Are you ever stuck in a dinner rut? You know, that feeling when you open the fridge and just stare, hoping for inspiration. We have all been there. It is easy to fall back on the same old meals week after week. But what if I told you there is a simple way to add some excitement to your routine?
These marinated chicken skewers are one of my favorite Chicken Recipes for exactly that reason. They are flavorful, easy to make, and feel a little special without any extra work. The marinade does all the heavy lifting, making the chicken tender and tasty. This is truly one of those great Easy Meals for any night.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the flavor is just fantastic. The marinade is a wonderful mix of citrus and spices. It has a little sweetness from orange juice and sugar, plus warmth from paprika and nutmeg. A tiny bit of crushed red pepper gives it a gentle kick.
It is also incredibly simple to prepare. You just mix the marinade, let the chicken soak up all that goodness, and then cook it. It is one of those Simple Chicken Recipes that looks impressive but takes very little effort. Perfect for beginners in the kitchen.
And let’s talk about the dipping sauce. Oh, that sauce. It is creamy, garlicky, and so delicious. It is the perfect cool complement to the warmly spiced chicken. You might want to make a double batch just for snacking.
This is one of the best Healthy Dinner Ideas because it uses lean chicken breast and light ingredients for the sauce. You get a ton of flavor without feeling weighed down. It is a meal you can feel good about serving to your family.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step. For these delicious Chicken Recipes, you will need a few things for the chicken and the sauce.
For the Chicken and Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into strips
- 2 Tablespoons Orange Juice (no pulp)
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon dried Thyme
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (a mix of regular and smoked is great)
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 10 wooden skewers
For the Garlic and Herb Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (light works well)
- 1/2 cup Light Sour Cream
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried onion flakes
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Let’s walk through how to make these amazing skewers. It’s one of the best Healthy Chicken Recipes you can make at home.
Step 1: Prepare Your Skewers and Sauce
First things first, soak your wooden skewers in water for about 15 to 30 minutes. This is an important step. It prevents them from burning in the hot oven. Nobody likes charred sticks with their chicken.
While the skewers are soaking, let’s make that yummy dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, light sour cream, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and dried onion flakes. Give it a good stir until everything is smooth and well mixed. Cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator. It needs at least two hours for the flavors to really come together.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Now for the star of the show, the chicken. In another small bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients. That is your orange juice, sugar, salt, thyme, paprika, nutmeg, crushed red pepper, and black pepper. The aroma alone is fantastic.
Place your chicken strips into a large resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag up tight, and then massage the marinade into the chicken. Make sure every single piece is coated well. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least two hours. This is where the magic happens.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken Skewers
When you are ready to cook, pre heat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a broiler pan by lining the bottom part with aluminum foil. This makes cleanup so much easier. Then, spray the top rack with some non stick cooking spray.
Take the chicken out of the fridge. Carefully thread each marinated chicken strip onto a soaked wooden skewer. Arrange the skewers in a single layer on the prepared broiler rack. This is one of those Easy Meals that looks great.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You will know they are done when the juices run clear and the chicken is fully cooked through. The exact time can vary a bit depending on how thick your chicken strips are. This method of cooking is why these are such good Healthy Chicken Recipes.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, carefully remove the hot pan from the oven. Let the skewers rest for just a minute. Serve them warm with that delicious, chilled garlic herb dipping sauce you made earlier. Get ready for compliments.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is simple. Let the chicken skewers cool down completely to room temperature first. Then, you can remove the chicken from the skewers and place it in an airtight container.
The chicken will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three or four days. The dipping sauce should be stored separately in its own airtight container in the fridge. It is also good for a few days.
Leftover chicken is great for adding to salads, wraps, or even a quick pasta dish. It’s one of those Chicken Recipes that keeps on giving.
Tips
Want to make these Chicken Recipes even better? Here are a few little tips. Do not skip the marinating time. Two hours is good, but if you have more time, letting it marinate for four to six hours will result in even more flavorful and tender chicken.
Feel free to play with the spices. If you like it spicier, add a bit more crushed red pepper. If you have fresh thyme on hand, you can definitely use that instead of dried. Fresh herbs always add a nice touch.
For the dipping sauce, using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream is a great option. It adds a nice tang and a bit more protein, fitting right in with other Healthy Dinner Ideas. You can also add some fresh chopped parsley or chives for extra flavor.
Finally, be careful not to overcook the chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken breast can become dry quickly. Keep an eye on it and check for doneness right around the 12 minute mark.
Conclusion
So there you have it. A straightforward and delicious recipe for chicken skewers that is sure to become a new favorite. It proves that creating flavorful Easy Meals at home does not have to be complicated or time consuming.
This is one of those Simple Chicken Recipes that is versatile enough for a weeknight dinner but also special enough for when you have guests over. I really hope you give this one a try. It is a wonderful addition to your collection of Chicken Recipes.
FAQ
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely. You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. You can also make the dipping sauce a day or two in advance. This makes it a great option for meal prep or for saving time on a busy day.
What Should I Serve With These Chicken Skewers?
These skewers are very versatile. They go well with a simple side salad, some roasted vegetables, or a bed of rice or quinoa. For a more complete meal, you could serve them with warm pita bread and a side of hummus.
Can I Use a Grill Instead of the Oven?
Yes, grilling is a fantastic option. Pre heat your grill to medium high heat. Grill the skewers for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through. Grilling will add a nice smoky flavor. This is one of the best Chicken Recipes for a barbecue.
Is This Recipe Gluten Free?
Yes, as long as you check that all your individual spices and ingredients are certified gluten free, this recipe is naturally gluten free. It is a wonderful choice for those with dietary restrictions looking for Healthy Chicken Recipes.
How Do I Know When the Chicken Is Cooked?
The best way to be sure is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t have one, you can cut into a piece. The juices should run clear and the inside should be opaque, with no pink remaining.
Marinated Chicken Skewers
These marinated chicken skewers are flavorful, easy to make, and feel a little special without any extra work. The marinade does all the heavy lifting, making the chicken tender and tasty, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 15-30 minutes to prevent burning.
- While skewers soak, prepare the dipping sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, light sour cream, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and dried onion flakes. Stir until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours for flavors to meld.
- For the marinade: In another small bowl, whisk together orange juice, sugar, salt, dried thyme, paprika, nutmeg, crushed red pepper, and black pepper.
- Place chicken strips in a large resealable bag. Pour marinade over chicken, seal the bag, and massage to coat all pieces thoroughly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least two hours (up to 24 hours).
- When ready to cook, preheat oven to 450°F. Line the bottom of a broiler pan with aluminum foil and spray the top rack with non stick cooking spray.
- Thread marinated chicken strips onto the soaked wooden skewers. Arrange skewers in a single layer on the prepared broiler rack.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken juices run clear and an internal meat thermometer reads 165°F. Be careful not to overcook.
- Remove from oven, let rest briefly, then serve warm with the chilled garlic herb dipping sauce.
Notes
Taste the base before freezing and adjust sweetener if needed. Frozen desserts tastes less sweet, so aim for slightly sweeter than you prefer.
Do not fill the pint past the max fill line, as the mixture will expand during freezing and processing.
A full 24-hour freeze is essential for the best, creamiest texture. Rushing this step can result in an icy or soupy consistency.
Feel free to experiment with other flavors like vanilla protein with frozen berries or adding mint extract for a mint-chip version.
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