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
Scale
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.
