Chicken Espetada

Savor the vibrant flavors of Chicken Espetada, a mouthwatering Portuguese-inspired grilled skewer recipe that's perfect for your next barbecue or family dinner. Featuring juicy, marinated chicken breast seasoned with paprika, garlic, lemon juice, and oregano, this dish offers a bold medley of smoky, tangy, and aromatic notes. Threaded with colorful bell peppers and onions for added sweetness and crunch, the skewers are grilled to perfection, achieving that irresistible charred exterior while maintaining tender, succulent chicken within. Quick to prepare with just 45 minutes of marinating and 15 minutes of grilling, this crowd-pleaser is easy to customize and pairs beautifully with sides like fresh salads, fluffy rice, or crispy roasted potatoes. Whether you're hosting a summer cookout or looking for a flavorful weeknight dinner idea, Chicken Espetada will transport your taste buds to a Mediterranean escape!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:45 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams chicken breast
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic cloves
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 leaves bay leaves
• 2 bell peppers
• 1 onion
• 4 metal or wooden skewers

Directions

Step 1

1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.

Step 2

2. Cut the chicken breast into large bite-sized cubes, approximately 2 inches each.

Step 3

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to create a marinade.

Step 4

4. Add the chicken pieces and bay leaves to the marinade. Toss to coat the chicken thoroughly.

Step 5

5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.

Step 6

6. While the chicken is marinating, cut the bell peppers and onion into large chunks, similar in size to the chicken pieces.

Step 7

7. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

Step 8

8. Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding the bay leaves, and thread onto the skewers, alternating with chunks of bell pepper and onion.

Step 9

9. Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for approximately 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is nicely charred and cooked through with an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).

Step 10

10. Remove the skewers from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Step 11

11. Serve the chicken espetada with your choice of sides like a green salad, rice, or roasted potatoes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1422.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1251.9

Total Fat 61.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.4g
Cholesterol 430mg	0%
Sodium 3938.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 36.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.1g	0%
Total Sugars 14.5g
Protein 145.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 188.8mg	0%
Iron 6.5mg	0%
Potassium 2387.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.0%

Protein: 45.6%

Carbs: 11.4%