Large, plump shrimp are marinated in a savory sauce of lemon juice, garlic, Italian seasoning, olive oil, dried basil, and brown sugar, then grilled to highlight the flavors.
Chicken thighs offer all the benefits of boneless, skinless chicken breasts—convenience and fast cooking—without the tendency to turn tasteless and dry, thanks to their slightly higher fat content. The hearty flavor of thighs and their ability to stay juicy on the grill is sure to win over anyone who claims to be dark-meat averse. This recipe can easily work for kebabs (see variation), as chicken thighs lend themselves to kebabs, which make a nice change of pace on the grill.
This is a favorite combination at The Cheese Truck in New Haven, where it’s actually made with six different cheeses (Comté, Gruyère, and raclette as well as the ones listed below). This streamlined version calls for Cheddar for sharpness, gouda for nutty sweetness and color, and provolone for stretch. Pulling apart the cooked sandwich to add the add-ins keeps the bacon crisp and the guacamole cool.