Speedy Periperi Chicken Rainbow Veggie Skewers
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy quick meals with chicken that taste like sunshine? Honestly, who doesn't? These Speedy Peri Peri Chicken & Rainbow Veggie Skewers are packed with flavour and ready in under 30 minutes.
They have a spicy, zesty, and slightly smoky flavour profile.
Brief Overview
Peri Peri chicken originates from Portugal, influenced by African spices. It's a celebration of vibrant flavour. This recipe is easy and takes about 25 minutes total.
It yields 4 servings. Perfect for a family dinner.
Main Benefits
Chicken is a great source of lean protein. These skewers are perfect for a BBQ or a light summer dinner.
What makes them special? The homemade peri peri sauce, of course! It gives yummy meals without the takeaway guilt.
Let's Talk Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to create this magic.
For the Peri Peri Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (30 ml)
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (15 ml)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon chilli flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Skewers:
- 1.5 pounds chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 orange bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- Vegetable oil, for grilling
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Trust me, you can totally find substitutes for anything. Ran out of red wine vinegar? Apple cider vinegar will do the trick.
Can't find smoked paprika? Regular paprika with a pinch of cayenne gives it a good kick.
These chicken skewer recipes are great because you can customise them. If your kids dinner ideas picky revolve around no peppers and no onions, use mushrooms, pineapple, and other ingredients they like.
You have the freedom to have easy summer dinner recipes . The possibilities are endless.
Gear Up: Your Kitchen Arsenal
Before you start, make sure you have these bits handy:
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Skewers (soak wooden ones!)
- Grill pan (or BBQ)
- Tongs
Remember to soak your wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes. Otherwise, you'll end up with burnt sticks instead of delicious skewers.
You’re aiming for a delightful grilled chicken recipes easy , not a bonfire.
Ingredients & Equipment for Speedy Peri Peri Chicken
Right, let's get down to the nitty gritty. If you're after quick meals with chicken that don't skimp on flavour, you need the right gear and grub.
I'm telling you, this recipe is gonna be a winner.
Main Ingredients
Alright, this isn't rocket science. It's Easy Chicken Dinner Ideas , right here. First, the marinade.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Get a decent one; it makes a difference.
- Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Fresh is always best, you know?
- Red wine vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) .
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
- Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon . Get the good stuff. It's smoky goodness.
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon .
- Chilli flakes: ½ teaspoon (or more, if you're brave).
- Salt: ½ teaspoon .
- Black pepper: ¼ teaspoon .
Now for the skewers, aka where the yummy meals happen.
- Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless): 1.5 pounds (approx. 680 grams) , cubed. Make sure it’s good quality chicken.
- Bell peppers (red, yellow, orange): 1 each , cut into pieces.
- Red onion: 1 , cut into pieces.
- Zucchini: 1 , sliced.
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 pint .
- Vegetable oil: For grilling.
- Fresh parsley or cilantro: For garnish.
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life!
This marinade is all about balance. Smoked paprika gives that deep, smoky flavour. Chilli flakes add the kick. Oregano brings that Easy Summer Dinner Recipes vibe.
No smoked paprika? Use regular paprika, but add a pinch of cayenne pepper. A squeeze of lime can save the day if you have no red wine vinegar..
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You really don't need fancy stuff. Honest.
- Mixing bowl and whisk: For the marinade.
- Skewers: Wooden or metal. If using wooden ones, soak them in water for 30 minutes first, or they'll go up in flames on the grill. Seriously, don't skip this.
- Grill pan or BBQ: Or a regular frying pan. Grilled Chicken Recipes Easy are always great, but pan-fried works too.
- Tongs: For turning the skewers. Essential.
Honestly, that's all you need. You probably already have most of it. Now go on and make some Peri Peri magic.
Speedy Peri Peri Chicken & Rainbow Veggie Skewers
Craving that Nando's kick but can't be bothered to leave the house? These Speedy Peri Peri Chicken & Rainbow Veggie Skewers are your answer! They bring those vibrant Portuguese flavours to your kitchen in under 30 minutes.
It's like a mini holiday on a plate, honestly. Perfect for a BBQ or Easy Summer Dinner Recipes .
Prep Like a Pro for Quick Meals with Chicken
Before you even think about firing up the grill, get your mise en place sorted. Chop 1.5 pounds chicken breasts into 1 inch cubes.
Then tackle those veggies one red, one yellow, one orange bell pepper, one red onion and one zucchini all into 1 inch pieces.
Don't forget a pint of cherry tomatoes.
Time Saving Tip: Chop the veggies while the chicken marinates. Genius, right?
From Marinade to Masterpiece: step-by-step
- Make the Peri Peri Magic: In a bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon chilli flakes, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. It's the perfect blend for Yummy Meals .
