A perfect summer recipe, Chicken Caprese Skewers are a delightful combination of juicy chicken pieces and sweet cherry tomatoes. Grilled to perfection with a smoky char, they are then topped with fresh homemade pesto and drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze. These skewers are not only great for summer barbecues but also perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or simply enjoying a delicious meal any time of the year.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: The preparation takes just 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of grilled chicken, fresh basil pesto, and balsamic glaze creates a mouthwatering taste sensation.
- Versatile Dish: Serve these skewers as an appetizer, main course, or even as part of a picnic spread; they fit any occasion!
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and nutrients from fresh vegetables, these skewers are both tasty and healthy.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Chicken Caprese Skewers, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Grill
- Food processor
- Mixing bowl
- Basting brush
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: Provides that wonderful smoky flavor and perfectly cooks the chicken without drying it out.
- Food Processor: Makes preparing the homemade pesto quick and easy by blending all ingredients evenly.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers
- 1 3/4 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 lb. grape tomatoes
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 (8 oz) package mozzarella balls (drained)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the Pesto
- 2 cups (40g) slightly packed fresh basil leaves
- 3 Tbsp finely shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 Tbsp pine nuts or chopped walnuts
- 1 large garlic clove (minced (1 1/2 tsp))
- 1/3 cup olive oil (regular or extra virgin)
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Chicken Caprese Skewers
Step 1: Soak Skewers
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 1 hour. For best results, soak them overnight.
Step 2: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill over medium-high heat to about 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 3: Prepare the Skewers
Thread pieces of chicken and grape tomatoes onto the skewers. Aim for about four pieces of chicken and three tomatoes per skewer.
Step 4: Season the Skewers
Brush both sides of each skewer with olive oil (about 1 tablespoon). Season liberally with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 5: Grill the Skewers
Place the kebabs on the grill and cook for around 4-6 minutes on each side until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 6: Make Pesto
While grilling, prepare your pesto. In a food processor, pulse together basil leaves, parmesan cheese, pine nuts (or walnuts), and minced garlic several times until finely minced.
Step 7: Combine Ingredients
Season your pesto with salt and pepper to taste. With the food processor running, slowly pour in olive oil until well blended.
Step 8: Final Touches
Once cooked through, remove kebabs from the grill. Thread one mozzarella ball onto each end of every skewer. Spoon homemade pesto over kebabs and drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving warm.
How to Serve Chicken Caprese Skewers
Chicken Caprese Skewers are not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve them in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy these tasty skewers.
With a Fresh Salad
- Garden Salad: Pair the skewers with a simple garden salad featuring mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette.
- Caprese Salad: Complement the flavors by serving alongside a classic Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.
As Appetizers
- Skewer Platter: Present the Chicken Caprese Skewers on a platter with toothpicks for easy picking at parties.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch or extra pesto, for guests to enjoy.
In Tacos or Wraps
- Chicken Tacos: Shred the cooked chicken and use it as a filling for soft tacos topped with fresh veggies.
- Wraps: Roll the skewers in flatbreads or tortillas with lettuce and tomatoes for a quick meal.
With Grains
- Quinoa or Rice Bowl: Serve the skewers over quinoa or rice mixed with vegetables for a hearty bowl.
- Pasta Salad: Toss cooked pasta with olive oil, cherry tomatoes, and herbs for a refreshing side.
How to Perfect Chicken Caprese Skewers
To make sure your Chicken Caprese Skewers turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Bold Marinade: Marinate the chicken in pesto for at least 30 minutes before grilling to enhance flavor.
- Bold Skewer Arrangement: Alternate chicken pieces and tomatoes evenly on each skewer for balanced cooking.
- Bold Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Bold Grilling Technique: Avoid moving the skewers too much while grilling; let them sear properly before flipping.
- Bold Pesto Application: Drizzle pesto just before serving for maximum freshness and flavor impact.
- Bold Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh mozzarella balls and ripe tomatoes to elevate the taste of your skewers.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Caprese Skewers
Pairing side dishes with Chicken Caprese Skewers can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement their flavors well.
- Garlic Bread: Toasted bread brushed with garlic butter makes an excellent accompaniment to soak up any juices from the skewers.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted veggies adds color and nutrients to your plate.
- Herbed Couscous: Fluffy couscous tossed with herbs can be a light, refreshing side dish that balances the richness of the skewers.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and brightness, enhancing the overall meal experience.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with butter complements smoky flavors perfectly during summer months.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs provide heartiness that pairs nicely with grilled chicken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chicken Caprese Skewers, several common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here’s how to avoid them for the best results.
- Not soaking wooden skewers: Failing to soak wooden skewers can lead to burning on the grill. Soak them in water for at least one hour before grilling to prevent this.
- Overcrowding the skewers: Overloading skewers with too much chicken and tomatoes can lead to uneven cooking. Aim for a balanced amount – about four pieces of chicken and three tomatoes per skewer.
- Skipping seasoning: Neglecting to season both sides of the chicken can result in bland kebabs. Always season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper before grilling.
- Ignoring grill temperature: Grilling at too low a temperature may cause the chicken to dry out. Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat, around 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Not checking chicken doneness: Cooking chicken without checking its internal temperature can lead to undercooked or overcooked meat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Chicken Caprese Skewers in an airtight container.
- They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Chicken Caprese Skewers
- Freeze cooked skewers in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They will maintain quality for up to 3 months.
Reheating Chicken Caprese Skewers
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and reheat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short intervals (30 seconds) until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water, cover, and heat for about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other proteins for Chicken Caprese Skewers?
You can easily substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Each protein will bring its unique flavor and texture.
How do I make homemade pesto for Chicken Caprese Skewers?
Homemade pesto is simple! Just blend fresh basil, parmesan cheese, pine nuts (or walnuts), garlic, and olive oil until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
What dipping sauces pair well with Chicken Caprese Skewers?
Besides balsamic glaze, you can serve these skewers with ranch dressing, tzatziki sauce, or a spicy aioli for added flavor.
Can I prepare Chicken Caprese Skewers ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the skewers and store them in the fridge covered until ready to grill. This makes meal prep hassle-free!
Final Thoughts
Chicken Caprese Skewers are not only delicious but also versatile. Their bright flavors and fresh ingredients make them perfect for summer gatherings or casual dinners. Feel free to customize them by adding your favorite vegetables or using different proteins. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to impress family and friends alike!
Chicken Caprese Skewers
Chicken Caprese Skewers are a vibrant and delicious summer dish that combines juicy grilled chicken with sweet cherry tomatoes and creamy mozzarella. These skewers are topped with homemade basil pesto and drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze, making them perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, or any gathering throughout the year. With a quick preparation time of just 20 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining. The combination of fresh ingredients ensures a mouthwatering flavor that everyone will love.
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 lb grape tomatoes
- 8 oz mozzarella balls (drained)
- Fresh basil leaves for pesto
- Olive oil
- Balsamic glaze
- Salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (425°F).
- Thread chicken pieces and grape tomatoes onto skewers, alternating between them.
- Brush skewers with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill for 4-6 minutes on each side until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- While grilling, prepare pesto by blending basil, parmesan cheese, nuts, garlic, and olive oil until smooth.
- Once cooked, top each skewer with mozzarella balls and drizzle with pesto and balsamic glaze before serving warm.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (100g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Marinate chicken in pesto for extra flavor. Feel free to customize vegetables or proteins based on preference.