Garlic & Rosemary Chicken Skewers. Tender garlic chicken threaded on a rosemary skewer with a creamy lemon aioli.
Happy Friday! Is it just me or has this week been extremely long?? In my last post, I told you all that Boy received some bad news, but I never disclosed exactly what that news was. I believe I now have the liberty to spill the beans (if not, oops!)
After dedicating 17 years to a company, and operating as their GM, Boy’s employer decided to sell and they were bought out by a larger company. For Boy, this meant starting over at the bottom of the ladder, and he had to start on that bottom rung the very next work day. No fair warning was given. We all know life can be unjust, and I appreciate those of you who wished us well. Thank you for providing your support and cheer! I heart you guys! But, have no fear. Boy and I are not the type of people to simply, and metaphorically, accept a batch of moldy lemons. We will turn them into a refreshing lemonade, which will hopefully be spiked with a bright and shiny future. 🙂
Now on to the good stuff. Food! This is the first post, of a grilling series, I will be sporadically sharing with you guys throughout the summer. Boy and I have been debating what to hashtag this little series of mine, and so far the front runner is #NSNThrill4UrGrill. I’m still on the fence, and racking my brain over this. I’d love your opinion or suggestions!
Anyways, this series will be dedicated to providing you guys with some of my favorite recipes perfect for your next BBQ hoe-down. Starting now, with these – Garlic and Rosemary Chicken Skewer with Lemon Aioli.
These chicken skewers take kebabs to a new, fun level. By ditching the traditional wooden, or metal skewers, and replacing them with rosemary sprigs, these kebabs are something I like to call easy elegance. Not only does the rosemary make for a prettier presentation, it also imparts flavor into the chicken. #Winning.
But, these rosemary skewers are more than just festive fun for your grill, they also taste fabulously delicious. Thanks to the marinade, the chicken is earthy, lemony, slightly garlicy, a smidge salty and scrumptiously savory. I used boneless, skinless chicken breast for my skewers, because the marinade keeps the chicken juicy and prevents it from drying out on the grill, unless you over cook it! However, feel free to substitute chicken thigh for a meatier tasting kebab, simply increase your grill time by a minute or two.
As you all know by now, I can’t go a second without a tasty sauce or dressing to accompany my meal. So, of course I whipped together a lemon aioli to dip these skewers into. The aioli is creamy, earthy, tart and downright delish! It accompanies these skewers perfectly. Boy and I were practically licking the bowl clean, which is something I do often, but Boy is normally more refined. Therefore, you know this aioli is off the hook… so you might want to make extra. 🙂
On top of all that good stuff, these chicken skewers with aioli only take 30 minutes of hands on time to prepare and cook, making these perfect for your next BBQ shindig. Join me in grilling up some delicious fun, and throw some chicken on the Barbie rosemary! Until next time, happy skewering! Cheers!
-xoxo-
Cheyanne
P.S. If you are wondering what to do with the extra rosemary leaves you stripped off the sprigs to form the skewers, I highly suggest you utilize them to make this No Knead Goat Cheese, Pistachio & Rosemary Focaccia!
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Garlic & Rosemary Chicken Skewers {with Lemon Aioli}
Ingredients
- Marinade:
- ¼ Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 4 Cloves Garlic – smashed & peeled
- 1 TBS reduced sodium Soy Sauce
- 1 TBS Fresh Rosemary Leaves - minced
- 1 TBS Honey
- 1 tsp Lemon Zest (about ½ a lemon)
- ½ tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- ¾ tsp Onion Powder
- ¾ tsp Cracked Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- Chicken:
- 2 pounds Chicken Breast – cut into 1 ½’’ pieces
- 8-10 (10’’) Rosemary Sprigs – leaves removed from bottom 2/3rds
- Aioli:
- ½ Cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tsp Dijon Mustard
- 1 Clove Garlic – minced
- 2 tsp Lemon Juice
- 1 tsp Lemon Zest
- 2 tsp Rosemary Leaves – minced
- ¼ tsp Salt , or more to taste
- 1/8 tsp Pepper , or more to taste
- For Serving: Lemon wedges, Crushed Red pepper Flakes , Optional:
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine all marinade ingredients in a small bowl and whisk to combine. Place cubes of chicken in a large Ziploc bag and pour in marinade. Turn chicken to thoroughly coat. Marinate in refrigerator for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight, turning periodically.
