In the bowl of a food processor, combine all marinade ingredients: olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, cayenne pepper, sugar, salt, pepper, garlic, parsley, and dill. Pulse about 15 to 30 seconds until well blended and chopped. The mixture should be smooth but have some texture. Don't forget the salt, as it’s key to flavoring the entire dish.
Next, divide the marinade into two portions. Mix the veggies with half of the marinade in one ziplock bag, and place the chicken with the remaining marinade in a second ziplock bag. Seal the bags tightly and toss them to coat everything evenly with marinade. It’s a great idea to massage the marinade into the chicken for even more flavor. Refrigerate for around 4 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even marination.
While the veggies and chicken marinate, soak the wooden skewers in a water bath. The longer, the better—this keeps the skewers from burning on the grill. I recommend at least 30 minutes for best results.
Once marination is complete, it’s time to fire up your BBQ! Start preheating it to around 400˚F. This temperature is perfect for grilling and helps achieve a lovely char on the chicken.
While the grill heats up, prepare the skewers. Thread pieces of chicken and your choice of veggies onto each skewer. I like to alternate between chicken, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms for a beautiful presentation. Ensure they’re packed closely for an even cook.
Once all the skewers are assembled, it’s time to grill! Place them on the grill over medium heat with the lid closed. Turn every 2 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked, which takes approximately 15 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, and feel free to baste with leftover marinade for extra moisture.
As you grill, you’ll notice the smell wafting through the air, inviting everyone to gather around. The chicken should turn a lovely golden brown color, while the veggies soften and caramelize beautifully. This is the moment to get excited!
When cooked through, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender bite of chicken.
Finally, serve your delicious skewers on a platter and enjoy the fruits of your labor with family and friends. Dig in, and relish the wonderful flavor that this Chicken and Veggie Marinade has brought to your summer feast!
