Imagine a summer evening where the grill is sizzling, and the air is filled with the tantalizing aroma of zesty lemon and fragrant basil. These Lemon Basil Chicken Kebabs are not just a meal; they're a culinary journey that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary Mediterranean delight. With a perfect balance of bright citrus, aromatic herbs, and tender, juicy chicken, this recipe promises to elevate your grilling game and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Cut chicken breast into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent size.
- Add chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, approximately 400-450°F.
- Thread marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving a small space between pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Grill kebabs for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve even char and golden-brown color on all sides.
- Check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer for food safety.
- Remove from grill and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with additional fresh chopped basil and lemon wedges before serving.
Tips
- Marination is Key: Don't rush the marinating process. Letting the chicken sit in the lemon-basil marinade for at least 30 minutes (and up to 2 hours) allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Uniform Cutting: Cut chicken into consistent 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and a professional presentation.
- Skewer Strategy: Soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. Leave a small space between chicken pieces for even heat circulation.
- Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe 165°F internally. This guarantees both food safety and perfectly cooked meat.
- Rest and Relax: After grilling, let the kebabs rest for 3-5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Garnish for Glamour: Finish with fresh basil and lemon wedges to enhance both the visual appeal and flavor profile of your kebabs.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 315kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 90mg
