Description
Simple Moroccan Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and easy-to-make grilled dish featuring tender chicken breast marinated in a blend of aromatic spices, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful addition to your barbecue spread, these skewers deliver a delicious taste of Morocco with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into even cubes for uniform cooking)
Marinade
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (enhances flavor and keeps chicken moist)
- 4 cloves minced garlic (adds robust flavor)
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin (essential for Moroccan flavor)
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander (introduces a fresh, citrusy note)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (lends smoky depth)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (enhances sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (crucial for flavor enhancement)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (provides gentle heat)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (tenderizes chicken and adds brightness)
Other
- 1 set metal or wooden skewers (soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Begin by cutting the chicken breast into uniform, bite-sized cubes approximately 1 to 1.5 inches to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Mix Spices: In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create the spice base for the marinade.
- Create Marinade: Add the olive oil and lemon juice to the spice mixture and whisk everything together thoroughly to form a cohesive marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the cubed chicken into the bowl and toss until each piece is generously coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it is clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.
- Thread Skewers: Remove the chicken from the marinade and thread the pieces onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each cube to promote even cooking.
- Grill Chicken: Place the skewers onto the preheated grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning every few minutes to ensure even grilling and to achieve a nice char.
- Rest Skewers: Once cooked through and juices run clear, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes to retain juiciness.
- Serve: Serve the Simple Moroccan Chicken Skewers warm, 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 prior to grilling to prevent burning.
- Marinating overnight enhances the depth of flavor and tenderness.
- Chicken is fully cooked when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Can be served with couscous, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- For a smoky flavor without a grill, use an indoor grill pan or broil in the oven, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
