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- Chicken and Marinade Components - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Zest of 1 large lemon (2 teaspoons) - Juice of 1 large lemon (3 tablespoons) - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor - Add a pinch of smoked paprika for depth. - Toss in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for sweetness. - Equipment Needed - Bamboo or metal skewers (remember to soak bamboo skewers for 30 minutes) - Grill or grill pan for cooking - Mixing bowl and whisk for the marinade When I make Lemon Basil Chicken Skewers, I focus on fresh and simple ingredients. The fresh basil and zesty lemon make the chicken taste great. You can also play with flavors by adding a few extra items. Using the right tools makes cooking easier and more fun. Enjoy crafting these tasty skewers! For the full recipe, check out the recipe in the article. To make the marinade, start with a large bowl. Add the extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped basil. Whisk these ingredients together until they mix well. This step helps each flavor blend into the chicken. Marinating time is key. Place the chicken pieces in the marinade. Toss them to coat each piece well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and put it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, you can leave it for up to 2 hours. The longer it sits, the more it soaks in that tasty lemon and basil flavor. Once marinated, it's time to assemble the skewers. Grab your bamboo or metal skewers. If you use bamboo, soak them in water for 30 minutes first. This helps prevent burning on the grill. Now, carefully thread the chicken onto the skewers. Leave a little space between each piece. This space helps the chicken cook evenly. It also gives nice grill marks, which look and taste great! Before grilling, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. A hot grill ensures that the chicken cooks well and gets that nice char. Place the skewers on the grill. Grill them for about 10 to 12 minutes. Turn them occasionally. This helps them cook evenly and get that golden color. To check if they are done, ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). After grilling, take the skewers off the heat. Let them rest for a few minutes. This resting time helps keep the chicken juicy and tender. Enjoy your Lemon Basil Chicken Skewers! For full details, check the Full Recipe. To make the best marinade, mix all ingredients well. This ensures every piece of chicken gets flavor. Use fresh ingredients like basil for a bright taste. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes. If time allows, go for 2 hours. This deepens the flavor. For spice, adjust red pepper flakes to your liking. Start with less if you prefer mild. You can always add more later. To get great grill marks, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Avoid crowding the skewers on the grill. This lets the heat circulate and gives even cooking. Cook the chicken for about 10-12 minutes. Turn them often for even browning. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C). This keeps it safe and juicy. Pair your Lemon Basil Chicken Skewers with fresh sides. A simple salad or grilled veggies works well. For a bright touch, serve with lemon wedges. They add color and flavor. When plating, arrange the skewers neatly on a platter. Add fresh basil sprigs for a nice look. This makes the dish more appealing. For the full recipe, check the details above. {{image_4}} You can switch things up by using shrimp, tofu, or beef. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice touch. Just marinate it like chicken. Tofu absorbs flavors well. Use firm or extra-firm tofu for best results. Cut it into cubes, and marinate as you would chicken. For beef, tender cuts like sirloin work great. Adjust cooking times for each protein to ensure they are cooked well. Feel free to play with flavors! Try different herbs like cilantro or parsley for a fresh twist. Mint can also pair well with lemon. You can add spices too, like cumin or paprika, for depth. For a kick, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne. These changes keep the dish exciting and new. You don’t have to grill. You can bake or broil the skewers. For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. Broiling gives you a nice char. Place skewers on a broiler pan and broil for 8-10 minutes, flipping once. Each method gives you tasty Lemon Basil Chicken Skewers. Check out the Full Recipe for more cooking tips! After you enjoy your Lemon Basil Chicken Skewers, store any leftovers quickly. Place the skewers in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. To reheat your chicken skewers, use the oven or stovetop. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the skewers on a baking tray. Cover them with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. On the stovetop, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water and cover. This method helps keep the chicken moist. To freeze your chicken skewers, first wrap them well. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped skewers in a freezer bag. Squeeze out the air before sealing. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for best results. Enjoy your tasty meal again! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. You can check if the chicken is cooked by using a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature is 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into a piece of chicken. It should be white all the way through, with no pink parts. Juices should run clear. Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day ahead. It will save you time on cooking day. Storing it overnight in the fridge helps the flavors blend well. Just remember to add the chicken when you are ready to cook. These skewers pair well with many sides. You can serve them with: - Rice or quinoa - Grilled vegetables - A fresh salad - Garlic bread - Pasta with olive oil and herbs If you use bamboo skewers, soaking them is important. Soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill. Metal skewers do not need soaking. Yes, you can use a store-bought lemon basil marinade. It can save you time. Just make sure to check the ingredients for quality. Fresh flavors are always best, but store-bought is a good shortcut if you are in a hurry. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To make tasty lemon basil chicken skewers, follow each step closely. Start with fresh ingredients and let the chicken soak in the marinade for great flavor. Skewering and grilling bring out the best taste and texture. If you want variety, try different proteins or spices. Save any leftovers correctly, and you can enjoy them later. With practice, you’ll impress friends and family with your grilling skills. Enjoy this fun cooking adventure!

Lemon Basil Chicken Skewers

Savor the taste of summer with these delicious Lemon Basil Chicken Skewers! This simple recipe combines juicy chicken, zesty lemon, and fragrant basil for a perfect grill night treat. With easy steps and quick prep time, you can have a flavorful meal on the table in just 40 minutes. Get ready to impress your guests or enjoy a fun family dinner. Click through to explore this tasty recipe and elevate your grilling game today!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, evenly cut into 1-inch cubes

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Zest of 1 large lemon (about 2 teaspoons)

Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped

Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Bamboo or metal skewers (if using bamboo, soak in water for 30 minutes prior to assembly)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped basil until thoroughly combined. Season with salt, pepper, and, if desired, red pepper flakes to create a flavorful marinade.

    Add the cubed chicken breasts to the marinade, tossing to ensure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours.

      Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot for optimal grilling.

        Carefully thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking and grill marks.

          Once the grill is ready, place the skewers on it. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally to achieve an even char and ensure the chicken is cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

            After grilling, remove the skewers from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps in juicy and tender bites.

              Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Arrange the skewers attractively on a serving platter and garnish with sprigs of fresh basil and lemon wedges for a pop of color and freshness, enhancing the dish's appeal.