Chicken Skewers with Florida Grapefruit

Looking for a dish that’s both refreshing and packed with flavor? These Chicken Skewers with Florida Grapefruit are here to brighten up your meal! The tender chicken, perfectly marinated in a citrusy blend of Florida grapefruit juice, garlic, and herbs, gets grilled to perfection. Each bite is a burst of juicy, tangy goodness. Whether you’re serving them for a weeknight dinner, a weekend BBQ, or a fun appetizer, these skewers will wow your taste buds. It’s fresh, zesty, and just the right mix of savory and sweet—trust me, you’re going to love this one!

Why You’ll Love Chicken Skewers with Florida Grapefruit

Here’s why this recipe will quickly become your go-to dish:

Vibrant and Flavorful: The Florida grapefruit brings a sweet and tangy kick that pairs perfectly with the grilled chicken. The marinade is simple yet packed with flavor.

Healthy and Fresh: Full of lean protein from the chicken and fresh citrus goodness, these skewers are light yet satisfying. The fresh grapefruit not only adds flavor but also provides vitamin C for that extra boost.

Easy to Make: Marinate the chicken, thread it onto skewers, and throw them on the grill—simple as that! It’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike.

Versatile: These skewers are fantastic on their own or served with a side of rice, a crisp salad, or grilled vegetables.

Great for Any Occasion: Whether you’re grilling in the backyard or making something quick for a weeknight dinner, these skewers are easy, delicious, and perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Skewers:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy, the chicken provides the perfect base for absorbing the tangy citrus marinade.
• Florida Grapefruit: The star of the show! Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice gives the marinade its signature bright and tangy flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps to keep the chicken moist while adding richness to the marinade.
• Garlic: Adds a savory depth of flavor that balances out the citrus.
• Honey: A little sweetness from honey contrasts beautifully with the tangy grapefruit, creating a perfect harmony.
• Fresh Thyme: Fresh herbs like thyme add a fragrant, earthy note to the dish.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors.

For Serving:

• Lemon or Lime: A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime on top before serving brightens up the flavors even more.
• Fresh Herbs (optional): Sprinkle some chopped cilantro or parsley on top for a fresh touch.

(Note: Specific measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade
   In a bowl, combine the freshly squeezed Florida grapefruit juice, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until well mixed.
2. Marinate the Chicken
   Cut the chicken breasts into cubes or strips for easy skewering. Place the chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours (the longer, the better!).
3. Skewer the Chicken
   Once the chicken has marinated, thread the pieces onto skewers. If you’re using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning.
4. Preheat the Grill
   Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or spray with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
5. Grill the Skewers
   Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and has nice grill marks. Be sure to turn the skewers occasionally to ensure even cooking.
6. Serve and Enjoy
   Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the skewers from the grill. Squeeze a little lemon or lime juice over the top, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve with your favorite sides.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~220
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 300mg
Total Carbohydrates: 5g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 30g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
Total Time: 22-24 minutes (not including marinating time)

How to Serve Chicken Skewers with Florida Grapefruit

• With Rice: Serve these skewers with a side of jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up the citrusy marinade.
• Grilled Vegetables: Pair with grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions for a balanced, flavorful meal.
• Salad: Toss the skewers on top of a fresh green salad with avocado, arugula, and a light vinaigrette.
• Tortillas: Wrap the grilled chicken in soft tortillas for a quick and easy taco or wrap.

Additional Tips

• Try Other Proteins: You can swap out the chicken for shrimp, pork, or even tofu for a different take on this dish.
• Make It Spicy: Add some chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicy kick.
• Meal Prep: These skewers can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, or you can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Just cook when you’re ready to serve.
• Add Some Zest: Add a teaspoon of lime zest or grapefruit zest to the marinade for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use grapefruit juice from a bottle?
A1: Freshly squeezed Florida grapefruit juice will give the most vibrant and zesty flavor, but bottled juice works as well if that’s what you have on hand.

Q2: Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
A2: Yes, marinating the chicken overnight will give the flavors even more time to penetrate the meat, making it even juicier and more flavorful.

Q3: Can I grill the chicken in the oven instead of on the grill?
A3: Absolutely! You can cook the chicken skewers under the broiler in the oven. Just place them on a baking sheet and broil for 5-7 minutes on each side.

Q4: Can I serve these chicken skewers with a sauce?
A4: A tangy yogurt-based sauce or a squeeze of extra lime juice would be delicious with these skewers.

Q5: Can I use frozen chicken?
A5: It’s best to use fresh chicken for this recipe, but if you only have frozen chicken, be sure to thaw it completely before marinating and grilling.

Q6: Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time?
A6: Yes, you can assemble the skewers ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and grill them when ready to serve.

Q7: Can I use different herbs in the marinade?
A7: Absolutely! Fresh oregano, rosemary, or cilantro would all be great substitutes for thyme.

Q8: How do I prevent the skewers from burning on the grill?
A8: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling. This helps to keep them from catching fire.

Q9: Can I use this marinade for other proteins?
A9: Yes! This citrusy marinade works great with shrimp, pork, or even tofu for a different flavor profile.

Q10: Can I make these skewers on a stovetop grill pan?
A10: Yes, a stovetop grill pan works perfectly for these skewers. Just make sure to heat it up well before placing the skewers on it.

Conclusion

These Chicken Skewers with Florida Grapefruit are a fresh, flavorful, and fun way to enjoy chicken! The bright, tangy citrus balances out the savory chicken, creating the perfect harmony of flavors. Whether you’re grilling for a casual dinner or entertaining guests, these skewers are a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress. So fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy a deliciously refreshing meal!

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