Grilled Chicken Skewers with Charred Plums and Paprika Lemon Basil Marinade
🔥 Grilled
Intermediate

Grilled Chicken Skewers with Charred Plums and Paprika Lemon Basil Marinade

Juicy chicken skewers marinated with paprika, lemon, and basil, grilled with plums until caramelized and lightly smoky. Finished with a brush of honey and a touch of red onion for a fresh sweet contrast.

30 minPrep
18 minCook
48 minTotal
4Servings
Gluten-FreeDairy-FreeHigh Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 700 g boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into 1.25-inch cubes)
  • 4 units firm red plums (cut into 8 wedges each)
  • 150 g red onion (cut into large skewer pieces)
  • 60 ml olive oil (divided)
  • 45 ml lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest (finely grated)
  • 30 ml honey (for final glaze)
  • 8 g sweet paprika
  • 12 g garlic (finely minced)
  • 16 g fresh basil (chopped)
  • 8 g salt
  • 3 g black pepper (freshly ground)

Nutrition facts

per serving

325 kcal
Calories
38 g
Protein
16 g
Carbs
11 g
Fat
2.5 g
Fiber
13.5 g
Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

No declared allergens

Instructions

  1. 1

    If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 425°F / 220°C.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, mix 45 ml olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, sweet paprika, minced garlic, half of the basil, salt, and black pepper.

  3. 3

    Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss well to coat completely. Let stand for 15 minutes in a cool place or refrigerated.

  4. 4

    In another bowl, toss the plums and red onion with the remaining 15 ml olive oil so they are lightly coated.

  5. 5

    Build the skewers by alternating chicken, red onion, and plum wedges until all ingredients are used.

  6. 6

    Clean and lightly oil the grill grates. Place the skewers over medium-high heat, around 425°F / 220°C, and cook for 14 to 18 minutes, turning every 3 to 4 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C.

  7. 7

    During the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush the skewers with honey to create a shiny glaze without burning it.

  8. 8

    Remove the skewers from the grill and sprinkle the remaining basil on top. Let rest for 3 minutes before serving.

  9. 9

    Serve hot, making sure each portion includes chicken, red onion, and charred plums.

Chef tips

For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. Use firm plums so they hold their shape on the grill.

Substitutions

You can substitute the chicken breast with boneless chicken thighs. Basil can be replaced with fresh parsley, and plums with firm peaches when in season.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

  • Illustrative image: Digital kitchen thermometerIllustrative image

    TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer

    Checking doneness of meat and chicken

    • Checks doneness of meat and chicken
    • Quick reading
    • Clean the probe after each use
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Chef’s knifeIllustrative image

    Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife

    Chopping, slicing and cutting strips

    • The knife I use most when cooking
    • Chops, slices and cuts into strips
    • Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Wooden cutting boardIllustrative image

    Teakhaus Teak Cutting Board

    Stable base for chopping

    • Stable surface for chopping
    • Gentle on your knife edge
    • Hand-wash and let it dry
    View on Amazon

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