As the sun dipped below the horizon, the warmth of a summer evening wrapped around me like a soft blanket. My friends and I gathered in the backyard, the air filled with laughter and the tantalizing aroma of food sizzling on the grill. It was during one of these memorable nights that I decided to create a dish that would encapsulate the essence of summer: Spicy Citrus Herb Kebabs. The combination of zesty citrus, vibrant herbs, and a kick of spice brought everyone together, igniting their taste buds and sparking joy.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, cubed
1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 red onion, cut into wedges
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes)
Instructions
Start by marinating the chicken. In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until well blended. Add the cubed chicken to the bowl and toss until each piece is coated in the marinade. Cover and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the vegetables. Cut the bell peppers and onion into sizable chunks that are easy to thread onto the skewers. The vibrant colors of the veggies will make your kebabs visually appealing.
Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to assemble the kebabs. Thread the marinated chicken, bell peppers, and onion onto the skewers, alternating between the chicken and vegetables to create a colorful pattern. This not only enhances the presentation but also allows the flavors to intermingle as they cook.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, carefully place the kebabs on the grill. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a lovely char. The vegetables should be tender but still have a slight crunch.
When the kebabs are ready, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is succulent. Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley over the kebabs for a pop of color and freshness.
As we gathered around the grill that evening, the kebabs were a hit! Each bite was bursting with flavor, and the combination of heat and citrus was the perfect match for a warm summer night. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or simply enjoying a quiet dinner at home, these Spicy Citrus Herb Kebabs are sure to impress and bring everyone together.