As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, there’s an undeniable magic in the air that beckons us outdoors. Summer isn’t just a season; it’s a celebration of warmth, vibrant flavors, and cherished moments with loved ones. And what better way to embrace this joyous time than with the sizzle of a grill and the aroma of delicious food cooking al fresco? This summer, elevate your barbecue game with an incredibly simple yet profoundly flavorful dish: Grilled Balsamic Chicken Skewers. These skewers are not just a meal; they’re an experience, promising a casual, delightful evening at home with minimal fuss and maximum enjoyment.
Grilled Balsamic Chicken Skewers: Your Ultimate Summer BBQ Recipe
Imagine tender pieces of chicken, sweet pineapple, and crisp red bell peppers, all marinated in a tangy-sweet balsamic dressing and grilled to perfection. That’s precisely what these Grilled Balsamic Chicken Skewers deliver. They are the epitome of summer cooking – light, fresh, and bursting with flavors that dance on your palate. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash, enjoying a quiet family dinner, or simply craving something delightful straight off the grill, this recipe is guaranteed to become a seasonal favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Chicken Skewer Recipe
There are countless reasons why these balsamic chicken skewers deserve a spot in your recipe rotation. Beyond their incredible taste, they offer a host of benefits that make them ideal for any occasion:
- Quick & Easy Preparation: With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have these skewers prepped and ready for the grill in under 30 minutes.
- Bursting with Flavor: The balsamic marinade infuses the chicken and vegetables with a delightful sweet, savory, and tangy profile that’s utterly addictive.
- Healthy & Lean: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a lean protein source, and pairing them with colorful bell peppers and pineapple makes for a nutritious and well-balanced meal.
- Visually Appealing: The vibrant colors of the red peppers and golden pineapple against the charred chicken make these skewers a feast for the eyes, perfect for impressing guests.
- Versatile & Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with different vegetables or even other proteins to suit your preferences.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Skewers are inherently fun and easy to serve, making them a fantastic option for parties and gatherings.
The Heart of the Recipe: Crafting the Perfect Balsamic Marinade
The secret to truly sensational grilled chicken skewers lies in a great marinade. For this recipe, balsamic dressing is our star, doing double duty by tenderizing the chicken and imparting a rich, complex flavor. Balsamic vinegar, originating from Italy, brings a unique blend of sweetness, acidity, and a slightly woody aroma that complements poultry beautifully. When combined with a few other simple ingredients, it transforms into a marinade that deeply penetrates the meat, ensuring every bite is succulent and flavorful.
While you can certainly make your own balsamic vinaigrette from scratch, using a high-quality store-bought balsamic dressing like Newman’s Own can save you time without sacrificing flavor. Look for dressings with a good balance of oil, vinegar, and seasonings for the best results. The acidity in the vinegar helps to break down the chicken fibers, making it incredibly tender, while the sugars caramelize on the grill, creating that delicious charred crust we all love.
Key Ingredients for Success
Each component of these skewers plays a vital role in creating a harmonious and delicious dish. Let’s explore the essential ingredients:
Chicken
We recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe due to their lean profile and quick cooking time. Cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking. If you prefer, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used for a slightly richer flavor and more moisture, though their cooking time might vary slightly.
Red Bell Peppers
Red bell peppers add a wonderful sweetness and a beautiful pop of color to the skewers. Their crisp texture holds up well on the grill, softening slightly while retaining a pleasant bite. Feel free to use other colors of bell peppers, such as yellow or orange, for an even more vibrant presentation and varied flavor notes.
Pineapple Chunks
The addition of pineapple is a game-changer. Its natural sweetness provides a fantastic contrast to the savory chicken and tangy balsamic. Beyond taste, pineapple contains enzymes that naturally help tenderize the chicken, contributing to a more succulent final product. While fresh pineapple can be used, canned pineapple chunks are perfectly convenient and work wonderfully here, just be sure to drain them well before skewering.
Balsamic Dressing
As discussed, a good quality balsamic dressing is crucial. It acts as both a marinade and a basting sauce, ensuring maximum flavor. If you’re using a specific brand, consistency in quality will yield the best results. For those who prefer, a homemade balsamic vinaigrette consisting of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, a touch of Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper can also be used.
Wooden Skewers
Wooden skewers are readily available and perfect for grilling. However, it’s essential to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes (or even longer, up to a few hours) before use. This prevents them from burning and splintering on the hot grill, ensuring your delicious ingredients stay securely in place.
Grilled Balsamic Chicken Skewers Recipe
Discover how to make these delightful Grilled Balsamic Chicken Skewers, a perfect dish for summer barbecues and easy family dinners.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Servings: 6
Author: Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 red bell peppers, chopped into large pieces
- 1 (20 oz) can of pineapple chunks, drained
- ½ cup Balsamic Dressing (such as Newman’s Own)
- Couscous for plating
- Wooden Skewers
Instructions
- Prepare Skewers: Submerge wooden skewers in water for a minimum of 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Marinate Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into approximately 1-inch pieces. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with ¼ cup of the balsamic dressing. Toss to coat evenly and let marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. For best flavor, you can marinate for up to 2-4 hours.