- Place large rosemary skewers into a shallow baking dish, cover with water and allow to soak at least 30 minutes, up to overnight.
- Prepare the Aioli: Combine all aioli ingredients in a small mixing bowl and whisk to thoroughly combine. Transfer to small, covered container and refrigerate until ready to use.
- To Prepare and Cook Chicken: Remove the rosemary skewers from water and the chicken from the marinade. Thread chicken onto the rosemary skewers, discarding marinade.
- Heat a grill or grill pan to medium high heat. Oil the grates and grill chicken skewers, turning halfway through cook time, until chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 8 -10 minutes.
- Let skewers rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve chicken skewers with aioli, crushed red pepper flakes for seasoning and lemon wedges.
This is one of my favorite recipes! The aioli is seriously so delicious that I always at least double the recipe. I cut up any leftover chicken and mix it with the aioli and have it with a salad for lunch the next day. Heck, the aioli is so good that I’ve made it without the chicken skewers and served it with steak and sweet potato fries (it’s my favorite thing to dip sweet potato fries in!). It’s one of those things I find myself craving. Thank you for sharing!
If this tastes anywhere near as good as it looks, then it’ll be like heaven on a plate. 😉
This looks absolutely amazing. I love that you used fresh rosemary in this. I might just have to make this because I have an abundance of fresh herbs growing in my backyard.
I recently made a cooking and baking blog, too.
http://kcolescreativecorner.com
I would greatly appreciate it if you would check it out!
Thanks so much!
Kennedy, these are definately as good as they look! I am jealous you have an abundance of fresh herbs in your backyard- must be nice! 😉 These kebabs are a great way to use them up. Thank you for stopping by and the kind comment! I will be sure to check out your blog… Cheers!
I’m so turned on right now! LOL!
I’m so glad I could turn you on with my culinary abilities. I won’t tell my husband… He might get jealous 😉 I however, am super excited to hear this! lol Cheers, sweets!
Sorry to hear about Boy’s job – that really sucks! But when life gave you guys lemons, you made some seriously awesome skewers! 🙂 Grilling season is finally upon us – yay!
You know I’m all about grilling and I’ll be making this recipe this week. Always like me some easy and healthy dinner! Sorry y’all are going through this but happy that it’s all going to work out. You are the best wife ever to cook your Honey some good food to cheer him up. Boy is very lucky 🙂
I’m so sorry to hear about your boy’s work stuff! That completely stinks. But these skewers look fantastic!
Sorry to hear about the Boy’s company woes. Hope these gorgeous chicken skewers helped a bit. They look so flavorful and delicious!
Ugh, I hate that for your man. That really sucks. At least he got to eat these delicious chicken skewers – that probably cheered him up a bit! These seriously look awesome. I love that aioli. Yum!
I know right, Annie?! But, thus is life… unfair. However, we can eat good food while we try to look on the bright side and find the silver lining! 🙂 The aioli is scrumptious, but I’m biased because I am an aioli loving freak! Thanks for the kind words! Cheers and happy weekend, girlie!!
I’m sorry to hear of your husband’s situation :/ It sounds like you guys have a great attitude about it though! Now, let me just say wowwwwwwwwww, those look skewers look amazing!!!! Using rosemary sprigs as the skewer = GENIUS! Great photos, great recipe… pinning, yumming, and stumbling 🙂
Thanks, Amanda! I try to always try to find the positive in every situation… because there always is one, no matter how small! Life is too short to not forge on and overcome! Thanks for the super kind words and for sharing!! Yay!! Cheers and Happy Weekend!!
I’m so sorry to hear about Boy’s troubles. I hope he finds a new job soon with someone who deserves him. And look at you with another beautiful dish to cheer him up! You can’t go wrong with some sunny lemons. I love that you used the rosemary as skewers! Gorgeous!
Rachelle, Thanks girl! He didn’t lose his job though! He is just with a new company 😉 However, these skewers did cheer (and fill) him up! We ate wayyy too many of them. But they are healthy, so thats allowed, right?? Cheers and hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Chicken skewers are my favorite! Great flavors, pinning!
