If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and easy to make, then these Basil and Garlic Grilled Chicken Skewers with Garlicky Sauce are your go-to recipe. These skewers are packed with delicious, herby chicken marinated in a garlic-infused blend, grilled to perfection, and paired with a rich, garlicky sauce that adds the ultimate finishing touch. It’s the kind of dish that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds, and trust me, it’s the kind of flavor that’ll stay with you long after the meal is over.
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Picture this: tender chicken pieces, perfectly grilled, each bite bursting with garlic and basil goodness, dipped into a creamy, garlicky sauce that takes it over the top. It’s easy, it’s fresh, and it’s the perfect mix of savory and satisfying. What more could you want?
Why You’ll Love Basil and Garlic Grilled Chicken Skewers With Garlicky Sauce
There are so many reasons why this dish is a winner. Here’s why you’re going to fall in love with it:
Flavor Explosion: The combination of fresh basil, garlic, and grilled chicken is out of this world. The marinade is simple but packed with flavor, and the garlicky sauce takes it to the next level.
Quick and Easy: You don’t need hours in the kitchen for this one. The marinade is quick to whip up, and grilling the skewers takes no time at all. Dinner will be on the table in no time!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making dinner for your family, hosting a backyard BBQ, or prepping for a picnic, these skewers are perfect for any occasion. They’re versatile and always a crowd-pleaser.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies to the skewers. Bell peppers, zucchini, and onions are perfect options to add a pop of color and flavor.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for these Basil and Garlic Grilled Chicken Skewers with Garlicky Sauce:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Fresh Basil: The star herb in this dish, lending a bright, aromatic flavor to the chicken.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic, minced to give the marinade that rich, savory punch.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a zesty brightness to the marinade.
- Olive Oil: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds richness to the marinade.
- Salt and Pepper: For seasoning the chicken and balancing the flavors.
- Skewers: Wooden or metal skewers to thread the chicken onto for grilling.
For the Garlicky Sauce:
- Garlic: Fresh garlic for that signature flavor.
- Mayonnaise: A creamy base for the sauce, making it smooth and rich.
- Greek Yogurt: Adds a tangy, creamy texture to the sauce.
- Lemon Juice: For a little extra tanginess.
- Olive Oil: For richness and smoothness in the sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Here’s how you can make these Basil and Garlic Grilled Chicken Skewers with Garlicky Sauce:
Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, fresh basil, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to let the flavors infuse.
Prepare the Skewers: While the chicken is marinating, soak your wooden skewers in water for about 15 minutes if using them to prevent burning. If using metal skewers, you can skip this step.
Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, making sure the pieces are evenly spaced. Grill the skewers for about 4-5 minutes per side or until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks.
Make the Garlicky Sauce: While the chicken is grilling, prepare the sauce. In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste, and if you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add a little water or more olive oil.
Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the skewers from the grill. Serve the skewers hot, drizzled with the garlicky sauce or as a dipping sauce on the side.
Enjoy: Serve with your favorite sides, like roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or some grilled pita for a complete meal. Don’t forget to enjoy every bite of these juicy, flavorful skewers!
How to Serve Basil and Garlic Grilled Chicken Skewers With Garlicky Sauce
These skewers are so versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions to elevate your meal:
- Rice Pilaf: The subtle flavors of rice pilaf complement the garlic and basil chicken perfectly.
- Grilled Vegetables: Fire up the grill and toss some vegetables like zucchini, peppers, and onions on it for a colorful and healthy side.
- Crisp Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the richness of the garlicky sauce.
- Pita or Flatbread: Serve these skewers with warm, soft pita or flatbread for a little extra carb goodness.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips for the perfect Basil and Garlic Grilled Chicken Skewers with Garlicky Sauce:
- Marinate Longer for More Flavor: If you have the time, marinate the chicken for longer than 30 minutes to allow the flavors to really soak in.
- Grill on High Heat: Make sure your grill is hot before adding the skewers to get those beautiful grill marks and a perfect sear on the chicken.
- Add Veggies to the Skewers: Don’t just stick to chicken—add bell peppers, zucchini, or onions between the chicken pieces for added flavor and color.
- Make Extra Sauce: If you love garlic, make extra garlicky sauce to drizzle over the chicken or dip your veggies in it!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A1: Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add extra flavor to the skewers. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Q2: Can I make the garlicky sauce ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can make the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Q3: Can I cook these skewers in the oven?
A3: Yes, you can bake the chicken skewers at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce can also be stored in a separate container for up to a week.
Q5: Can I freeze the skewers?
A5: You can freeze the cooked skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven or grill for the best results.
Q6: Can I make this dish spicier?
A6: Yes! Add some red pepper flakes to the marinade or the garlicky sauce for a little heat.
Q7: Can I skip the sauce?
A7: Of course! The skewers are delicious on their own, but the sauce adds an extra layer of creaminess and flavor.
Q8: How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
A8: Don’t overcook the chicken! Keep an eye on the grill and check the chicken’s internal temperature, which should reach 165°F.
Q9: Can I add other herbs to the marinade?
A9: Yes, feel free to experiment with herbs like thyme or oregano to customize the flavor to your liking.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! If you’re feeding a crowd, just double the chicken and marinade—this recipe scales easily.
Conclusion
These Basil and Garlic Grilled Chicken Skewers with Garlicky Sauce are a game-changer when it comes to easy, flavorful meals. They’re packed with fresh herbs, tender chicken, and a sauce that brings it all together. Whether you’re grilling for a family dinner or serving them at a summer BBQ, these skewers are sure to become a favorite. Try them out, and prepare for some seriously happy taste buds!
Print
Basil and Garlic Grilled Chicken Skewers With Garlicky Sauce
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
These Basil and Garlic Grilled Chicken Skewers are bursting with fresh flavors from basil, garlic, and lemon, served alongside a creamy, garlicky whipped ricotta. Perfect for a light yet flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 5–8 cloves garlic
- 3 cups fresh basil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon, juice and zest
- 3–4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- For the Garlicky Whipped Ricotta:
- 16 oz whole milk ricotta
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus more for serving)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
- 3–5 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, basil) optional
Instructions
- In a small blender, combine basil, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and zest. Blend until smooth.
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add some of the marinade to the chicken and toss to coat. Reserve the remaining marinade in the fridge for later.
- If using, slice the vegetables and prepare the whipped ricotta (see below).
- Heat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat. Thread chicken and veggies onto skewers, alternating between the two.
- Grill the skewers, turning occasionally, until lightly charred and cooked through, about 15-18 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Alternatively, roast the chicken at 400°F for 20-30 minutes in the oven.
- Serve the skewers with whipped ricotta, pita bread, and your favorite salad. Top with fresh herbs.
- For the Whipped Garlicky Ricotta: In a food processor, combine ricotta, olive oil, honey, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs (if using). Process on high for 30 seconds, scrape down the sides, then pulse for another 30 seconds until smooth. Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with red pepper flakes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the vegetables used on the skewers based on what’s in season or your preferences.
- The whipped ricotta can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- If you don’t have skewers, you can cook the chicken and veggies on a grill pan or in the oven instead.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg