Description
These Basil and Garlic Grilled Chicken Skewers with Garlicky Whipped Ricotta offer a fresh, flavorful Mediterranean-inspired main course. Tender chicken pieces marinated in a blend of olive oil, garlic, basil, and lemon juice are grilled to perfection and served with a creamy, zesty whipped ricotta sauce, making for a delicious and healthy meal perfect for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Skewers
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1½-inch pieces
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water if grilling
For the Whipped Ricotta
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 clove garlic, grated or minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, chopped basil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss thoroughly to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate to marinate for at least 30 minutes, and up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
- Prepare the Whipped Ricotta: While the chicken marinates, combine ricotta cheese, grated garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a food processor or a mixing bowl if using a hand mixer. Blend or whip until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to ensure it’s ready for cooking the chicken skewers.
- Assemble and Grill the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers, distributing the pieces evenly. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through with a light char on the outside.
- Serve: Arrange the grilled chicken skewers on a serving dish. Spoon a generous amount of the garlicky whipped ricotta onto plates and place the hot skewers on top. Garnish with extra basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve immediately with sides such as grilled vegetables, flatbread, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- For a complete meal, serve these skewers with grilled vegetables, flatbread, or a fresh salad.
- If you prefer a sharper flavor, substitute the ricotta with whipped feta cheese.
- Soaking wooden skewers in water before grilling helps prevent them from burning.
