Save to Pinterest Tender chicken skewers marinated in honey and lavender, grilled to perfection for a floral, subtly sweet main dish perfect for summer gatherings.
This recipe quickly became a favorite at my summer cookouts where everyone loved the unique twist of lavender and honey.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- Marinade: 3 tbsp honey 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp dried culinary lavender buds lightly crushed 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice 2 tsp Dijon mustard 2 garlic cloves minced 1 tsp salt ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- For Grilling: 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing grill) Lemon wedges, for serving Fresh herbs (optional, such as thyme or parsley), for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade:
- In a large bowl, whisk together honey, olive oil, lavender, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
- Marinate Chicken:
- Add chicken cubes to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
- Prepare Skewers:
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Thread Chicken:
- Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece for even cooking.
- Preheat Grill:
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush the grates lightly with olive oil.
- Grill Chicken:
- Grill chicken skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred at the edges.
- Serve:
- Transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges.
Save to Pinterest My family always gathers around this dish during summer evenings, savoring every bite and sharing stories.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or fresh rosemary to the marinade. Serve with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc. Substitute maple syrup for honey for a different twist. For a side, consider a fresh salad or grilled vegetables.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl Whisk Grill or grill pan Skewers (metal or wooden) Tongs
Nutritional Information
Calories: 275 Total Fat: 9 g Carbohydrates: 14 g Protein: 33 g
Save to Pinterest These skewers are simple yet elegant, perfect to impress guests with minimal effort.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of lavender is best for this dish?
Use culinary lavender buds prepared for cooking, as they have a more delicate flavor and are safe for consumption.
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and provide a juicier texture while absorbing the marinade flavors deeply.
- → How long should the chicken marinate?
Marinate the chicken for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld. It can be refrigerated up to four hours for a stronger infusion.
- → What is the best way to prevent skewers from burning?
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to reduce burning risk. Metal skewers can be used without soaking.
- → What side dishes complement these skewers?
Fresh salads, grilled vegetables, or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pair nicely to balance the floral sweetness.
- → Can maple syrup replace honey in the marinade?
Yes, maple syrup can be used as an alternative sweetener, offering a different but complementary flavor profile.