If you’re anything like me and adore dishes that burst with vibrant flavors and a touch of sunshine, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Grilled Chicken Skewers with Florida Grapefruit Recipe. It’s a perfect harmony of juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and that unmistakable bright citrus zing brought in by fresh Florida grapefruit. Each bite delivers a juicy, sweet, and herbaceous punch that’s sure to become a favorite for backyard cookouts or a quick weeknight dinner that feels truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is a breeze for this recipe, and every single one plays an important role in crafting the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the tender chicken to the vibrant peppers and the sweet, tangy grapefruit, these simple essentials come together beautifully.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cubed into 1-inch pieces to ensure quick, even grilling.
- 1 Florida grapefruit (juiced and zested): Adds a lively citrus note that brightens and tenderizes the meat.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps infuse moisture and richness while grilling.
- 2 tbsp honey: Balances the tanginess with a touch of natural sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Brings savory depth and aroma.
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme): Offers a subtle earthy, herbal note.
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary (or ½ tsp dried rosemary): Adds fragrant pine-like flavor that pairs brilliantly with chicken.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together.
- 1 red bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces): Adds sweetness and beautiful, bright color.
- 1 yellow bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces): Provides a sunny visual and juicy crunch.
- 1 small red onion (cut into 1-inch pieces): Delivers mild sweetness and a bit of bite.
- 1 zucchini (sliced into rounds): Brings tender freshness and slight earthiness.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): For a burst of herbal brightness at the end.
- Rice or couscous: Perfect base options that soak up all the wonderful juices.
- Lemon wedges: To add a zesty finishing touch.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Skewers with Florida Grapefruit Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the Florida grapefruit juice and zest with olive oil, honey, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This marinade is where the magic begins — the grapefruit not only imparts a fresh citrus flavor but also tenderizes the chicken beautifully. The herbs add a lovely aromatic layer that will infuse every bite.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Toss the cubed chicken in the marinade, ensuring each piece is nicely coated. Cover and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender your skewers will be, so if you can, plan ahead!
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
While your chicken marinates, heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. This will ensure a perfect sear, locking in juices and creating those beautiful char marks that make grilled food so irresistible.
Step 4: Assemble the Skewers
Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, alternating with the vibrant red and yellow bell peppers, sweet red onion pieces, and fresh zucchini rounds. This alternating pattern not only looks fantastic but ensures every bite offers a delicious mix of textures and flavors.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Place the skewers on the hot grill and let them cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Turn occasionally to get even grill marks and make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The vegetables should be tender with some charred bits that add smoky sweetness.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest just for a few minutes. This step helps keep the chicken juicy and flavorful. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and an herbaceous punch.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your skewers hot with a bed of fluffy rice or couscous to soak up all those lovely juices. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to add a bright zing that amplifies the Florida grapefruit’s citrus notes.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Skewers with Florida Grapefruit Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is a simple way to add vivid color and fresh flavor. If you want, a few lemon wedges make a perfect garnish, inviting everyone to add a little extra citrus brightness right before eating.
Side Dishes
Rice or couscous pairs beautifully by soaking up all those flavorful juices. For a lighter option, pair with a crisp green salad, grilled veggies, or even a Mediterranean-style tabbouleh to complement the herb and citrus notes in the skewers.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the skewers family-style on a big platter surrounded by colorful sides for a casual vibe. For a fun twist, plate individual skewers over a vibrant grapefruit and avocado salad to echo the citrus theme. You could also thread the skewers onto wooden boards for a rustic presentation perfect for entertaining friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any unused cooked skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep them separate from any sides to maintain freshness and allow you to reheat just the skewers themselves.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftover cooked skewers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to 2 months frozen. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the skewers gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can dry out the chicken and make the veggies mushy.
FAQs
Can I use other citrus fruits instead of Florida grapefruit?
Absolutely! While Florida grapefruit adds a unique tangy-sweet flavor, you can substitute with oranges or blood oranges for a slightly sweeter and less tart marinade. Just adjust the quantity to taste.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling helps prevent them from burning and breaking under the heat of the grill.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! The recipe itself is naturally gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free grains like rice or gluten-free couscous alternatives. Always check seasoning labels to be safe.
What can I use if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Dried thyme and rosemary work well in a pinch—just use half the amount of fresh herbs called for, since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through on the skewers?
The safest way is to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. If you don’t have one, cut into the largest piece to ensure it’s no longer pink inside and the juices run clear.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Grilled Chicken Skewers with Florida Grapefruit Recipe enough if you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and super satisfying. It’s simple to make yet feels elevated thanks to the citrusy marinade and colorful veggies. So grab some skewers, fire up the grill, and bring a little Florida sunshine to your table—you’re going to love every bite!
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Grilled Chicken Skewers with Florida Grapefruit Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Delicious and vibrant Chicken Skewers marinated in a fresh Florida grapefruit blend, grilled to perfection with colorful bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini. This recipe offers a refreshing citrus twist paired with aromatic herbs, perfect for a healthy and flavorful meal served alongside rice or couscous.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1 Florida grapefruit (juiced and zested)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary (or ½ tsp dried rosemary)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 red bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 small red onion (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 zucchini (sliced into rounds)
Garnish and Serving
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Rice or couscous
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the grapefruit juice and zest, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well mixed, creating a bright and flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse; for a deeper flavor, marinate up to 2 hours.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. This ensures a good sear on the chicken and vegetables while cooking evenly.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken cubes alternately with pieces of red and yellow bell peppers, red onion chunks, and zucchini slices onto skewers, distributing ingredients evenly for balanced grilling.
- Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers carefully on the preheated grill. Cook for approximately 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve browned edges and even cooking. Confirm the chicken is fully cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and that vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Rest the Skewers: Remove the cooked skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for a juicy bite.
- Serve and Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the skewers for a fresh touch. Serve hot alongside rice or couscous, and add lemon wedges for an optional bright citrus squeeze.
- Enjoy: Dig into your flavorful, colorful chicken skewers, perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal that brings together sweet, savory, and herbaceous notes.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling prevents them from burning.
- For a spicier variation, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Skewers can be cooked on an indoor grill pan or broiled in the oven if an outdoor grill is unavailable.
- Marinating time can be extended up to 2 hours but avoid exceeding it to prevent the citrus from making the chicken too tenderized.
- Serve with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables to enhance the meal’s nutritional balance.
