Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into a Mediterranean culinary adventure with these mouthwatering Pesto Chicken Skewers! Imagine tender, juicy chicken pieces infused with vibrant pesto, perfectly charred and packed with incredible flavors that will transport you straight to a sunny coastal restaurant. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or craving a quick and delicious weeknight meal, these skewers are about to become your new go-to recipe that will impress family and friends alike.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1 bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water
Instructions
- Prepare the wooden skewers by soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Cut the chicken breast into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. Place the cubed chicken in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the pesto sauce to the chicken, thoroughly coating each piece. Season with salt and pepper. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes at room temperature to enhance flavor absorption.
- While the chicken marinates, prepare the vegetables. Cut bell pepper into similar-sized chunks and slice zucchini into half-moon shapes approximately 1/2 inch thick.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F). Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Alternately thread marinated chicken pieces and vegetable chunks onto the pre-soaked wooden skewers, ensuring balanced distribution.
- Place skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, rotating to achieve even char marks and ensuring chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, which helps maintain moisture.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh basil leaves or additional pesto sauce on the side.
Tips
- Skewer Success: Always soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling. Pro tip: If you forget, you can wrap the exposed wooden ends in aluminum foil.
- Marination Magic: Let the chicken sit in the pesto marinade for 10-15 minutes to allow maximum flavor absorption. The longer it sits, the more delicious it becomes!
- Uniform Cutting: Cut chicken and vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and a professional presentation.
- Grill Temperature Matters: Maintain a medium-high heat (400-450°F) for perfect char marks and juicy chicken. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Rest and Redistribute: Always let your skewers rest for 2-3 minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Serving Suggestion: Elevate your dish by garnishing with fresh basil leaves or an extra drizzle of pesto for an added flavor punch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 302kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 93mg
