I can almost smell the sweet, tangy aroma of Cherry Balsamic Chicken Skewers wafting through the air as I think back to those warm summer evenings spent with family and friends. It’s one of those recipes that just transports me right back to those carefree, joy-filled gatherings – the laughter echoing, the sun setting, and the smoky char of the grill mingling with the irresistible scent of these juicy, flavor-packed skewers.
There’s something so special about Cherry Balsamic Chicken Skewers that makes them the perfect centerpiece for any al fresco feast. Maybe it’s the way the tart cherries balance the richness of the balsamic glaze, or how the tender chicken just seems to melt in your mouth with each bite. Whatever it is, this dish has become a total staple in my recipe repertoire, and I just can’t wait to share it with you.
Why This Cherry Balsamic Chicken Skewers Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Cherry Balsamic Chicken Skewers
The key to making these Cherry Balsamic Chicken Skewers truly shine lies in the balance of flavors and the way you prepare the chicken. You see, I’ve experimented with all sorts of marinades and glazes over the years, but this particular combination of sweet, tangy, and savory elements is what really takes these skewers to the next level. The cherry preserves add a lovely, fruity sweetness that’s perfectly complemented by the rich, syrupy balsamic reduction. And when you thread those juicy chicken chunks onto the skewers and char them to perfection on the grill, the result is an explosion of mouthwatering flavors that your guests will absolutely devour.
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Cherry Balsamic Chicken Skewers
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Elevate your weeknight with these mouthwatering Cherry Balsamic Chicken Skewers. This quick and easy recipe features juicy chicken marinated in a sweet and tangy cherry balsamic glaze, grilled to perfection and ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. – In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cherries, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
2. – Thread the chicken and cherry mixture onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. – Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the cherries are slightly charred.
4. – Serve the Cherry Balsamic Chicken Skewers hot, garnished with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
Notes
For a more intense cherry flavor, you can use a cherry balsamic vinegar in place of regular balsamic. This recipe can also be baked in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these irresistible Cherry Balsamic Chicken Skewers, you’ll need:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The star of the show! I like to use chicken breasts because they stay nice and tender on the skewers.
Cherry preserves – This is what provides that signature sweet-tart cherry flavor. Look for a high-quality brand without a ton of added sugars.
Balsamic vinegar – The balsamic reduction adds richness and depth to the marinade.
Garlic – Minced fresh garlic is a must for that savory, aromatic kick.
Olive oil – A touch of olive oil helps the marinade cling to the chicken.
Salt and pepper – Simple seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.
Wooden skewers – You’ll want to soak these in water for at least 30 minutes before assembling your skewers.
Step-by-Step Cherry Balsamic Chicken Skewers Instructions
Preparing Your Cherry Balsamic Chicken Skewers
These juicy, flavor-packed Cherry Balsamic Chicken Skewers come together in just about 30 minutes, making them the perfect easy, crowd-pleasing meal for busy weeknights or laid-back weekend gatherings. All you need is a hot grill and a few simple steps to create this delicious dish.
1- Start by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. This bite-sized shape ensures the chicken cooks through evenly on the grill.
2- In a large bowl, whisk together the cherry preserves, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined. Add the cubed chicken and toss to coat everything evenly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
3- While the chicken is marinating, soak your wooden skewers in water. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
4- When you’re ready to cook, thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the soaked skewers, leaving a little bit of space between each piece.
5- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Carefully place the Cherry Balsamic Chicken Skewers onto the hot grill, making sure not to overcrowd them.
6- Grill the skewers for 12-15 minutes, turning them occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges. Serve your delicious Cherry Balsamic Chicken Skewers immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Cherry Balsamic Chicken Skewers turn out perfectly every time, here are a few expert tips:
– Be sure to soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before assembling. This helps prevent them from burning on the hot grill.
– Don’t be afraid to let the chicken develop a nice char on the grill – the caramelized edges add so much flavor.
– Keep a close eye on the skewers as they cook, and rotate them frequently for even browning.
