Spring Veggie & Lemon Moroccan Chicken Skewers with Minted Goat Cheese Yogurt
Lemon Herb Moroccan Chicken adapted from Rachel Ray Magazine (April 2014).
Lemon Herb Moroccan Chicken adapted from Rachel Ray Magazine (April 2014).
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt (i use 0%)
- 2 cloves garlic
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 lemon (juiced)
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken (cut into bite size cub
- 1 piece fresh ginger (peeled + roughly chopped)
- 2 teaspoon dried chile de arbol (seeds removed (or 1/2 -1 ca
- 1 small to medium lemons (grated + juiced)
- 1 ounce jar marinated artichoke quarters (6)
- 1 bunch asparagus (cut into fourths)
- 1 lemon (juiced + zest)
- 1 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/2 a lime (juiced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint (chopped)
- 2-3 ounces goat cheese (crumbled)
- Carbohydrate 2.6332080670334 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 9.34646156102258 g
- Fiber 0.918792055390411 g
- Protein 0.528129022898157 g
- Saturated Fat 1.29770247065628 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -8 SKEWERS (136g)
- Sodium 29.5851356865137 mg
- Sugar 1.71441601164298 g
- Trans Fat 0.296991466172388 g
- Calories 92 calories
Step-by-step
- Place the chicken in a gallon size ziplock bag or medium size bowl.
- To the bowl of a food processor add the garlic, ginger, dried chile de arbol (or cayenne), cilantro, parsley, smoked paprika, cumin, salt and pepper. Process 1-2 minutes or until everything is finely chopped. Stream in 1/2 cup olive oil. Stir in the lemon zest + juice. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss well. Place in the fridge for at least 2 hour or overnight.
- Meanwhile make the vinaigrette. Add the lemon zest and juice to a small sauce pot. Bring mixture to a simmer and simmer, about 1 minute or until the zest absorbs the juice. WATCH CLOSELY, you do not want the zest to get burnt to the pan. Spoon the zest out of the pot and into a small bowl. Add the olive oil, parsley, salt, honey and lime juice. Whisk to combine. Set aside.
- To make the minted goat cheese yogurt mix together the greek yogurt, chopped mint, crushed red pepper flakes, lemon juice and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in the crumbled goat cheese. Place in the fridge until ready to use.
- Preheat the grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Thread the chicken, asparagus and artichokes onto metal skewers (or wood skewers that have been soaked in water). I alternated with asparagus+ artichokes and then chicken, repeat. Place the chicken on the grill until the chicken is golden and no longer pink in the center, about 5 minutes each side. You may also cook the chicken in a skillet if needed. Serve the chicken with the the lemon herb vinaigrette and the minted goat cheese yogurt.
Spring Veggie & Lemon Moroccan Chicken Skewers with Minted Goat Cheese Yogurt: A Taste of Sunshine
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a Herculean task. But sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most rewarding, offering a delicious escape from the everyday grind without sacrificing precious time. This Spring Veggie & Lemon Moroccan Chicken Skewer recipe is one of those gems – a vibrant, flavorful dish that's surprisingly quick and easy to prepare.
The inspiration struck me while flipping through an old Rachel Ray magazine. Her Moroccan-inspired chicken recipe immediately caught my eye, with its promise of bright citrus notes and warming spices. I knew I had to adapt it to suit my own tastes and busy schedule. The result? A dish that's both elegant enough for a dinner party and simple enough for a weeknight meal. The marinated chicken, bursting with the zest of lemon and the warmth of paprika, is perfectly complemented by the crisp asparagus and artichoke hearts. The minted goat cheese yogurt adds a cool, creamy counterpoint, balancing the richness of the chicken and the slightly tart vinaigrette.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables – bell peppers, zucchini, or red onion would all work beautifully. You can also adjust the spice level to your liking; if you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili de arbol or omit it altogether. The marinade is incredibly forgiving, allowing you to adjust the seasonings to your preferences. I’ve often added a pinch of cinnamon to deepen the flavors, or a dash of cumin for extra warmth.
Beyond the flavor, this recipe also prioritizes ease and efficiency. The chicken marinates beautifully overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead dish for busy weeknights or weekend entertaining. Grilling the skewers is quick and easy, and the side dishes are equally simple to prepare. The minted goat cheese yogurt is a delightful revelation, offering a creamy and herbaceous contrast that elevates the entire meal. Its simple preparation enhances the elegance and freshness of the dish, making it a fitting accompaniment to the aromatic chicken and vegetables.
To me, this recipe represents more than just a meal; it’s a moment of self-care. In the midst of juggling work, family, and all the demands of modern life, taking time to prepare a healthy and delicious meal is a small act of rebellion, a reminder that I deserve to nourish both my body and my soul. The vibrant colors and aromatic spices uplift my spirits, and the satisfying crunch of the vegetables adds a textural element that always pleases my palate. The simple process, from marinating the chicken to threading the skewers, becomes a form of mindful cooking, a way to disconnect from the stresses of the day and focus on the joy of creating something beautiful and delicious. This is more than just a recipe; it's a pathway to a brighter, tastier life.
So, the next time you’re looking for a healthy, flavorful, and surprisingly simple meal, give this Spring Veggie & Lemon Moroccan Chicken Skewer recipe a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. The aromatic flavors, vibrant colors, and easy preparation will transport you to a sun-drenched Moroccan garden, even if it's just for a few minutes on a busy weeknight. Enjoy the journey!
