Grilled Chicken Skewers with Lemon and Garlic

Grilled Chicken Skewers with Lemon and Garlic is a delightful dish that brings together the freshness of citrus, the pungency of garlic, and the smokiness of a perfect barbecue. This dish is perfect for summer gatherings, offering a zesty twist to traditional grilled chicken. The chicken is marinated in a blend of spices, tomato paste, and garlic, then skewered and grilled to perfection. It's incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides, making it a favorite choice for picky eaters and food enthusiasts alike. The 24-hour marination ensures the meat absorbs all the flavors, making each bite juicy and flavorful. The recipe is straightforward yet rewarding, providing a nice break from usual chicken dishes. Besides its fantastic taste, this dish is also fairly easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort once the marination is done. By following the detailed instructions, even novice cooks can achieve excellent results. Add this to your menu for your next barbecue and watch it become a crowd favorite!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 kg chicken breast fillets
1 lemon
3 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 liter water

Spices

Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon spice mix for skewers (without salt)

Preparation Time

Total Time: 24 hours and 20 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 24 hours marination, plus grilling time until cooked

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Begin by cutting the chicken breast fillets into large, even pieces. This ensures they cook evenly on the grill.
Mince the garlic: Finely chop the garlic cloves, as small pieces will distribute more evenly throughout the marinade.
Mix marinade: In a large bowl, combine the chopped garlic, tomato paste, salt, pepper, sugar, and the spice mix. Squeeze the juice from the lemon into the bowl, being careful to avoid seeds.
Add water: Pour 1 liter of water into the mixture, stirring well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly combined.
Marinate chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure each piece is fully submerged.
Refrigerate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 24 hours. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken deeply, making it juicier and more flavorful.
Preheat the grill: When ready to cook, preheat your grill to a medium-high heat. The grill should be hot enough to sear the chicken on contact.
Skewer the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and thread onto skewers. Make sure not to overcrowd the skewers.
Grilling: Place the skewers on the grill. Cook each side of the chicken skewers for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through and has a lovely char.
Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
Serve: Once done, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Accompaniment: Serve with fresh vegetables for a bright, fresh contrast to the smoky grilled flavors.

Tips

Substitution: If you’re out of tomato paste, ketchup can be used as a substitute.
Spicy twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes for a bit of heat.
Vegetable skewers: Add bell peppers and onions to the skewers for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Calories: 250 kcal per serving
Protein: 30g
Fats: 5g
Carbs: 18g

Variations

Herb twist: Swap out the spice mix for a combination of fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme for a different flavor profile.
Dietary needs: Use low-sodium versions of the ingredients to cater to low-salt diets.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these skewers with a simple green salad or a side of grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Serve with a lemon wedge on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Best Places

The Grill House - Known for its succulent skewers and vibrant atmosphere. Location: 123 Grill St, New York, USA.
BBQ Delight - Offers a range of grilled dishes with an authentic taste. Location: 456 Bar St, Austin, USA.
Skewer Sensation - Famous for their diverse skewer menu. Location: 89 Spice Rd, London, UK.
Flame & Aroma - A cozy spot with a unique skewers offering. Location: 234 Sizzle Ln, Sydney, Australia.
Charcoal Haven - Beloved for the perfect balance of flavors in their dishes. Location: 567 Coal St, Toronto, Canada.
Grill Masters - Popular for their exquisite outdoor grill ambiance. Location: 789 Heat Blvd, Cape Town, South Africa.
Sizzling Corner - Offers an adventurous mix of grilled recipes. Location: 321 Blaze Ave, Singapore.
Skewer Paradise - Known for its extraordinary taste of grilled chicken. Location: 654 Roam Rd, Dubai, UAE.
Barbecue Kingdom - Celebrated for its royal approach to skewers. Location: 987 Grill Ct, Berlin, Germany.
Ember Essence - Renowned for innovative takes on traditional skewers. Location: 456 Burn St, Rome, Italy.