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Skewer the Moment

Grilled Lemon-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Quick Pickled Onion and Lemon Salsa

50 minutes
Serves 4
DinnerMiddle EasternGluten-freeDairy-freeNut-freeShellfish-freeSoy-freeLow SodiumLow Carb
Herb's take

Middle Eastern street food gets a sharp, citrusy twist: juicy chicken skewers, smoky from the grill, paired with a pickled onion and fresh lemon salsa that pops with every bite. Along the way, you’ll master pickling, marinating, and why acid is your best friend for balancing charred flavors.

Equipment needed
  • Grill
  • Wooden or metal skewers

Ingredients

Yield
4

Instructions

  1. 01
    In a medium bowl, combine the sliced red onion with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, the zest and juice of 1 lemon, sugar, and white wine vinegar. Toss well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to quick pickle.
  2. 02
    In a large bowl, whisk together the zest and juice of the second lemon, garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, 1/4 cup olive oil, remaining 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and black pepper.
  3. 03
    Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, tossing to coat. Marinate at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes.
  4. 04
    While the chicken marinates, soak 8 wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes, or use metal skewers.
  5. 05
    Heat a grill (gas or charcoal) to medium-high. Brush the grates with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.
  6. 06
    Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving just a little space between each piece for even cooking.
  7. 07
    Grill the skewers for 4 to 5 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
  8. 08
    Transfer the chicken skewers to a platter and let rest for 5 minutes.
  9. 09
    Drain the pickled onions, reserving 1 tablespoon of the pickling liquid. In a small bowl, toss the pickled onions with parsley and the reserved pickling liquid to create the salsa.
  10. 10
    Serve the grilled chicken skewers topped generously with pickled onion salsa and extra lemon wedges on the side.

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