- Marinate Like You Mean It: Toss the chicken in that glorious marinade. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes, or even better, up to 2 hours in the fridge.
- Skewer Time: Thread the chicken and veggies onto skewers, alternating colours. This is where you get creative!
- Grill to Thrill: Preheat your grill to medium high heat. Lightly brush with vegetable oil.
- Cook it Right: Grill the skewers for 10- 12 minutes , turning now and then, until the chicken's cooked through and the veggies are tender crisp. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Serve it Up: Garnish with parsley or cilantro and serve immediately.
Peri Peri Pro Tips
Want to take these skewers to the next level? Try this. If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This stops them from burning!
Common Mistake Alert! Don't overcrowd the grill. This steams the chicken and veggies instead of searing them. Work in batches if needed.
For Weeknight Chicken Dinners , remember that preparation is key!. Think quick, think fresh, and think flavour!. You could use this recipe as an inspiration for more Easy Chicken Dinner Ideas .
Recipe Notes for Speedy Peri Peri Chicken Skewers
Alright, let's talk about some extra bits for these tasty quick meals with chicken . Honestly, I've made these skewers so many times, and these tips are what I’ve learned.
It's all about making your cooking experience easier!
Plating Like a Pro: Serving Suggestions
Presentation is key, right? For a simple yet elegant look, arrange the skewers on a bed of fluffy couscous. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
If you're feeling fancy, add a dollop of plain yogurt for a cooling contrast. For sides, think grilled corn on the cob.
A Nando's Style Rice can elevate the experience. For drinks, a crisp white wine or ice-cold lager always works a treat.
It feels like you got a yummy meals from outside.
Storing Your Skewers: Storage Tips
Got leftovers? No worries. You can safely store grilled chicken in the fridge for up to 3-4 days . Make sure to cool them down completely first.
Place them in an airtight container. For reheating, a quick zap in the microwave works. But honestly, the best way is a brief warm-up in a pan.
A great way to have easy summer dinner recipes.
Mix It Up: Variations
Want to tweak things? Go for it! Swap chicken for halloumi for a vegetarian option. Add more chilli flakes for a proper peri peri kick.
Sub Peri Peri marinade with lemon and herbs. These chicken skewer recipes are very versatile.
The Good Stuff: Nutrition Basics
Each serving clocks in at around 350 calories. You're getting a whopping 40 grams of protein. Plus, it's packed with vitamins from all those colourful veggies.
It is one of those quick and easy healthy dinner recipes. A great source of protein is very important in weeknight chicken dinners .
These Peri Peri Chicken & Rainbow Veggie Skewers are perfect for anyone looking for easy chicken dinner ideas ! It's a fantastic way to get a tasty, healthy meal on the table quickly.
Hope you love this peri peri chicken recipe!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make these Speedy Peri Peri Chicken Skewers even faster for super busy weeknights?
To speed things up, you can prep the veggies and marinade the chicken the night before! Store them separately in the fridge. Then, when you're ready to cook, just assemble the skewers and grill them. You'll have a delicious and healthy meal on the table faster than you can say "takeaway!"
I'm not a fan of spicy food. Can I still enjoy these quick meals with chicken?
Absolutely! The chilli flakes in the Peri Peri marinade are what give it the kick, so simply reduce the amount or leave them out altogether. You can also try the Lemon Herb variation suggested in the recipe notes for a milder, brighter flavour.
It's all about customising the recipe to your taste - it's your kitchen, your rules!
Can I use frozen chicken for these Peri Peri skewers? What's the best way to thaw it quickly?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it's fully thawed before marinating. For the safest and quickest thawing, place the chicken in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold.
Avoid thawing at room temperature, as this can encourage bacteria growth, and nobody wants a dodgy tummy!
How long can I store leftover Peri Peri Chicken Skewers, and how should I reheat them?
Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave, but for the best results, try reheating them in a skillet or oven at a low temperature to prevent them from drying out. Add a splash of water or broth to the pan to keep them moist.
I'm trying to eat healthier, what are some nutritional considerations for these quick meals with chicken?
These skewers are already a pretty healthy option, but here are a few tweaks: Use a lighter oil spray instead of brushing with vegetable oil, and load up on even more colourful veggies! Serving with quinoa instead of rice increases the fiber content.
Also, be mindful of portion sizes and pair with a big green salad for extra vitamins and minerals. It's all about balance, innit?
My wooden skewers keep burning on the grill, what am I doing wrong?
Ah, the dreaded burning skewer! The key is to soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes (longer is better) before using them. This helps prevent them from catching fire. Also, try positioning the skewers away from direct flames or high heat, and turning them frequently to avoid scorching.
Alternatively, metal skewers are a great reusable option, and you won't have to worry about them burning!
Speedy Periperi Chicken Rainbow Veggie Skewers
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 3g |