Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today? Because that’s exactly what we’re about to do with these Spicy Garlic Herb Chicken Skewers. This recipe is absolutely INSANE – and I’m not even sorry about it! We’re talking about a flavor explosion that’s going to turn your kitchen into a total flavor paradise. Get ready for the ultimate chicken skewer experience that will leave your taste buds utterly thrilled and your friends begging for the recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Garlic Herb Chicken Skewers
These Spicy Garlic Herb Chicken Skewers are the stuff of legends. With their mouth-watering blend of spicy, garlicky, and herbaceous flavors, they’re guaranteed to take your taste buds on an epic food adventure. The marinade is an absolute game-changer, infusing the chicken with incredibly deep and complex notes that will have you coming back for more. And the best part? These skewers are easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. Get ready to become the ultimate dinner party hero with this insane recipe!
Ingredients
To make these Spicy Garlic Herb Chicken Skewers, you’ll need some key ingredients that pack a major flavor punch. You’ll start with boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which stay juicy and tender no matter how you cook them. Then, you’ll whip up a sensational marinade with bold ingredients like fresh garlic, spicy chili peppers, tangy lemon juice, and a medley of fragrant herbs. Throw in a little olive oil and some brown sugar for balance, and you’ve got a recipe for flavor greatness.
- 2 lbs – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 6 cloves – Minced fresh garlic
- 2 tbsp – Diced fresh chili peppers (such as jalapeño or serrano)
- 1/4 cup – Fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp – Olive oil
- 1 tbsp – Brown sugar
- 1/4 cup – Chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp – Chopped fresh oregano
- 1 tbsp – Chopped fresh thyme
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (just be mindful they may cook faster)
- Spicy Chili Peppers: Milder peppers or skip them entirely if you prefer less heat
How to Make Spicy Garlic Herb Chicken Skewers
Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive into the steps for making these insanely delicious Spicy Garlic Herb Chicken Skewers!
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized chunks, about 1-inch pieces. In a large bowl, combine the chicken with the marinade ingredients – minced garlic, diced chili peppers, lemon juice, olive oil, brown sugar, and a blend of fresh herbs like parsley, oregano, and thyme. Give it all a good stir to make sure the chicken is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
When you’re ready to cook, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto metal or wooden skewers. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and cook the skewers for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and charred in spots.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the chicken skewers are grilled to perfection, you can serve them as is or brush them with a little extra marinade for an extra flavor boost. These skewers are incredible on their own, but you can also serve them with your favorite sides like roasted veggies, rice, or a fresh salad.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Flavor Boost: Try adding a dash of smoked paprika or ground cumin to the marinade for an extra layer of flavor.
- Sweet Heat: Stir in a touch of honey to the marinade for a sweet-and-spicy twist.
- Chicken Kebabs: Thread the marinated chicken with colorful bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms for a complete meal on a stick.
- Broil for Char: For an extra-crispy char, try broiling the skewers for a few minutes after grilling.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: roasted veggies, rice, or a fresh salad.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Simply reheat them in the oven or on the grill when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Make-Ahead: You can marinate the chicken up to 4 hours in advance for maximum flavor.
Nutrition Information
These Spicy Garlic Herb Chicken Skewers are not only insanely delicious, but they’re also pretty darn good for you. Each serving packs a protein-packed punch with lean chicken, and the herbs and spices provide a wealth of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. Plus, the marinade is made with healthy fats from the olive oil. So go ahead and indulge in these flavor-packed skewers – your taste buds and your body will thank you!
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 8 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to marinate the chicken for maximum flavor?
The longer you can let the chicken marinate, the better. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours for the most intense garlic, herb, and spicy flavor.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work just as well in this recipe. Just be mindful that they may cook a bit faster than the thighs.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Can I make these skewers in the oven instead of on the grill?
Definitely! Simply place the skewers on a baking sheet and roast them in a 400°F oven for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What are some good side dish ideas to serve with these skewers?
These skewers are amazing paired with roasted veggies, a fresh salad, rice or quinoa, or even a cool and creamy cucumber salad. Get creative and let these flavor-packed skewers shine!
Try These Next
- Crispy Garlic Herb Chicken Wings With Spicy Ranch Dip
- Spicy Garlic Herb Chicken Bake
- Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
Spicy Garlic Herb Chicken Skewers
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Mains
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Spicy Garlic Herb Chicken Skewers are marinated in a flavorful blend of garlic, herbs, and spices, then grilled to perfection for a delicious main dish.
Ingredients
1. 1 pound chicken breast, cut into cubes
2. 3 tablespoons olive oil
3. 4 cloves garlic, minced
4. 1 tablespoon paprika
5. 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
6. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
7. 1 teaspoon dried thyme
8. Salt and pepper to taste
9. Skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
Instructions
1. 1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. 2. Add chicken cubes to the marinade and mix well.
3. 3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. 4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
5. 5. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
6. 6. Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
7. 7. Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes.
8. 8. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken, skewers, grilled, spicy, garlic, herb