As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the backyard, I found myself reminiscing about the summer barbeques of my childhood. My grandfather, a grill master in his own right, would always say, “Good food brings people together.” Inspired by his wisdom, I decided to create a dish that not only celebrates that spirit but also showcases the vibrant flavors of citrus and fresh herbs. Thus, the Grilled Citrus Herb Chicken Skewers with Avocado Salsa were born, perfect for gatherings, picnics, or simply savoring on a warm evening.
Ingredients
1. 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
2. 2 tablespoons olive oil
3. Juice and zest of 1 orange
4. Juice and zest of 1 lemon
5. 2 cloves garlic, minced
6. 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
7. 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
8. Salt and pepper to taste
9. 1 large avocado, diced
10. 1 small red onion, finely chopped
11. 1 medium tomato, diced
12. Juice of 1 lime
13. Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Begin by marinating the chicken. In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, orange juice and zest, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk together to create a fragrant marinade. Add the chicken cubes, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the avocado salsa. In another bowl, combine the diced avocado, red onion, tomato, and lime juice. Gently fold the ingredients together to avoid mashing the avocado. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 15 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
Once the grill is hot, place the skewers on it and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
To serve, arrange the grilled chicken skewers on a platter and top with a generous scoop of avocado salsa. The combination of zesty chicken and creamy avocado creates a delightful harmony that will leave your guests raving. Enjoy this dish with your loved ones, just as my grandfather would have wanted.