Sizzling Smoky Grilled Chicken Skewers with Herb Salad Recipe

Crafting these smoky grilled chicken skewers promises a delightful culinary adventure that will spark excitement in your kitchen.

Marinated chunks of tender meat capture bold Mediterranean flavors with remarkable simplicity.

Fragrant herbs dance across perfectly charred surfaces, creating an irresistible blend of textures.

Summer gatherings become magical moments when these skewers emerge from the grill, radiating delicious aromas.

Unexpected spice combinations ensure each bite delivers maximum satisfaction without overwhelming complexity.

Crisp garden-fresh herbs provide a vibrant counterpoint to the rich, smoky protein.

You’ll want to savor every morsel of this easy yet impressive dish that feels like a gourmet restaurant experience at home.

What Makes These Chicken Skewers Unforgettably Smoky

• Boost Flavor Easily: Marinating chicken in a tangy BBQ and honey mixture creates an incredibly rich, smoky taste that transforms ordinary grilled meat into something spectacular.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends and family.
• Healthy Balanced Meal: Combining protein-packed grilled chicken with a vibrant fresh herb salad provides a nutritious, light meal that satisfies without feeling heavy.
• Grill Master's Delight: Simple grilling technique allows home cooks to achieve professional-looking charred skewers with amazing caramelized edges and juicy interior.

What Goes Into Grilled Chicken Skewers With Style

• Chicken: A lean protein that absorbs the smoky and sweet marinade flavors perfectly.

• Olive Oil, BBQ Sauce, Honey: Provide a rich, sweet, and smooth base for coating the chicken.
• Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Add depth, smokiness, and seasoning to enhance the chicken's taste.

• Salad Greens: Create a fresh and crisp foundation for the dish.
• Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion: Add color, crunch, and refreshing flavor to the salad.
• Cilantro, Parsley: Provide bright, herbal notes that complement the grilled chicken.

• Lemon Juice, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Create a light, tangy dressing that ties the salad together.

• Skewers: Used for grilling and presenting the chicken in an appealing manner.

Grilling Chicken Skewers With Juicy Perfection

Step 1: Prepare Mouthwatering Marinade

• Olive oil
• BBQ sauce
• Honey
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Toss chicken cubes in the marinade, ensuring every piece gets coated. Cover and let the magic happen in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Fire Up the Grill

Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Carefully thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, creating perfect bite-sized morsels.

Step 3: Sizzle and Char the Chicken

Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, rotating occasionally. Look for a beautiful golden-brown char and ensure the chicken is fully cooked through.

Remove from heat and let rest.

Step 4: Create a Vibrant Herb Salad

• Salad greens
• Cherry tomatoes
• Cucumber
• Red onion
• Cilantro
• Parsley

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, creating a colorful mix of textures and flavors.

Step 5: Dress the Salad

• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper

Drizzle over the salad and toss gently to coat every leaf and veggie.

Step 6: Plate and Serve

Lay the grilled chicken skewers atop the fresh herb salad.

Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement!

Must-Know Tips for Smoky Chicken That’s Never Dry

• Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor absorption and tenderness.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for best results on skewers.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
• Ensure chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
• Pat chicken dry before marinating to help seasoning stick better and create perfect char marks.

Fresh Ways to Change Up Your Chicken Skewers

• Mediterranean Marinade: Replace BBQ sauce with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, oregano, and za'atar for a tangy Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Korean Style: Swap BBQ sauce with gochujang, add sesame oil, ginger, and green onions for a hot and zesty Korean-inspired chicken skewer version.
• Caribbean Jerk Chicken: Substitute BBQ sauce with jerk seasoning, add rum, lime juice, and allspice for a vibrant Caribbean-inspired grilled chicken experience.
• Asian Soy Glazed: Replace BBQ sauce with soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and honey for a sweet and savory Asian-inspired chicken skewer variation.

Salad and Side Ideas for Smoky Chicken Perfection

• Enhance Flavor Fusion: Pair these smoky grilled chicken skewers with crisp sauvignon blanc, which cuts through the richness and complements the herb-infused salad with its bright, citrusy notes.
• Craft Perfect Side Companion: Serve warm, rustic flatbread alongside the skewers to soak up the delicious marinade and provide a satisfying textural contrast to the tender chicken and fresh salad.
• Create Refreshing Drink Match: Blend a mint mojito cocktail that echoes the herbal elements in the salad, with its cool, zesty profile balancing the smoky grilled meat's intensity.
• Boost Flavor Experience: Add a dollop of tzatziki sauce on the side, introducing a creamy, tangy element that harmonizes with the grilled chicken's smoky-sweet marinade and provides a cooling counterpoint to the dish.

How to Store Chicken Skewers Without Losing Flavor

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer cooled chicken skewers and salad separately into airtight containers. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
• Freezer Storage: Wrap chicken skewers individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Keep salad ingredients separate to prevent wilting.
• Reheating Skewers: Warm chicken skewers in microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat in preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Add fresh herbs after reheating to maintain vibrant taste.
• Salad Refresh: Discard previously dressed salad. Chop fresh ingredients and remake dressing before serving reheated chicken to ensure crisp texture and bright flavors.

All Your Chicken Skewer Questions, Answered Fast

• How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?

Brush the grill grates with oil before cooking and ensure the grill is preheated to medium-high heat. This creates a non-stick surface and helps achieve those perfect grill marks.

• Can I use wooden skewers instead of metal ones?

Yes, but soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before use to prevent them from burning during grilling.

• How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink centers.

• What if I don't have smoked paprika?

You can substitute with regular paprika and a dash of liquid smoke, or use chili powder for a different but equally flavorful kick.

Smoky Grilled Chicken Skewers with Fresh Herb Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling smoky grilled chicken skewers dance with Mediterranean flavors, promising a culinary journey through herb-infused landscapes. Juicy marinated chicken, kissed by flame and complemented by crisp, zesty salad, delivers a refreshing escape you’ll savor with each vibrant bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey

Marinade and Dressing:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil (for dressing)
• Juice of 1 lemon

Salad Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed salad greens
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Blend smoky marinade ingredients including olive oil, BBQ sauce, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
2. Submerge chicken cubes into marinade, ensuring complete coating. Refrigerate for minimum 30 minutes to infuse flavors.
3. Heat grill or grill pan to 375-400°F on medium-high setting.
4. Carefully thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, maintaining even distribution.
5. Position skewers on heated grill, cooking 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Rotate skewers periodically to achieve uniform charring and prevent burning.
7. While chicken grills, prepare herb salad by combining mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, cilantro, and parsley in large bowl.
8. Create light dressing by whisking lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well integrated.
9. Drizzle prepared dressing over salad, gently tossing to ensure even coating.
10. Transfer grilled chicken skewers directly atop dressed salad mixture.
11. Serve immediately while chicken remains warm and herbs stay crisp.

Notes

• Swap BBQ sauce for gluten-free or homemade version to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and potential fire hazards.
• For vegetarian option, replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based protein cubes, maintaining same marinade and grilling technique.
• Enhance flavor by adding fresh mint or basil to the herb salad for extra aromatic complexity and brightness.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg