If you are craving a vibrant and refreshing dish that brings a burst of sunshine to your plate, the Grilled Chicken Skewers with Florida Grapefruit Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe masterfully combines tender, marinated chicken with the zesty brightness of Florida grapefruit, creating an unforgettable flavor profile that’s both juicy and tangy. The colorful medley of grilled vegetables alongside the citrus-infused chicken makes this dish an absolute crowd-pleaser for warm-weather dining or any time you want to bring a little zest to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh and simple ingredients is the secret to the irresistible charm of this dish. Each component plays an essential role, from the juicy chicken cubes soaking in a grapefruit marinade to the colorful vegetables that add texture and sweetness on the grill.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking and easy grilling.
- 1 Florida grapefruit: Both juiced and zested to infuse the marinade with bright citrus flavor and a hint of bitterness.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps tenderize chicken and adds a silky texture to the marinade.
- 2 tbsp honey: Balances the tartness of grapefruit with a natural sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced to add aromatic depth and a mild kick.
- 1 tsp fresh thyme: Or ½ tsp dried, providing an earthy note that complements the citrus.
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary: Or ½ tsp dried, for a piney, woodsy undertone.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, essential for enhancing all the other flavors.
- 1 red bell pepper: Cut into 1-inch pieces to add sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 yellow bell pepper: Also cut into 1-inch pieces to brighten the skewers visually and flavor-wise.
- 1 small red onion: Chopped into 1-inch chunks for a touch of sharpness and crunch.
- 1 zucchini: Sliced into rounds for a mild, slightly sweet vegetable that stays tender on the grill.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped, used as a garnish to bring herbal freshness.
- Rice or couscous: To serve as a fluffy, neutral base that soaks up the delicious juices.
- Lemon wedges: For an added splash of citrus brightness at the table.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Skewers with Florida Grapefruit Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Begin by combining the Florida grapefruit juice and zest with olive oil, honey, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until you have a smooth, fragrant mixture that will tenderize the chicken and infuse it with layers of bright, aromatic flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Toss the chicken cubes in your freshly mixed marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing the grapefruit’s citrusy punch to work its magic on the chicken. For even better flavor, let it marinate for up to two hours.
Step 3: Prepare the Skewers
While the chicken relaxes in the fridge, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This is crucial for achieving those perfect grill marks and a slightly charred exterior that locks in juiciness.
Step 4: Assemble the Skewers
Thread the marinated chicken, alternating with vibrant red and yellow bell pepper pieces, red onion chunks, and zucchini rounds onto your skewers. This alternating pattern not only looks inviting but also ensures each bite has a fantastic balance of smoky chicken and crisp vegetables.
Step 5: Grill the Skewers
Place your colorful skewers on the hot grill and cook for roughly 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables to become tender with a bit of char, which adds a wonderful smoky flavor.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Once grilled to perfection, remove the skewers and let them rest for a few minutes. This resting period helps keep the chicken juicy. Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the skewers for an added burst of color and herbal brightness.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Skewers with Florida Grapefruit Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley instantly brightens the dish, adding a fresh herbal note that pairs beautifully with the citrus marinade. Don’t forget a squeeze of lemon juice on top for that extra zing that awakens every bite.
Side Dishes
To complete this dish, serve the skewers alongside fluffy rice or couscous, which soak up all the delicious juices beautifully. You can also add a crisp green salad or grilled vegetables on the side for a well-rounded, crowd-pleasing meal full of vibrant colors and varied textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the skewers on a long platter lined with fresh greens and grapefruit slices. This not only enhances the theme but invites your guests to enjoy the citrus aroma. Consider pairing it with a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with a grapefruit wedge for a refreshing finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the grilled chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the rice or couscous separate to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken skewers by wrapping them tightly in aluminum foil or placing them in freezer-safe bags. They will keep well for up to two months. Vegetables may lose some texture after freezing, so consider freezing the chicken and veggies separately if possible.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwave reheating if you want to maintain the grilled texture and prevent the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other citrus fruits in the Grilled Chicken Skewers with Florida Grapefruit Recipe?
Absolutely! While Florida grapefruit brings a unique tangy sweetness, oranges, lemons, or limes can be great alternatives, each contributing their own distinctive citrus notes to the marinade.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning on the grill and helps keep your food safe and intact during cooking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. The chicken skewers and marinade are naturally gluten-free. Just opt for gluten-free sides like rice or quinoa instead of couscous, which is made from wheat.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be opaque and juices should run clear when pierced.
Can I prepare the skewers indoors if I don’t have a grill?
Yes! A grill pan on the stovetop works wonderfully for this recipe and can still give you those lovely sear marks and smoky flavors. Just make sure the pan is hot before adding the skewers.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Grilled Chicken Skewers with Florida Grapefruit Recipe that makes it feel both fresh and comforting at once. The combination of juicy chicken, vibrant vegetables, and that unmistakable citrus punch creates a meal that will brighten any day. I can’t encourage you enough to give this recipe a try—it’s an easy way to bring a burst of sunshine and flavor to your dinner table that everyone will adore.
Print
Grilled Chicken Skewers with Florida Grapefruit Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These flavorful Chicken Skewers with Florida Grapefruit combine tender, marinated chicken breast cubes with vibrant vegetables grilled to perfection. The citrusy grapefruit marinade infused with herbs adds a refreshing twist, making this dish ideal for a healthy and colorful meal that pairs beautifully with rice or couscous.
Ingredients
For the Marinade and Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 Florida grapefruit (juiced and zested)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary (or ½ tsp dried rosemary)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Skewers:
- 1 red bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 small red onion (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 zucchini (sliced into rounds)
To Garnish and Serve:
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Rice or couscous
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the grapefruit juice, grapefruit zest, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss well to coat all pieces evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to develop and tenderize the chicken.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s properly heated for even cooking and to get a nice char on the skewers.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces alternately with the red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, red onion, and zucchini onto the skewers, creating a colorful and balanced combination of protein and vegetables.
- Grill the Skewers: Place the assembled skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to cook evenly on all sides, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are tender with slight char marks.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes to retain juices. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley to add a fresh herbaceous note.
- Serve: Serve the chicken skewers hot alongside rice or couscous. Provide lemon wedges on the side for guests to add a bright, citrusy finish to their bites.
- Enjoy: Enjoy this healthy, vibrant dish perfect for a light dinner or entertaining guests, paired optionally with a fresh salad or additional grilled vegetables.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for flavor penetration; longer marinating up to 2 hours improves tenderness and taste.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Ensure the grill is properly preheated to avoid sticking and to get nice grill marks.
- Internal temperature of chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety.
- Vegetables can be substituted with mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or eggplant slices for variety.
- For easier cleanup, use a grill pan or line the grill with foil if available.
