Flavorful Persian Grilled Chicken Skewers
Transport your taste buds to the Middle East with these Flavorful Persian Grilled Chicken Skewers! This recipe is inspired by my recent culinary adventure in the kitchen, adapted from Weber's Way to Grill. These skewers are a feast for the senses, combining the vibrant flavors of fresh lemon, aromatic oregano, and sweet paprika. The chicken is marinated for a minimum of 30 minutes, making it an excellent option for a quick meal that looks and tastes like it's been marinating for hours. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or to impress guests at a backyard BBQ, these skewers are sure to become a staple in your grilling repertoire.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onion
1/2 large (coarsely chopped)
Fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup (bottled or freshly squeezed)
Dried oregano
1 tablespoon
Sweet paprika
1 tablespoon
Garlic cloves
2 (crushed)
Extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup
Chicken breasts
2 (cut into pieces)
Skewers
2-5 (soaked in water for at least 30 minutes)
Instructions
1
In a small food processor or blender, combine the coarsely chopped onion, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, sweet paprika, and crushed garlic. Puree the mixture until smooth.
2
Add the extra virgin olive oil to the puree and process until it is well blended and emulsified.
3
In a resealable plastic bag or a bowl, combine the chicken breast pieces with the marinade, ensuring that the chicken is fully coated. If using a bowl, toss the chicken every so often for even marination. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes; for deeper flavor, allow it to sit for a few hours, stirring occasionally to redistribute the oil and marinade.
4
Preheat your grill to medium heat. If desired, soak skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
5
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a bit of space between each piece for even cooking.
6
Place the skewers on the grill and cook over direct medium heat for approximately 8 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches your desired doneness. If your grill is set to high heat, expect about 12 minutes total cooking time.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Flavorful Persian Grilled Chicken Skewers?
They are a Middle Eastern inspired dish featuring the vibrant flavors of fresh lemon, aromatic oregano, and sweet paprika.
What inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a culinary adventure and adapted from Weber's Way to Grill.
What culture does this cuisine represent?
The recipe represents Middle Eastern cuisine, specifically Persian-style kabobs.
Is this recipe a good choice for a quick meal?
Yes, it is an excellent option for a quick meal as the chicken only requires a minimum of 30 minutes of marination.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this recipe.
How do I prepare the onion for the marinade?
Use one-half of a large onion and chop it coarsely before pureeing.
How much lemon juice is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of lemon juice.
Can I use bottled lemon juice for the marinade?
Yes, the recipe allows for either bottled or freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What type of oregano is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of dried oregano.
How much paprika is used in the marinade?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of sweet paprika.
How many garlic cloves are required?
You will need 2 crushed garlic cloves.
What kind of oil is used in the marinade?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
How many chicken breasts are needed for this recipe?
Two chicken breasts are required for this recipe.
How should the chicken breasts be prepared?
The chicken breasts should be cut into pieces suitable for threading onto skewers.
How many skewers are used?
The recipe suggests using between 2 and 5 skewers.
Why should skewers be soaked in water?
Soaking skewers in water for at least 30 minutes helps prevent them from burning on the grill.
How long should I soak the skewers?
They should be soaked for at least 30 minutes.
What tools can I use to make the marinade?
You can use a small food processor or a blender to puree the marinade ingredients until smooth.
What is the first step in making the marinade?
Combine the coarsely chopped onion, lemon juice, dried oregano, sweet paprika, and crushed garlic in a food processor.
When should I add the olive oil to the marinade?
Add the extra virgin olive oil to the pureed mixture and process until it is well blended and emulsified.
What is the best way to coat the chicken?
Combine the chicken pieces with the marinade in a resealable plastic bag or a bowl to ensure they are fully coated.
How often should I toss the chicken if using a bowl to marinate?
Toss the chicken every so often to ensure even marination.
What is the minimum time needed for marinating the chicken?
The chicken should marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Can the chicken marinate for several hours?
Yes, for deeper flavor, you can allow the chicken to sit in the marinade for a few hours.
At what temperature should I preheat the grill?
Preheat your grill to medium heat for cooking the skewers.
How should the chicken be placed on the skewers?
Thread the marinated pieces onto the skewers while leaving a bit of space between each piece.
Why is spacing between chicken pieces important?
Leaving space between the pieces ensures that the chicken cooks evenly.
How long do I cook the skewers on medium heat?
Cook the skewers for approximately 8 minutes per side.
What is the cooking time if using high heat?
If the grill is set to high heat, expect the chicken to take about 12 minutes total.
Is this dish suitable for a backyard BBQ?
Yes, these flavorful skewers are perfect for impressing guests at a backyard BBQ.