Balsamic Chicken Skewers Recipe – American Special
Craving a grilled dish that bursts with flavor? Balsamic Chicken Skewers deliver bold tang, sweetness, and smokiness in every bite. Chicken breast pieces are marinated in a mix of balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), garlic, and herbs, then grilled to juicy perfection. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a weekend cook-out or just need a quick, satisfying dinner, these skewers serve beautifully with fresh veggies, a crisp side salad, or a light grain like couscous. They’re easy to prep and sure to impress.
- Prep Time30 min
- Cook Time10 min
- Total Time40 min
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes (about 1-inch pieces)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- For the Balsamic Marinade:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Prepare the Marinade:
In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix until well combined.
Marinate the Chicken:
Place the cubed chicken breast in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours) to let the chicken absorb the flavors.
Prepare the Skewers:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, ensuring they are evenly spaced out (about 4-5 pieces per skewer).
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20-30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
Grill the Skewers:
Brush the grill with a little oil to prevent sticking.
Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C) and the grill marks are nice and charred.
Optionally, during the last minute of cooking, brush the skewers with a little extra marinade for more flavor.
Serve:
Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes.
Garnish with fresh basil or other fresh herbs if desired.
Serve with a side of grilled vegetables, rice, or a light salad.
Recipe Notes :
Meat Alternatives: Use chicken thighs instead of breast for more juiciness and richer flavor.
Marinating Time: While 30 minutes works, marinating for up to 2 hours enhances depth of flavor.
Skewer Care: If using wooden skewers, soak them beforehand to prevent charring; metal skewers conduct heat and cook more evenly.
Vegetable Add-Ins: Bell peppers, zucchini, or onions threaded between chicken pieces add color and flavor.
Grill Tips: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high for good sear; brush with a little oil to prevent sticking.
Make Ahead & Serving: You can prep the skewers ahead of time and even marinate overnight. Rest the cooked skewers a few minutes before serving to let juices redistribute.
