Mastering Summer Grilling: Juicy Chicken Skewers with Zesty Cilantro Pesto & Refreshing Kale Tabbouleh
There’s nothing quite like the taste of summer captured on a plate, and this recipe for Grilled Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Pesto and Kale Tabbouleh delivers just that. Featuring succulent, marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection, paired with a bright and zesty cilantro pesto, and complemented by a surprisingly delightful kale tabbouleh, this dish is an absolute must-try for your warm-weather gatherings. It’s a vibrant, fresh, and deeply satisfying meal that’s perfect for outdoor entertaining or a simple weeknight dinner.
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As the sun finally bathes Quebec City in glorious warmth and humidity, the season practically demands that we take our cooking outdoors. Grilling becomes a ritual, transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary. While I don’t grill extensively, when I do, chicken is my go-to protein. It’s incredibly forgiving and versatile, making it a perfect canvas for robust flavors. These simple yet incredibly satisfying chicken skewers, crafted from moist and tender marinated chicken thighs, are designed for grilling success. Even for novice grillers, achieving that perfectly charred exterior and juicy interior is surprisingly straightforward. The true magic, however, lies in the accompanying elements: a vibrant cilantro pesto and an innovative kale tabbouleh that elevate the entire meal to a gourmet experience.
The Secret to Sizzling Success: Marinated Chicken Skewers
Chicken thighs are the unsung heroes of the grill. Their naturally higher fat content ensures they remain wonderfully moist and tender, even when cooked over high heat. For these skewers, we marinate the chicken in a simple yet effective blend of olive oil, honey, and garlic. This marinade not only infuses the chicken with a subtle sweetness and aromatic garlic flavor but also helps create that beautiful caramelization on the grill. Cutting the thighs into wide strips allows for quicker cooking and a larger surface area for that desirable smoky char, making them ideal for threading onto skewers.
Grilling skewers can be intimidating, but with chicken thighs, it’s a breeze. The key is to preheat your grill properly, oil the grates to prevent sticking, and then cook them for a few minutes per side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. This method guarantees a delicious and easy grilled chicken that forms the perfect foundation for our flavorful accompaniments.
Zesty Cilantro Pesto: A Burst of Freshness
Forget your traditional basil pesto for a moment and open your palate to this zesty cilantro pesto. It’s a game-changer! Made with fresh cilantro, crunchy pumpkin seeds, a hint of garlic, and bright lime juice, it’s a vibrant, aromatic condiment that brings an incredible zing to the grilled chicken. The combination of fresh herbs, nutty seeds, and tangy citrus creates a complex flavor profile that is both refreshing and deeply satisfying.
This cilantro pesto is incredibly versatile. While it’s the perfect partner for these grilled chicken skewers, don’t stop there! Think of it as a dynamic ingredient you can use in countless ways. Drizzle it over grilled fish for an instant flavor boost, stir it into pasta for a quick and flavorful sauce, or even use it as a dressing for an Asian-style slaw. Its unique blend of flavors will brighten up almost any dish, making it a staple in your summer kitchen. Plus, it stores well in the fridge, meaning you can whip up a batch and enjoy its fresh taste throughout the week.
Kale Tabbouleh: A Refreshing and Nutritious Twist
Our kale tabbouleh is a delightful modern take on the classic Middle Eastern salad. Traditional tabbouleh typically features a mix of finely chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, and bulgur, all seasoned with olive oil and lemon juice. We’ve kept the essence of the original but introduced a nourishing twist by incorporating fresh kale. With a bunch of kale in the fridge, it was a natural choice to boost the salad’s nutritional value, adding a significant dose of vitamins and protein alongside the fresh herbs.
To further simplify preparation and save you precious summer minutes, we opt for couscous instead of bulgur. Couscous cooks passively and quickly, allowing you to prepare the rest of the ingredients while it steams and cools. This means you can have a fresh, vibrant, and satisfying salad ready in minutes, leaving you more time to soak up the sun with a refreshing glass of wine in hand. Fresh cherry tomatoes add bursts of sweetness and color, while thinly sliced radishes contribute a crisp texture and a subtle peppery bite. The addition of za’atar, a fragrant Middle Eastern spice blend, ties all the flavors together, giving the tabbouleh a unique, earthy, and surprisingly addictive quality. This salad isn’t just a side dish; it’s a refreshing and wholesome meal in itself.