- Prepare Vegetables & Fruit: While the chicken is marinating, cut the red bell peppers into large, uniform chunks, similar in size to the chicken pieces. Drain the pineapple chunks thoroughly. Place the prepared peppers and pineapple in separate bowls.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to a medium-high temperature. Ensure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Assemble Skewers: Carefully thread the marinated chicken, red bell pepper chunks, and pineapple chunks onto the soaked wooden skewers, alternating the ingredients for an attractive presentation and even cooking. Place the assembled skewers in a clean pan or on a plate.
- Apply Second Dressing Layer: Drizzle the remaining ¼ cup of balsamic dressing evenly over the assembled skewers. This adds an extra layer of flavor and helps with caramelization.
- Grill Skewers: Place the skewers directly on the preheated grill. Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning every few minutes to ensure even cooking and beautiful grill marks on all sides. The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
- Serve Safely: Once cooked, immediately transfer the skewers to a clean plate. Do not use the same plate that held the raw chicken.
- Plate and Enjoy: Serve the Grilled Balsamic Chicken Skewers hot, ideally over a bed of fluffy couscous, rice, or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Kitchen Tools
- Wooden Skewers
- Mixing bowls
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Grill
- Meat thermometer (optional, but recommended)
Nutrition Facts
Calories from Fat 99
Expert Tips for Grilling Balsamic Chicken Skewers
Achieving perfectly grilled skewers is easier than you think with a few helpful tips:
- Uniform Cuts: Ensure all chicken and vegetable pieces are cut to a similar size. This promotes even cooking, so nothing is undercooked or overcooked.
- Don’t Overcrowd Skewers: Leave a small space between each ingredient on the skewer. This allows heat to circulate freely, ensuring all sides cook properly and get those desirable grill marks.
- Preheat Your Grill: Always preheat your grill to the recommended temperature. A hot grill sears the food quickly, locking in juices and preventing sticking.
- Monitor Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Avoid Cross-Contamination: Always use separate plates and utensils for raw and cooked chicken to prevent foodborne illness.
- Marinate for Flavor: While 30 minutes is a minimum, marinating the chicken for a few hours will yield a deeper, more pronounced balsamic flavor.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These Grilled Balsamic Chicken Skewers are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of side dishes. Couscous, as suggested in the recipe, is a fantastic choice, soaking up all the delicious juices. Other excellent options include:
- Rice or Quinoa: Fluffy white rice, brown rice, or protein-rich quinoa make excellent bases.
- Fresh Salads: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette, or a more substantial pasta salad, complements the skewers perfectly.
- Grilled Vegetables: Asparagus, zucchini, or corn on the cob grilled alongside the skewers enhance the barbecue theme.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries offer a comforting side.
Recipe Variations to Try
Feel free to get creative with your skewers! Here are a few ideas for customization:
- Vegetable Swap: Experiment with cherry tomatoes, zucchini, red onion, mushrooms, or even chunks of sweet potato.
- Protein Alternatives: While chicken is excellent, shrimp or firm tofu can also be marinated in the balsamic dressing and grilled.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme sprigs to the marinade or tuck them between ingredients on the skewers for an aromatic boost.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the marinade or a dash of hot sauce on the cooked skewers can add a touch of heat.
Storage and Make-Ahead Advice
If you have leftovers, store the cooked chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They can be gently reheated in the microwave or a skillet, though grilling leftovers might dry them out slightly. For meal prepping, you can marinate the chicken a day in advance, making assembly and grilling even quicker on a busy weeknight.
There you have it – a comprehensive guide to mastering the art of Grilled Balsamic Chicken Skewers. This recipe is a testament to the joy of simple, delicious food, perfect for creating lasting summer memories. So fire up that grill, gather your ingredients, and prepare to indulge in a dish that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat!
Explore More Delicious Chicken Recipes
If you loved these skewers, you’re in for a treat! Discover more fantastic chicken creations that are perfect for any occasion:
- Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings
- Doritos Chicken Casserole
- Spicy Buffalo Ranch Chicken
- Chicken Enchilada Soup
- Chicken Tikka Masala
- Nashville Hot Chicken
Beyond Chicken: Discover More Culinary Adventures
Our passion for delicious food extends beyond chicken! Explore a wide array of recipes for every palate and occasion:
- Check out our copycat recipes to recreate your restaurant favorites at home.
- Indulge your sweet tooth with our delightful dessert recipes.
- For effortless cooking, explore our collection of Crock Pot Recipes.
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Recipe originally created on June 25, 2015, and last updated on June 8, 2020.