– If the balsamic glaze starts to burn or become too thick, you can brush the skewers with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
– Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serving and Storing Your Cherry Balsamic Chicken Skewers
Perfect Pairings for Cherry Balsamic Chicken Skewers
These flavor-packed Cherry Balsamic Chicken Skewers are the star of the show, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes and beverages. For a light, summery meal, try serving them alongside a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a refreshing fruit salad. They also make a fantastic main course for backyard barbecues and pool parties, where you can round out the menu with classic cookout sides like mac and cheese, baked beans, or creamy coleslaw.
And don’t forget the drinks! These Cherry Balsamic Chicken Skewers are delicious with an ice-cold beer, a crisp white wine, or even a thirst-quenching lemonade or iced tea. The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating the perfect spread around this tasty dish.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about these Cherry Balsamic Chicken Skewers is that they’re super easy to prepare in advance. You can marinate the chicken up to 2 hours ahead of time, then simply thread it onto the skewers and grill right before serving.
If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the skewers on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
You can also freeze the cooked skewers for longer-term storage. Just let them cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the skewers in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as directed above.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cherry Balsamic Chicken Skewers
Creative Cherry Balsamic Chicken Skewers Variations
While the classic Cherry Balsamic Chicken Skewers are a total crowd-pleaser, there are so many ways you can put your own spin on this recipe. Try swapping out the chicken for juicy chunks of pork or firm tofu for a vegetarian version. You could also experiment with different fruit preserves, like peach or apricot, for a fun seasonal twist.
Another tasty variation is to add diced bell peppers, onions, or even pineapple to the skewers for extra color and flavor. And if you’re feeling really adventurous, you could even try marinating the chicken in a mixture of cherry preserves and your favorite hot sauce for a spicy-sweet take on the dish.
Making Cherry Balsamic Chicken Skewers Diet-Friendly
For those with dietary restrictions, these Cherry Balsamic Chicken Skewers can easily be adapted to fit a variety of eating plans. If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, simply swap the cherry preserves for a sugar-free alternative, like a low-carb fruit spread or even a homemade cherry compote.
And for gluten-free eaters, this dish is a natural fit – just be sure to use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce in the marinade. You can also serve the skewers over a bed of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, veggie-packed meal.
Vegan and vegetarian friends can enjoy these skewers too, by substituting the chicken with extra-firm tofu or plant-based protein like seitan or tempeh. Just be sure to adjust the marinating time and cooking method as needed to account for the different textures and cooking properties of the non-meat ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen cherries instead of cherry preserves?
A: Absolutely! If you can’t find cherry preserves or just prefer a fresher flavor, you can absolutely use frozen cherries in this recipe. Just thaw them and give them a quick pulse in the food processor or blender to create a preserve-like consistency before mixing them into the marinade.
Q: Do I need to soak the wooden skewers for the full 30 minutes?
A: Yes, I’d recommend soaking the skewers for at least 30 minutes to ensure they don’t burn on the hot grill. This helps the wood absorb enough water to prevent it from charring.
Q: Can I make these Cherry Balsamic Chicken Skewers in the oven instead of on the grill?
A: Definitely! If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, you can easily bake the skewers in the oven. Just preheat your oven to 400°F, place the skewered chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet, and roast for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through.
Q: How long will the leftovers keep?
A: Leftover Cherry Balsamic Chicken Skewers will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs would work just as well in this recipe. The only difference is that you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs tend to take a bit longer to cook through than breasts.
Conclusion
There’s just something so irresistible about these Cherry Balsamic Chicken Skewers – the way the sweet-tart cherry preserves mingle with the rich, syrupy balsamic glaze, the juicy texture of the perfectly charred chicken, and the overall ease and versatility of the dish. It’s no wonder they’ve become a summertime staple in my house!
I really hope you’ll give this recipe a try. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, packing a picnic, or just looking for a quick and tasty weeknight meal, these Cherry Balsamic Chicken Skewers are sure to impress. Let me know how they turn out for you in the comments below, and be sure to share your photos too! Enjoy!
