Spiced Lemont Quarry BBQ Chicken Skewers
Juicy chicken skewers marinated with smoky spices and grilled, capturing the adventurous spirit of Lemont’s outdoor parks and ziplines. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes pairs cut into 1.5-inch cubes chicken breast, smoked paprika, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs, cut into 1.5-inch cubes chicken breast
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs of 1.5-inch cubed chicken breast to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to overnight for deeper flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers evenly.
- Step 4: Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes on each side, turning carefully until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the edges have a slight char.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with your favorite sides.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Lemont Quarry BBQ Chicken Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Spiced Lemont Quarry BBQ Chicken Skewers?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep smoked paprika from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Lemont Quarry BBQ Chicken Skewers?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Spiced Lemont Quarry BBQ Chicken Skewers for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Spiced Lemont Quarry BBQ Chicken Skewers?
American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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