Description
These Simple Moroccan Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for grilling enthusiasts. Tender chicken pieces marinated in a vibrant blend of Moroccan spices, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil deliver a smoky, citrusy, and slightly sweet taste. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend cookout, they offer a delightful combination of bold flavors and juicy textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into 1 to 1.5 inch cubes)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Additional
- 1 set metal or wooden skewers (soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into uniform, bite-sized cubes, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in size to ensure even cooking.
- Make the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Combine Marinade Ingredients: Add extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice to the spice mixture. Whisk thoroughly to create a cohesive marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the cubed chicken in the marinade, coating each piece generously. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour, preferably overnight, to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Preheat Grill: Clean and oil your grill, then preheat it to medium-high heat to prepare for grilling.
- Thread Chicken on Skewers: Remove chicken from the marinade and thread onto metal or soaked wooden skewers, spacing pieces slightly for even cooking.
- Grill the Skewers: Cook the chicken skewers on the grill for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, turning every few minutes to ensure even grilling and prevent burning.
- Rest the Chicken: Once cooked through and beautifully charred, remove the skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes to redistribute juices.
- Serve: Serve the Moroccan chicken skewers warm, optionally garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for added freshness and color.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight to allow the spices to deeply infuse the meat.
- Make sure the grill is clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking and achieve good grill marks.
- Turn the skewers regularly while grilling to cook the chicken evenly and avoid flare-ups.
- This recipe can be adapted for indoor grilling or broiling if an outdoor grill is unavailable.
