On a sun-drenched afternoon, the scent of citrus wafted through the air, mingling with the smokiness of the grill. It was a moment that inspired me to create a dish that would capture the essence of summer. Friends gathered in my backyard, laughter mingling with the crackle of the grill, as I prepared these vibrant Grilled Citrus Herb Chicken Skewers paired with a refreshing Avocado Salsa. The combination of zesty marinade and creamy salsa made for a perfect pairing, and soon enough, the skewers were the star of the day.
Ingredients
For the Citrus Herb Chicken Skewers:
– 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– Juice and zest of 1 lemon
– Juice and zest of 1 lime
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes)
For the Avocado Salsa:
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1 small red onion, finely chopped
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
– Juice of 1 lime
– ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– Salt, to taste
Instructions
Begin by marinating the chicken. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, lime juice, lime zest, honey, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended. Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the avocado salsa. In a separate bowl, gently toss together the diced avocados, chopped red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, diced jalapeño, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a sprinkle of salt. Adjust seasoning to your liking and set aside to let the flavors meld together.
Once the chicken has marinated, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken cubes 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 nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
When the chicken skewers are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve the skewers warm, accompanied by the fresh avocado salsa on the side. This dish not only bursts with flavor but also brings a colorful presentation to your table, perfect for any gathering or a delightful summer meal.
As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over our backyard, we savored every bite of the chicken skewers drizzled with lime juice and the creamy avocado salsa. It was a feast of flavors and memories, reminding me that the best moments often come from the simplest of recipes shared with loved ones.