Celebrate Labor Day with these succulent grilled chicken and vegetable skewers, enhanced with a zesty citrus glaze. This dish is bursting with fresh flavors and is ideal for outdoor gatherings.
Ingredients:
– **1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes**
– **1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces**
– **1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces**
– **1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds**
– **1 red onion, cut into wedges**
– **2 tablespoons olive oil**
– **2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice**
– **2 tablespoons fresh orange juice**
– **2 tablespoons honey**
– **1 teaspoon Dijon mustard**
– **2 cloves garlic, minced**
– **1 teaspoon dried oregano**
– **1 teaspoon dried thyme**
– **Salt and black pepper, to taste**
– **Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling)**
Instructions
1. **Preheat the Grill:**
– Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. **Prepare the Citrus Glaze:**
– In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
3. **Marinate the Chicken:**
– Place the chicken cubes in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour half of the citrus glaze over the chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
4. **Prepare the Vegetables:**
– In another bowl, toss the bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion with the remaining citrus glaze.
5. **Assemble the Skewers:**
– Thread the marinated chicken and vegetables onto skewers, alternating between chicken and vegetables.
6. **Grill the Skewers:**
– Place the skewers on the grill. Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
7. **Serve:**
– Transfer the skewers to a serving platter and brush with any remaining citrus glaze. Serve immediately.
**Pairing Ideas:**
-Quinoa or Couscous: A side of quinoa or couscous complements the skewers and adds a hearty touch to the meal.
-Fresh Salad: Pair with a crisp, green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the flavors.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: For an extra touch of summer, serve with grilled corn on the cob brushed with a little butter and salt.
Labor Day is a time to honor the hard work and contributions of individuals throughout the country. It’s a moment to appreciate the value of rest and relaxation, and what better way to celebrate than with a meal that brings people together? Enjoy these Herbed Chicken and Vegetable Skewers as a flavorful tribute to the holiday.
Wishing you a wonderful Labor Day filled with great food, good company, and well-deserved relaxation. Cheers to all the hard work and the opportunities to enjoy the fruits of our labor!
