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For these lemon basil chicken skewers, you will need: - 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 1 tablespoon lemon zest - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon paprika These ingredients work together to create a bright and fresh flavor that truly shines in summer. The marinade brings all the flavors together. You mix the lemon juice, lemon zest, and olive oil. Then, add chopped basil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Whisk them until well blended. This step is crucial. It ensures that the chicken absorbs the flavors deeply. You can use wooden or metal skewers. If you choose wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This keeps them from burning on the grill. Metal skewers are a great choice too. They hold up well and are reusable, making them more eco-friendly. You can find the Full Recipe at the end of the article, where I share detailed steps. Enjoy making these delicious skewers! Start by making the marinade. In a medium bowl, mix together the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, chopped basil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Whisk it well until all the ingredients blend nicely. This mixture packs a punch of flavor and will make your chicken taste amazing. Next, add the cubed chicken into the bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to coat each piece well with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, two hours is even better. This step helps the chicken absorb all the yummy flavors. When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge. If you used wooden skewers, make sure they are soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. This helps them cook evenly. Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning them occasionally. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when done. Once the skewers are cooked, take them off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This keeps the juices inside. For a beautiful presentation, serve the skewers on a platter. Scatter some fresh basil leaves around and add lemon wedges on the side. A sprinkle of extra lemon zest on top makes it look even better. Enjoy your delicious Lemon Basil Chicken Skewers! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. Marinating the chicken is key to great flavor. I suggest a minimum of 30 minutes. For the best taste, marinate for 2 hours. This allows the lemon and basil to soak into the chicken. If you have more time, marinate overnight. Just keep it in the fridge! To get those beautiful grill marks, start with a hot grill. Place the skewers down and avoid moving them for a few minutes. Turn them a quarter turn after about 3-4 minutes. This gives you those nice crosshatch marks. Flip them only when they lift easily from the grill. If you can't grill outside, don't worry! You can cook the skewers in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway. If you want a nice char, use the broiler. Broil for 5-7 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. For the full recipe, check the entire guide! {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken with shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and absorbs flavors well. For shrimp, marinate for only 20 minutes. Tofu offers a nice vegetarian option. Use firm tofu, and press it to remove extra water. Cut it into cubes and marinate just like the chicken. Both options keep the dish fresh and fun. Want to spice things up? Add chili powder or cumin to the marinade. A pinch of cayenne will give it a nice kick. You can also toss in some fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. If you prefer a sweet twist, add a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar. These changes make the skewers unique and tasty. Pair Lemon Basil Chicken Skewers with a crisp salad. A light green salad with lemon vinaigrette works great. You can also serve it with fluffy rice or quinoa. Grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers add color and flavor. Try roasted potatoes for a hearty side. These pairings make your meal complete and satisfying. For the full recipe, check the provided details above. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh. You can refrigerate the skewers for up to three days. Make sure they cool down first. This prevents extra moisture inside the container. When ready to eat, check for any off smells. If it smells good, it’s ready to reheat. To freeze the chicken skewers, wrap them well in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to use them, thaw in the fridge overnight. This keeps the chicken tasty and safe. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm. Check the internal temperature, aiming for 165°F (75°C). You can also use a microwave. Just heat in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken. Enjoy your Lemon Basil Chicken Skewers again, full of flavor! For the full recipe, check back at the beginning. You should marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, aim for 2 hours. The longer the chicken sits, the more the flavors blend. This marinating time allows the lemon and basil to soak into the meat. You will enjoy a burst of taste with every bite! Yes, you can prepare the skewers ahead of time. Marinate the chicken and place it on the skewers. Cover them and put them in the fridge. They can stay fresh for up to a day. Just remember to grill them when you are ready to serve. This makes hosting easy and stress-free. These skewers pair well with many sides. You can serve them with a fresh salad, rice, or grilled veggies. A lemony quinoa salad would also work great. For a lighter option, try some tzatziki sauce for dipping. The flavors in these dishes will complement the skewers well. To ensure the chicken is cooked, check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer for accuracy. The chicken should also look golden and have nice grill marks. If it is firm to the touch, it is likely done. Enjoy your perfect Lemon Basil Chicken Skewers! Lemon Basil Chicken Skewers are easy and fun to make. We covered how to prep the marinade, marinate the chicken, and grill the skewers perfectly. You learned some tips for great grilling marks and alternative cooking methods. Plus, you can try different proteins and pairings for variety. Make sure to store leftovers correctly and enjoy them later! I hope this guide helps you create tasty meals that impress your friends and family. Happy cooking!

Lemon Basil Chicken Skewers

Elevate your summer barbecue with these delicious Lemon Basil Chicken Skewers! This easy recipe combines fresh flavors from lemon and basil, making it a perfect quick meal for warm evenings. Discover step-by-step instructions for marinating and grilling that ensure the juiciest chicken every time. Ready to impress your guests?
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Ingredients
  

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

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon lemon zest

3 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon paprika

Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes prior to use)

Instructions
 

In a medium bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, chopped basil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Whisk the marinade until well blended.

    Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours for optimal flavor.

      Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

        Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.

          Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).

            Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 45 mins | 4 servings

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the skewers on a platter with fresh basil leaves scattered around. Add lemon wedges on the side for a vibrant touch and a sprinkle of additional lemon zest for an appealing finish.