Dill Pickle Chive Chicken Skewers Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s a fun, tasty twist on chicken skewers that combines the tangy zing of pickle juice with fresh, aromatic chives for a unique flavor experience. The easy prep and grilling make it perfect for impressing friends at weekend BBQs or just enjoying a deliciously juicy, savory meal at home.

These Dill Pickle Chive Chicken Skewers get a punch of flavor from the brine of the dill pickles. Juicy, marinated chicken—zesty with olive oil, garlic, and chives—makes these skewers a high-protein, low-carb dish.

A delicious hint of Dijon mustard rounds out the flavor, and lemon wedges give a fresh finish.

Ingredients

Juice from dill pickles: Combines sharp flavor with a tenderizing effect on the chicken.

Chives: Provide a mild onion-like flavor and fresh fragrance.

Olive oil is a provider of healthful fats and an enhancer of moisture.

Dijon mustard delivers a mild but noticeable spiciness and a creamy texture.

Chicken Breasts: High protein, low fat.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup dill pickle juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• Skewers (if wooden, soak in water for at least 30 minutes)

Instructions

1. In a big bowl, mix together dill pickle juice, oil, chives, mustard, garlic, salt, pepper, and dill. You want to stir it really well and get everything nice and mixed together to form a marinade.

2. Ensure that the chicken cubes are evenly coated with the marinade. Then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and as long as 4 hours for a more intense flavor infusion.

3. Set the grill to medium-high heat.

4. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes; otherwise, the skewers will burn.

5. Skewering marinated chicken pieces is our first step. For this step, we take the marinated chicken pieces and thread them onto skewers. When a skewer holds a piece of chicken, we want that piece to be close to cooking temperature when it goes onto the grill. Every piece of chicken has a good chance of being at cooking temperature if we thread onto skewers and then grill.

6. Put the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning them frequently, until the chicken is completely done and has nice golden brown grill marks.

7. Take the skewers off the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes. This will seal in the juices and ensure that the meat is tender and juicy throughout.

8. Hot skewers are best served with lemon wedges for squeezing over the chicken.

9. If you want, chop up some more chives and use them as a garnish.

10. Dill Pickle Chive Chicken Skewers are a great appetizer. You can serve them as a main dish too.

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Wooden or metal skewers
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Whisk or spoon for stirring
5. Refrigerator
6. Grill (preferably gas or charcoal)
7. Tongs
8. Cutting board
9. Knife
10. Serving platter or plate
11. Citrus juicer (optional, for lemon wedges)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?Q: Can I use something other than chicken breast in a recipe?

  A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs as an alternative for a juicier texture. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

• Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?To achieve the best flavor, marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but you can also let it sit overnight for a more robust taste.
• Q: Can I grill these skewers on a pan?A: If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can use a grill pan or a regular skillet. Cook on medium-high heat until done.
• Q: Is there a substitute for dill pickle juice?A: You can use a combination of apple cider vinegar and a bit of salt as a substitute for dill pickle juice.
• Q: What can I serve with these skewers?Skewers like these complement a fresh salad, some grilled veggies, or a light couscous or quinoa dish.
• Q: How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning?A: For at least 30 minutes before threading, soak the wooden skewers in water to prevent them from burning on the grill.

Substitutions and Variations

If you need a tangy flavor substitute for dill pickle juice, use lemon juice or apple cider vinegar in the same amount.
If you do not have olive oil, you can use these in its place: avocado oil, canola oil.
Use whole grain mustard or spicy brown mustard instead of Dijon mustard.
Chives can be substituted with finely chopped green onions or scallions.
If dried dill weed isn’t in your pantry, you can still make this a win. Fresh dill or dried thyme will deliver a radically different flavor, but one that’s equally delicious and perfect as a partner to cod.

Pro Tips

1. Marinade Timing For the best flavor infusion, marinate the chicken for the full 4 hours if possible. This allows the pickle juice, garlic, and mustard to penetrate deeply, making the chicken juicy and flavorful.

2. Grill Temperature Make sure the grill is preheated to medium-high before adding the skewers. This ensures a good sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

3. Even Cooking When threading the chicken onto skewers, leave a small space between each piece. This allows heat to circulate evenly around each piece, ensuring consistent cooking and a nice char all around.

4. Resting Time After grilling, let the chicken skewers rest for at least 5 minutes. This helps redistribute the juices within the meat, resulting in more succulent chicken.

5. Accompaniments Consider serving the skewers with a side of tzatziki sauce or a light cucumber salad. The coolness and acidity of these sides complement the savory and tangy flavors of the skewers beautifully.