper. Set aside in a large mixing bowl or Ziploc bag.
2. In a food processor or blender, add onion, garlic, parsley, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, and oil and puree for 1 minute until smooth. Pour in the mixture over the chicken. Toss well until evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for the best results).
3. Thread 6-8 marinated cubed chicken breasts onto each skewer. I used bamboo skewers.

To grill the chicken:

1. Preheat grill over medium high heat until hot, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Place the skewers evenly apart on the grill and grill for 5-7 minutes on each side until the edges are nicely charred. The internal temperature for the chicken should reach 165 F as read on a meat thermometer. Do not overlap the skewers at any time to ensure even cooking. You can also cook them on a preheated grill pan for 8-10 minutes per side.
3. Serve warm.

To bake the chicken:

1. Preheat the oven to 425 F.
2. Place the threaded chicken skewers spaced evenly apart on a parchment lined half sheet baking pan or on a lightly oiled wire rack in a baking pan.
3. Bake for 15 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature for the chicken reaches 165 F.
4. Turn on the broil function on the oven on HI and broil for 2-3 minutes until nicely charred on the edges. Let it rest at room temperature for 5 minutes and serve.