Thanks, Mira! 🙂 Cheers and Happy Weekend!
I love your attitude – being optimistic and turning lemons into a lemonade. I wish I were just a bit like you; usually I face all kind of negative news like it’s the end of my life. Now, the good news is we are going to have our first serious grill things ever since we got to Canada. I’m kinda pumped and looking for recepies. And I do love this delicious and succulent chicken you’ve got. With rosemary, garlic and lemon, they must be just amazing! And now the bad news. I’ve almost chosen one recipe for chicken skewers, and what am I supposed to do now? I’ve got such a dilemma. Thanks, Chey,you’ve just made my life complicated (such a drama, eh?!) But no kidding – looks so good!
Ben, I try to be a glass half full, never half empty kind of girl! And you know what!? It pays off, because we turned those sour lemons into lemonade! I can’t go into details.. yet! But you bet your bottom I will be sharing all the super exciting details VERY soon!! I’m happy you are going to be having your first grill out since moving to Canada! I do hope you share your BBQ shindig on your blog! As for your dilemma… my advice? You can never have too many skewers. So, do both! 🙂 I’m always happy to add to your drama, by the way! (hehe!) Cheers, buddy! Hope you and your better half are having a terrific weekend!
I agree…’Easy Elegance’ jumps right off the page! Yum! I am so excited to watch your series unfold! I, like everyone, am very sorry for your family’s predicament! I imagine that was quite a shocker! Hang in there, friends!
Thanks, Annie! I thought easy elegance was a good way to describe these. I am so glad you agree, because you have “easy elegance” down pat… or at least you make everything look easy! 😉 Thanks for the supportive, kind words as well! Cheers and warm wishes for a fantastic weekend, lovely lady!
Cheyanne, I don’t know whether to prepare this recipe or print the picture and hang it on my wall! Maybe I’ll do both! Love to you and (Boy). You and he are both strong and resilient and who knows what the future holds for the two of you! I am sure it will be wondrous and exciting!
Lol, Cheryl! I’ll multi-message some photos to your phone via text so you can have them on hand to stare at… while you print the recipe 😉 You know Boy and I very well, and you have seen us weather worse storms… so you know first hand that we will turn this into something good. Keep your fingers crossed because he is working on something as I type this. 🙂 Lots of love and hugs!
Loving alll the flavors going on here, perfect for summer!
Thanks, Matt! 🙂 Cheers to a wonderful weekend with your lovely family!
That’s quite the fun summery recipe you have there Chey:) Sorry to hear about your husbands predicament. I am sure it will all work out for you guys, stay strong!
Thanks, Adam! You know me, I’m too dang stubborn to not stay strong 😉 We need to have a skewer exchange party, because I totally want the ones your posted on your blog yesterday! #GreatMinds. Cheers, buddy! Have a wonderful weekend with your new camera!
I’m so sorry to hear about this setback. I’ve seen my husband go through a similar ordeal and it’s no fun at all. I’ve also seen such things turn into great steps forward in the long run and I’m sure of such things for your boy.
I love this first post in your new series. “Easy elegance” is right. These looks so fun and yet sophisticated. Very hard to pull off, but you did it!! Good luck with everything #NSNisfiredup
Thank you, Tammy. I know at the end of every storm there is a rainbow… It’s just being patient and finding the silver lining that counts. After losing my father, I realized there is NO situation that can’t be turned around and at the end of the day, what doesn’t break you only makes you stronger. I apprechiate your sincere and kind words! 🙂 Also, thanks for the hashtag idea!! I love that and I’m thinking of a way to incorporate it! Yay!! You are just spreading all sorts of cheer my way today! Hugs and warm wishes for a wonderful weekend!
These skewers sound so yummy! love the aioli idea to pair with! you did it again girl! Virtual hugs!
Thanks, Gaila! I have a small obsession with aioli, but we have been friends for long enough that I feel as though you probably already picked up on that fact! Virtual hugs back at you, girlfriend! And warm wishes to you and your beautiful family for a great weekend! (I know you will be cooking up deliciousness!)