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Grilled Spicy Citrus Chicken Skewers

These flavorful chicken skewers are marinated in a vibrant citrus and spice mixture, then grilled to perfection for a smoky, caramelized exterior. Juicy chicken pieces, paired with charred peppers and onions, create a colorful, tender dish with smoky and tangy notes. Perfect for summer barbecues or casual dinners, they deliver a satisfying combination of textures and bold flavors.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Grilled
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds chicken thighs or breasts cut into even cubes
  • 2 bell peppers bell peppers sliced into chunks
  • 1 red onion red onion cut into wedges
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • to taste salt and pepper preferably smoked salt for extra smoky flavor
  • Optional fresh parsley or cilantro chopped for garnish
  • soak 30 minutes wooden skewers or use metal skewers

Equipment

  • Sharp knife
  • Grill
  • Skewers

Method
 

  1. Begin by preparing your marinade: in a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. This fragrant mixture is bright, smoky, and tangy.
  2. Place the cubed chicken in a large bowl or zip-top bag, then pour the marinade over the meat. Toss or massage to coat all pieces evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour, allowing the flavors to seep in and the chicken to become juicy.
  3. While the chicken marinates, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Prepare your vegetables by slicing bell peppers into chunks and cutting the red onion into wedges.
  4. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of bell pepper and onion for color and flavor. Squeeze the marinade out as you thread, ensuring each skewer is well coated.
  5. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat until it’s hot and sizzling. Place the skewers on the grill, listening for the satisfying sizzle as the marinade begins to caramelize and smoke rises.
  6. Grill the skewers, turning every few minutes to ensure even cooking and smoky char on all sides. Cook for about 12 to 15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice golden-brown exterior.
  7. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh, herbal finish.
  8. Serve the skewers hot, with the charred vegetables and juicy, smoky chicken. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and smoky aroma that make this dish a summer favorite!

Notes

For extra flavor, add a splash of hot sauce or honey to the marinade. Keep an eye on vegetables to prevent over-charring, and turn skewers regularly for even grilling.