On a balmy summer evening, my friends and I gathered around the grill, laughter echoing against the vibrant orange sunset. The air was fragrant with a mix of charred goodness and zesty citrus, and that’s when I decided to create something special. I wanted to combine the bright flavors of citrus with the heartiness of grilled chicken, paired with a refreshing avocado salsa that would steal the show. These Grilled Citrus Herb Chicken Skewers quickly became the star of our evening, and now they can light up your gatherings too!
Ingredients
– 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
– Juice of 2 limes
– Juice of 1 orange
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp sea salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– Wooden or metal skewers, soaked if wooden
For the Avocado Salsa:
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1 small red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
– Juice of 1 lime
– 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Begin by marinating the chicken. In a large bowl, combine lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, sea salt, black pepper, cilantro, and parsley. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
While the chicken is soaking up all those vibrant flavors, prepare the avocado salsa. In a separate bowl, gently combine diced avocados, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, cherry tomatoes, and season with salt and pepper. Be careful not to mash the avocados; you want to keep them chunky for texture. Set aside for the flavors to develop.
Once the chicken has marinated, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has lovely grill marks. The aroma wafting from the grill will be irresistible!
When the chicken is ready, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve the skewers hot, accompanied by the refreshing avocado salsa. The zesty chicken paired with the creamy salsa creates a delightful explosion of flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more.
So, gather your friends, fire up the grill, and let the good times roll with these Grilled Citrus Herb Chicken Skewers. Each bite is a reminder of that unforgettable summer evening filled with laughter, joy, and delicious food!