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
Units
Scale
- 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