The holiday season is all about gathering with friends and family, sharing laughs, and of course, enjoying delicious food. But let’s be honest, hosting can get a little overwhelming. You want to impress your guests without spending the entire party stuck in the kitchen. That’s where the magic of simple, yet elegant appetizers comes in.
If you are looking for amazing Christmas Snack Ideas Appetizers, you have come to the right place. These Chicken Caprese Skewers are the answer to your holiday hosting prayers. They are incredibly easy to assemble, bursting with fresh flavor, and their festive red, white, and green colors look beautiful on any platter. These are truly wonderful Christmas Snacks For Party Appetizers.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
So, what makes these skewers a standout choice for your holiday spread? There are so many reasons to adore this recipe, but I’ll share just a few of my favorites. You are going to want to make these again and again.
First off, they are incredibly simple to make. Seriously. Even if you consider yourself a beginner in the kitchen, you can pull these off without a hitch. The steps are straightforward, and there is no complicated technique involved. It is all about combining a few quality ingredients.
The flavor combination is a classic for a reason. Juicy chicken, sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil are a match made in heaven. Add a drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze, and you have a bite that is balanced and completely satisfying. It is a light and refreshing option among heavier holiday fare.
These skewers are also a feast for the eyes. The bright colors of the Italian flag, red, white, and green, just scream festive. They add a pop of color to your appetizer table, making it look instantly more appealing and thoughtfully planned. They look like you spent way more time on them than you actually did.
Plus, they are a fantastic make ahead option. You can cook the chicken and prepare the glaze a day in advance, which is a huge time saver when you are juggling multiple dishes. When it is party time, all you need to do is assemble. This makes them one of the best Holiday Appetizers Easy recipes you can find.
These are truly some of the best Christmas Appetizers Easy Finger Foods you can imagine. They are easy to eat while mingling, with no need for forks or plates. Just grab a skewer and enjoy. This convenience makes them a host’s best friend and a guest’s favorite snack.
Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You do not need a long list of fancy ingredients to create these delicious Christmas Snacks For Party Appetizers. Here is what you will need to gather.
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 14 oz. JustBARE Natural Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast, cut into 1” cubes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon grape seed oil
- 28 cherry tomatoes
- 28 mini mozzarella balls
- 28 basil leaves
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to create these beautiful bites? Follow these simple steps, and you will have a platter of delightful Christmas Eve Snacks Appetizers ready in no time. Let’s walk through it together.
Step 1: Make The Balsamic Glaze
First, let’s tackle that delicious balsamic glaze. Pour the balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium high heat. Once it is boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. You will want to stir it constantly to keep it from burning on the bottom of the pan.
This should take about five to seven minutes. You will know it is ready when the vinegar has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. It should leave a nice, clear trail when you run your finger through it. Once it’s done, remove it from the heat and pour it into a small bowl or serving dish to cool. Set it aside for later.
Step 2: Cook The Chicken
Now for the chicken. In a small bowl, add your chicken cubes. Sprinkle them with the garlic powder, dried basil, black pepper, and sea salt. Give it a good toss to make sure every piece of chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings. This is where all the flavor comes from!
Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and add the grape seed oil. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the seasoned chicken to the pan. Cook the chicken for about three to four minutes on each side. You are looking for a nice golden brown crust and for the chicken to be cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest on a plate.
Step 3: Assemble The Skewers
This is the fun part! Grab your wooden appetizer skewers. It is time to build your little masterpieces. On each skewer, thread one cherry tomato, followed by one fresh basil leaf. I like to fold the basil leaf in half before skewering it. It looks neater that way.
Next, add one mini mozzarella ball and finally, a cube of the cooked chicken. Repeat this process until you have used up all your ingredients and have a full platter of skewers. The pattern of tomato, basil, mozzarella, and chicken creates those lovely festive stripes. A perfect idea for Christmas Snack Ideas Appetizers.
Step 4: Serve
Arrange your beautiful skewers on a serving platter. You can drizzle them with the balsamic glaze you made earlier right before serving, or you can serve the glaze in a small bowl on the side for dipping. Either way, they will be a huge hit. Your Christmas Snacks For Party Appetizers are ready to go!
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, which is not very likely, storing them is easy. Place the assembled skewers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to two days. The basil may wilt slightly, but they will still taste delicious.
For the best results, you could store the components separately. Keep the cooked chicken, mozzarella balls, and tomatoes in separate airtight containers in the fridge. You can assemble fresh skewers as needed. This helps keep every ingredient at its best texture. Store the balsamic glaze at room temperature in a sealed container.
Tips
Want to make these Christmas Snacks For Party Appetizers even more special? Here are a few tips to help you out. First, do not be afraid to marinate the chicken for a bit longer. If you have an extra 30 minutes, let the seasoned chicken sit before cooking. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply.
Feel free to get creative with the assembly. You could add a marinated artichoke heart or a pitted olive to the skewer for an extra layer of flavor. A small piece of prosciutto wrapped around the mozzarella ball is also a fantastic addition for a savory, salty kick.
When choosing your ingredients, quality matters. Look for bright, firm cherry tomatoes and fresh, fragrant basil. For the mozzarella, the mini balls packed in water, often called ciliegine, tend to have the best creamy texture. Good ingredients make for great Holiday Appetizers Easy.
Presentation is key for party food. Arrange the skewers on a white platter to make the colors really pop. You can garnish the platter with a few extra fresh basil leaves or a sprig of rosemary for a festive touch. It makes your Christmas Eve Snacks Appetizers look extra special.
Conclusion
There you have it. A simple, elegant, and incredibly tasty recipe for your holiday gatherings. These Chicken Caprese Skewers check all the boxes. They are easy to make, beautiful to look at, and a delight to eat. They are the perfect solution when you need impressive Christmas Snacks For Party Appetizers without the stress.
So go ahead and add this recipe to your holiday menu. Your guests will thank you, and you will get to enjoy the party right along with them. Happy holidays and happy cooking! We hope you enjoy these Christmas Appetizers Easy Finger Foods.
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Protein?
Absolutely! While chicken is fantastic, you could easily substitute it with grilled shrimp or even small cubes of cooked steak. For a quicker option, you could use pre cooked Italian sausage slices. The flavor profile is very versatile.
Can I Make These Skewers Vegetarian?
Yes, making a vegetarian version is simple. Just omit the chicken. To add some extra substance, you could add a marinated artichoke heart or a cube of firm tofu that has been pan fried. The classic caprese combination of tomato, mozzarella, and basil is delicious on its own.
How Far In Advance Can I Assemble These?
You can assemble the skewers up to four hours before your party. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator. If you assemble them too far in advance, the basil might wilt. For best results, prep all the ingredients ahead of time and assemble them just before your guests arrive.
What Kind Of Skewers Should I Use?
Small wooden or bamboo appetizer skewers are your best bet. They are typically four to six inches long, which is the right size for these bite sized Christmas Snacks For Party Appetizers. You can find them at most grocery stores or party supply stores.
Chicken Caprese Skewers
Easy to assemble and bursting with fresh flavor, these festive Chicken Caprese Skewers are a perfect appetizer for holiday gatherings.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Make Balsamic Glaze: Pour 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring constantly for 5-7 minutes, until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and pour into a small bowl to cool. Set aside.
- Cook Chicken: In a small bowl, combine chicken cubes with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon sea salt. Toss until evenly coated. Heat 1 tablespoon grape seed oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and let rest on a plate.
- Assemble Skewers: On each wooden appetizer skewer, thread one cherry tomato, one fresh basil leaf (folded in half), one mini mozzarella ball, and one cooked chicken cube. Repeat this process until all ingredients are used.
- Serve: Arrange the assembled skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle with the cooled balsamic glaze just before serving, or serve the glaze in a small bowl on the side for dipping.
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.
Nutrition
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