These Chicken and Vegetable Skewers with Smoked Bacon are packed with savory flavors and perfect for a cozy meal or a backyard BBQ. The marinated chicken, paired with seasoned vegetables and crispy bacon, offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes. The skewers are easy to assemble, bake quickly in the oven, and make for an impressive and delicious meal that the whole family will love. Garnished with fresh parsley, these skewers are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 3 chicken fillets (approx. 500 g)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Vegetables:
- 2 onions, cut into chunks
- 2 tomatoes, cut into chunks
- 6 potatoes, cut into chunks
For the Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Other Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 300 g (10.5 oz) smoked cooked bacon, cut into strips
- Wooden skewers
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Baking Supplies:
- 3 pieces of baking foil
- 2 pieces of baking paper
Directions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken fillets into bite-sized pieces.
- Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper.
- Cover with cling film and let it marinate for 15 minutes.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
- Cut the onions, tomatoes, and potatoes into chunks.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the vegetables with 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, ½ teaspoon of curry powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, ½ teaspoon of dried garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of dried thyme.
- Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and toss to coat evenly.
3. Assemble the Skewers:
- Preheat your oven to 240°C (464°F).
- Alternate threading the marinated chicken, onion, tomato, and potato chunks onto the wooden skewers.
- Wrap each skewer with a strip of smoked bacon.
4. Prepare for Baking:
- Place a piece of baking paper on top of a piece of baking foil for each skewer.
- Place the assembled skewers on the prepared baking sheets.
5. Bake the Skewers:
- Place the skewers in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
These skewers are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with a side of rice, couscous, or a fresh salad to complete the meal. You can also serve them with a dipping sauce, such as tzatziki, garlic sauce, or a spicy BBQ sauce for extra flavor. For a festive twist, serve with roasted vegetables or some crusty bread.
Tips for Perfect Skewers
- Soak the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before assembling to prevent them from burning during baking.
- Cook in Batches: If you have more skewers than will fit in the oven, bake them in batches to ensure they cook evenly.
- Even Veggie Size: Cut the vegetables into similar-sized chunks so they cook evenly along with the chicken.
- Crispier Bacon: For crispier bacon, you can broil the skewers for the last 2 minutes of cooking time.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the skewers for variety and additional flavor.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Skewers: Add chili flakes or a bit of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Herb Skewers: Marinate the chicken in lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs like oregano and thyme for a fresh, zesty flavor.
- Grilled Skewers: Instead of baking, you can grill these skewers on the BBQ for a smoky flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and use chunks of tofu, tempeh, or halloumi cheese in place of the meat for a vegetarian version.
Nutritional Benefits
- Chicken: A great source of lean protein that helps build muscle and supports metabolism.
- Smoked Bacon: Adds flavor while providing protein and essential fats in moderation.
- Vegetables: Rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, supporting overall health, digestion, and immunity.
- Paprika and Curry Powder: Both contain antioxidants and can help support heart health and metabolism.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Chicken and Vegetable Skewers with Smoked Bacon are a perfect balance of flavor and texture. The tender, marinated chicken pairs beautifully with the roasted vegetables and crispy bacon, creating a mouthwatering combination. This recipe is easy to prepare, versatile, and can be made in the oven or on the grill. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a quick family dinner, these skewers are sure to be a hit.
5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the skewers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve. -
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with beef, lamb, or even fish for a different flavor. Adjust the cooking time depending on the meat used. -
Can I grill these skewers instead of baking them?
Yes, these skewers can be grilled on a BBQ. Just make sure to preheat the grill and cook the skewers over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy. -
Can I use fresh bacon instead of smoked?
Yes, you can use fresh bacon, but the smoked version adds a deeper, richer flavor. -
Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to suit your taste.