If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and effortless charm, the Basil and Garlic Grilled Chicken Skewers with Garlicky Whipped Ricotta Recipe is your new go-to. It’s one of those recipes that brings friends and family together; juicy grilled chicken delicately infused with fresh basil and garlic, paired with a luxuriously creamy ricotta dip that has a zing of lemon and garlic. It’s fresh, light, and comforting—all at once—and perfect for any grill session, weeknight dinner, or casual gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, whether it’s bringing a fresh herbal note, tender juiciness, or rich creaminess. They are all simple, accessible, and work harmoniously to create a colorful, flavorful experience from start to finish.
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces: A lean and tender protein that soaks up the marinade beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade cling to the chicken for grilling perfection.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the chicken with its warm pungency for that unmistakable kick.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped: Brings a sweet, peppery freshness that’s essential for that herbaceous touch.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the flavors with a subtle tang.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other ingredients.
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes): Prevents burning and makes grilling easy and fun.
- For the Garlicky Whipped Ricotta: 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 clove garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, fresh basil for garnish.
How to Make Basil and Garlic Grilled Chicken Skewers with Garlicky Whipped Ricotta Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by tossing your bite-sized chicken pieces in a lively mixture of olive oil, freshly minced garlic, bright lemon juice, and that aromatic chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper and give it a good mix to ensure every piece is coated. Letting it marinate for at least 15 minutes—though if you have more time, a couple of hours will let the flavors deepen beautifully—really sets the stage for juicy, flavorful chicken once grilled.
Step 2: Whip Up the Garlicky Ricotta Dip
While the chicken soaks in all those flavors, it’s a perfect moment to whip up the luscious ricotta. Blend ricotta cheese with olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a food processor until it’s perfectly smooth and creamy. This dip is the creamy counterpoint to the smoky, charred chicken, and it’s so simple to prepare but incredibly satisfying.
Step 3: Get the Grill Ready
Preheat your grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat. This temperature is just right for cooking the chicken quickly, locking in juices, and achieving that irresistible char that brings smoky depth to each bite.
Step 4: Skewer and Grill the Chicken
Thread those beautifully marinated chicken chunks onto the soaked wooden skewers, distributing them evenly. Grill each skewer for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. You want the chicken cooked through but still tender and juicy, with gorgeous grill marks that show off the caramelization from the marinade.
Step 5: Plate and Serve
Once grilled to perfection, carefully remove the chicken from the skewers and arrange them on a serving platter. Add generous dollops of the garlicky whipped ricotta alongside for dipping—this pairing is pure magic on the palate.
Step 6: Final Touch of Freshness
Finish everything off with a sprinkle of fresh basil over the chicken and ricotta. This not only adds a pop of inviting green but also a burst of herbaceous aroma that makes this dish feel as fresh as it is delicious.
How to Serve Basil and Garlic Grilled Chicken Skewers with Garlicky Whipped Ricotta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves or even thin lemon zest curls can really elevate the presentation. The basil adds that signature herbal note right on top, and a little lemon zest brings zesty aroma that brings the whole dish alive.
Side Dishes
Serve with a crisp salad featuring cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and radishes to complement the richness of the chicken and ricotta. Alternatively, roasted vegetables or a light couscous salad with herbs match perfectly with the Mediterranean vibe of these skewers.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these skewers on a wooden board with small ramekins of the garlicky whipped ricotta for dipping. You can also create a picnic platter with pita bread, olives, and vibrant vegetable crudités alongside for guests to build their own delicious bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the grilled chicken skewers and ricotta dip separately in airtight containers. The chicken stays juicy and flavorful refrigerated for up to 3 days, while the ricotta dip keeps its creamy texture when chilled.
Freezing
Freezing the cooked skewers is possible but not ideal, as the texture may change slightly. If you plan to freeze, tightly wrap the skewers in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate or freeze promptly. The ricotta dip is best made fresh, though it can be frozen with some slight changes in texture.
Reheating
Gently reheat the chicken skewers in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) wrapped in foil to keep them moist, or quickly on the grill to revive those smoky flavors. The whipped ricotta is best served cold or at room temperature; simply stir before serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit fattier and can add an extra layer of juiciness and flavor to the skewers. Just adjust grilling time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese in the dip?
If you don’t have ricotta, cream cheese or Greek yogurt can be great substitutes for a creamy texture, though the flavor will shift slightly. Blend them with the same garlic and lemon for a similar garlicky whipped consistency.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning on the grill, ensuring they hold together your chicken perfectly during cooking.
Can I make the marinade and ricotta dip ahead of time?
Yes! The chicken marinade can be made up to 2 hours in advance to deepen flavor, and the ricotta dip can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated, just give it a quick stir before serving.
What sides pair best with this dish?
Light, fresh sides like a crisp green salad, grilled vegetables, or even a lemony couscous salad complement the rich chicken and creamy ricotta perfectly, balancing the meal beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Basil and Garlic Grilled Chicken Skewers with Garlicky Whipped Ricotta Recipe is one of those special dishes that feels effortless but impresses every time. The combination of juicy, herb-infused chicken with a silky, fragrant ricotta dip is just the kind of meal to brighten your table and warm your heart. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved favorite in your recipe rotation!
Print
Basil and Garlic Grilled Chicken Skewers with Garlicky Whipped Ricotta Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Basil and Garlic Grilled Chicken Skewers are a fresh and flavorful dish, perfect for summer grilling. Tender chicken pieces are marinated with garlic, basil, and lemon juice, then grilled to perfection. Served alongside a creamy, garlicky whipped ricotta, this recipe is both simple and elegant, making it a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
For the Garlicky Whipped Ricotta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped basil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly coat the chicken and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- Prepare the Whipped Ricotta: While the chicken marinates, prepare the garlicky whipped ricotta by placing the ricotta cheese, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper into a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, then adjust seasoning as needed.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature to ensure a nice sear and even cooking.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces carefully onto the soaked wooden skewers, evenly spacing them for proper cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until the chicken is fully cooked through and develops a slight char for added flavor.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the skewers and arrange on a serving platter. Serve immediately with the garlicky whipped ricotta on the side for dipping.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle fresh basil over the skewers as a garnish and enjoy this fresh, flavorful dish right away.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Marinating the chicken for longer enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- You can substitute chicken thighs if preferred for juicier meat.
- The whipped ricotta can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Adjust garlic quantity in the ricotta to your taste preference.
- Serve with a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
