Piquant Grilled Chicken Skewers with Adjika and Lemon Juice

This recipe delivers a flavorful and spicy twist on traditional grilled chicken, featuring the tangy zest of lemon juice and the exotic warmth of adjika. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy family dinner, these piquant grilled chicken skewers are both easy to prepare and impressive to serve. The combination of succulent chicken flavored with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then infused with vibrant spices, will leave your taste buds delighted. Paired beautifully with fresh, crunchy vegetables, this dish strikes the perfect balance between heat and freshness. As the chicken cooks to perfection on the grill, it takes on a smoky flavor that enhances the spicy-marinated crust enveloping each piece. This recipe encourages flexibility, allowing you to adjust the level of spiciness to match your personal taste. Garnish with colorful vegetables to elevate the visual appeal of the plate, making it a feast for both the eyes and palate. Whether hosting friends or enjoying a quiet meal, this dish is sure to satisfy and inspire cravings for more.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 whole chickens, cut into pieces
Adjika
Lemon juice
Salt
Pepper
Olive oil

For Serving:

Vine tomatoes
Bell peppers
Radishes
Cucumbers
Fresh herbs

Preparation Time

Total Time: 90 minutes (includes marination and grilling)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Begin by breaking down the whole chickens into pieces, reserving the backbones for a stock if desired.
In a large bowl, drizzle the chicken with olive oil, and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
Add a hefty serving of adjika, but adjust the amount according to how much heat you prefer.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken to lend a bright, acidic punch that balances the spiciness.
Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors fully.
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the vegetables. Slice the tomatoes, bell peppers, radishes, and cucumbers into preferred sizes.
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving some space between pieces for even cooking.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Once the grill is heated, place the chicken skewers on the grill, turning them occasionally to ensure they're cooked evenly.
Grill the skewers for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
Meanwhile, grill the tomatoes and bell peppers for the last 5 minutes of the chicken cooking time.
Arrange the grilled chicken skewers on a serving platter along with the grilled and fresh vegetables.
Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs over the top for extra freshness and aroma.
Serve immediately with a side of your preferred dipping sauces or enjoy as is.
Enjoy every bite and relish the delightful medley of flavors.

Tips

Adjust Spiciness: Feel free to adjust the amount of adjika to suit your spice tolerance.
Marinade Time: If time allows, let the chicken marinate longer in the refrigerator for deeper flavor penetration.
Skewer Soaking: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent burning on the grill.

Variations

Lighter Option: Use chicken breast pieces for a lower fat version.
Vegetarian Twist: Substitute chicken with chunks of paneer or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Herbal Enhancers: Experiment with adding different herbs like rosemary or thyme to the marinade.

Serving Suggestions

Pair the skewers with a fresh green salad dressed lightly in vinaigrette.
Serve alongside fluffy rice or quinoa to complement the bold flavors of the chicken.
Add a dollop of cooling yogurt or tzatziki sauce for added texture and taste.

Best Places

Le Poulpe - Offers a delightful Mediterranean atmosphere with inventive chicken dishes. Location: 5 Rue François Simon, Nice, France.
The Chicken Shop - Known for its expertly spiced and tender grilled chicken. Location: 79 Highgate Rd, London, United Kingdom.
Aisha’s Kitchen - A family-friendly spot with a passion for spicy flavors. Location: 32B Jalupura, Jaipur, India.
El Pollo Rico - Celebrated for its authentic flavors and succulent grilled chicken. Location: 2517 N 11th St, Philadelphia, USA.
Restaurant Guria - A traditional Georgian spot with a renowned spicy chicken recipe. Location: 32 Giorgi Brtskinvale St, Tbilisi, Georgia.
El Fogón - A casual eatery known for its vibrant seasoning and grilling expertise. Location: Av. Constituyentes, Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
Churrasco’s Delight - Offers a great selection of grilled chicken with a South American twist. Location: R. João Gonçalves, 541, São Paulo, Brazil.
Nando's - Famous for irresistible spicy-grilled chicken flavors. Location: Various locations across South Africa.
BBQ King - Delivers authentic grill experiences with global spices. Location: 180 George St., Sydney, Australia.
La Grigliata - Italian charm meets spicy grilled specialties. Location: Via Italia, 16, Rome, Italy.