Description
Simple Moroccan Chicken Skewers feature tender, juicy chicken breast marinated in a fragrant blend of Moroccan spices including cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and cinnamon. Grilled to perfection, these skewers offer a smoky, citrusy flavor that is both vibrant and satisfying. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful addition to your next barbecue.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into 1 to 1.5-inch cubes)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Equipment
- 1 set metal or wooden skewers (wooden skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes before grilling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into uniform, bite-sized cubes, about 1 to 1.5 inches in size, ensuring even cooking.
- Mix the Spices: In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Create the Marinade: Add olive oil and lemon juice to the spice mix and whisk thoroughly until the marinade is well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the cubed chicken into the marinade, coat each piece generously, cover the bowl, and refrigerate for at least one hour, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high and ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving some space between pieces for even cooking.
- Grill the Skewers: Cook the skewers on the grill for 10-15 minutes, turning every few minutes to achieve an even char and ensure the chicken is cooked through.
- Rest the Skewers: Remove from the grill and let the skewers rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve: Serve the Moroccan chicken skewers warm, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro for added freshness.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
- Marinating overnight enhances flavor and tenderness but one hour minimum is sufficient.
- Adjust spices to taste based on preferred heat and flavor intensity.
- Serve with a side of couscous or fresh salad for a complete Moroccan-inspired meal.
- For indoor cooking, use a grill pan over medium-high heat if an outdoor grill is not available.