Pin Recipe
Grilled Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Pesto and Kale Tabbouleh
Ingredients
- For the cilantro pesto
- 3 cups 750 ml fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup 60 ml pumpkin seeds
- 1 clove garlic peeled
- 2 tbsp 30 ml freshly squeezed lime juice (about ½ lime)
- ¼ cup 60 ml extra-virgin olive oil
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- For the kale tabbouleh
- ½ cup 125 ml couscous
- 1 cup 250 ml vegetable broth or water
- 4 leaves kale stems removed, leaves finely chopped (about 3 cups [750 ml], loosely packed)
- 1 cup 250 ml flat leaf parsley, finely chopped (loosely packed)
- ¼ cup 60 ml fresh mint leaves, finely chopped (loosely packed)
- ¼ cup 60 ml extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup [60 ml) lemon juice
- 1 tsp 5 ml za’atar (see note)
- ½ tsp 2 ml sea salt
- 1 cup 250 ml cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 to 6 radishes thinly sliced
- For the chicken skewers
- ¼ cup 60 ml extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp 15 ml honey
- 1 clove garlic peeled and finely chopped
- 8 skinless and boneless chicken thighs cut into wide strips
Instructions
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For the cilantro pesto: Place all the ingredients in a blender or a food processor. Process until you reach a creamy and slightly grainy texture, adding more olive oil if needed. Transfer to an airtight glass container and store in the fridge for up to two weeks.
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For the kale tabbouleh: Place the couscous in a bowl or a large measuring cup. Bring the vegetable broth or water to a boil, then pour over the couscous. Give it a stir, cover with plastic wrap and let rest and cool while you prepare the rest of the salad (or about 5 to 10 minutes).
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In a large bowl, mix the chopped kale, parsley, and mint. In a small bowl, whisk together the olice oil, lemon juice, za’atar, and sea salt. Drizzle over the salad and mix well to coat the greens.
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Fluff the cooked couscous with a fork, then add it to the salad (the couscous should only be warm or completely cooled to room temperature before adding it to the salad). Mix the salad to incorporate the couscous. Add the cherry tomatoes and radish slices, mix just to combine and transfer to a serving bowl.
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For the chicken skewers: Whisk the olive oil, honey, and garlic together in a small bowl. Transfer to a resealable plastic bag and add the chicken thigh strips. Seal and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
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Preheat the grill, setting the burners on medium. Oil the grate. Drain the chicken from the marinade (discarding the marinade), then thread the strips on metal skewers. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Grill the skewers about 4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is well marked and cooked through.
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Serve immediately, drizzled liberally with cilantro pesto and sided by a generous scoop of kale tabbouleh.
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Recipe Credit: Chicken skewers and cilantro pesto based on recipes by RicardoCuisine.com.
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Kale tabbouleh by Marie Asselin.
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This post was created in partnership with RicardoCuisine.com. For more chicken inspiration, head on to their site where you’ll find over 230 easy and delicious chicken recipes. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that keep Food Nouveau running!
Notes
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Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken Skewers
- Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Ensure there’s enough space between your skewers for even cooking and proper charring. If your grill is too full, cook in batches.
- Use Metal Skewers: If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. Metal skewers are reusable and conduct heat well, helping to cook the chicken from the inside out.
- Check for Doneness: The best way to tell if chicken is cooked through is by using an instant-read thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the Chicken: After grilling, let the skewers rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even juicier chicken.
Making the Most of Your Cilantro Pesto
Beyond being a fantastic topping for these skewers, cilantro pesto has numerous applications:
- Pasta Sauce: Toss with hot pasta and a little pasta water for a quick and flavorful meal.
- Spread or Dip: Serve with crusty bread, pita chips, or fresh vegetable sticks.
- Sandwich or Wrap Spread: A refreshing alternative to mayonnaise or mustard.
- Marinade: Use it to marinate other proteins like fish, shrimp, or pork.
- Salad Dressing Base: Thin it out with a little extra lime juice or olive oil for a vibrant dressing.
Serving Suggestions for a Complete Summer Meal
These grilled chicken skewers with cilantro pesto and kale tabbouleh are a meal in themselves, but here are some ideas to round out your spread:
- Grilled Vegetables: Asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, or corn on the cob grilled alongside the chicken would be a delicious addition.
- Warm Pita Bread: Serve warm pita bread or naan on the side, perfect for scooping up any extra pesto or tabbouleh.
- Feta Cheese: A sprinkle of crumbled feta over the tabbouleh would add a lovely salty tang.
- Olives: A small bowl of Kalamata olives makes a great Mediterranean complement.
- Lemon Wedges: Always keep extra lemon or lime wedges on hand for a final squeeze of freshness.
This dish truly embodies the spirit of summer—fresh, light, and bursting with flavor. The ease of preparation, especially with the quick-cooking couscous tabbouleh, ensures you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the beautiful weather and good company. We hope you try this recipe and make it a staple in your summer repertoire!
Disclosure Notice: This post was created in partnership with RicardoCuisine.com. For more chicken inspiration, head on to their site where you’ll find dozens of easy and delicious chicken recipes.
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