Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers Recipe

Like a symphony of Mediterranean flavors dancing on your taste buds, these grilled lemon herb chicken skewers bring restaurant-quality dining to your backyard. You’ll discover how a simple marinade transforms ordinary chicken into tender, aromatic morsels that’ll have your guests asking for the recipe. Whether you’re planning a casual cookout or an elegant dinner party, this versatile dish promises foolproof results and endless serving possibilities. Let’s explore how you can master this crowd-pleasing favorite.

Overview

• Marinate cubed chicken in lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, and thyme for at least 2 hours before threading onto skewers.
• Preheat grill to medium-high heat and oil grates before cooking skewers for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally until done.
• Thread alternating pieces of marinated chicken with lemon wedges and red onion for enhanced flavor and presentation.
• Baste skewers with remaining marinade while grilling to maintain moisture and intensify the lemon-herb flavoring.
• Serve hot off the grill garnished with fresh herbs, or at room temperature for buffet-style gatherings.

Recipe

These Mediterranean-inspired chicken skewers combine bright citrus flavors with aromatic herbs to create a deliciously tender and juicy dish. The careful blend of fresh lemon, garlic, and herbs infuses the chicken with a vibrant, invigorating taste that’s perfect for outdoor grilling or entertaining.

The key to achieving the perfect texture lies in the marination process, which tenderizes the meat while imparting maximum flavor. When paired with the right grilling technique, these skewers develop a beautiful char on the outside while maintaining their succulence inside, making them an ideal choice for both casual family meals and special occasions.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 lemons (juice and zest)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 8-10 wooden skewers

Cooking Steps

You’ll start by whisking together the olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, and fresh herbs to create your marinade before cutting the chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch cubes.

Next, you’ll coat the chicken pieces thoroughly in the marinade and refrigerate for 2-4 hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Finally, you’ll thread the marinated chicken onto pre-soaked wooden skewers and grill them over medium-high heat, turning occasionally until they’re golden brown and cooked through.

Step 1. Mix Marinade Ingredients Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1/4 cup olive oil, juice and zest from three lemons, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, and oregano. Add 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, then whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.

You’ll want to cut your chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch cubes before adding them to the marinade – this guarantees even cooking later. Once you’ve added the chicken, use tongs to coat each piece thoroughly in the mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate.

While you can marinate for up to 4 hours, don’t exceed this duration as the lemon’s acidity can start affecting the meat’s texture. For the best results, plan for at least 2 hours of marinate time.

Step 2. Cut Chicken Into Cubes

Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts on a clean cutting board and patting them dry with paper towels. You’ll want to trim away any visible fat or tendons to guarantee your properly marinated chicken cooks evenly.

Using a sharp knife, slice the chicken breasts lengthwise into 1-inch-wide strips. Then, cut each strip crosswise into 1-inch cubes. It’s crucial to maintain a uniform cube size – this helps your chicken cook at the same rate and guarantees every piece reaches the perfect doneness. As you’re cutting, place the cubes in a large bowl, ready for the marinade. If you notice any pieces that are noticeably larger or smaller than the others, adjust them now to match the 1-inch size standard.

Step 3. Marinate Chicken in Refrigerator

With your chicken cubes ready, combine them with the prepared marinade mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, zest, minced garlic, and fresh herbs in a large bowl. Toss the ingredients thoroughly to guarantee each piece of chicken is well-coated with the flavorful marinade.

To optimize marinating time, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2-4 hours. You’ll want to monitor marinated chicken closely, as leaving it for longer than 4 hours can affect its texture due to the lemon’s acidity.

If you’re meal prepping, you can mix the marinade ahead of time, but don’t add the chicken until you’re ready to start the 2-4 hour marinating window. While the chicken marinates, you’ll have time to prepare your sides and soak the wooden skewers.

Step 4. Thread Chicken Onto Skewers

Removing marinated chicken from the refrigerator marks the start of assembly. Before threading, drain off excess marinade and let the chicken pieces come to room temperature for 10 minutes. You’ll find this helps with even cooking later.

Take your pre-soaked wooden skewers and thread the chicken pieces one at a time, leaving small gaps between each cube. Don’t pack the pieces too tightly – you’ll want the heat to circulate evenly. Arrange skewers on a clean tray as you work, making sure they’re not touching each other. If you’ve got extra marinade, set it aside for basting during grilling.

Once all skewers are assembled, they’re ready for the grill. Remember, uniform spacing guarantees each piece will cook at the same rate, giving you perfectly done chicken every time.

Step 5. Grill Until Golden Brown

Once your skewers are assembled, preheat the grill to medium-high heat (375°F). Place your skewers on the grill grates, ensuring they’re evenly spaced to promote consistent cooking. You’ll want to grill over high heat initially to sear chicken pieces and lock in those wonderful juices.

Cook for 12-15 minutes total, turning the skewers every 4-5 minutes to achieve even browning on all sides. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken shows nice golden-brown grill marks and is no longer pink in the center. If you’re using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Let the skewers rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Top Tips

To guarantee perfectly grilled lemon herb chicken skewers, several key tips make all the difference. Safeguard marinade consistency by whisking ingredients thoroughly before adding chicken, and sustain an optimal grilling temperature of 375°F throughout cooking. Don’t rush the marinating process – give it at least 2 hours for maximum flavor absorption.

You’ll get the best results by cutting chicken pieces uniformly and leaving space between them on the skewer. If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t skip the 30-minute soaking time, as this prevents burning. Keep a close eye on your grill’s hot spots and rotate skewers accordingly. Remember to let your skewers rest for 5 minutes after grilling – this helps lock in the juices and guarantees your chicken stays tender and flavorful.

Nutritional Guide

Nutritional Information Per Serving (Serves 4)

Nutrient	Amount
Serving Size	2-3 skewers
Calories	320
Total Fat	14g
Protein	45g
Carbohydrates	3g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	650mg
Cholesterol	125mg

Additional Nutritional Notes:

• High in lean protein, supporting muscle maintenance and growth
• Low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb diets
• Contains heart-healthy olive oil rich in monounsaturated fats
• Fresh herbs provide antioxidants and additional nutrients
• Naturally gluten-free

Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, portion sizes, and cooking methods. For precise nutritional information, calculate based on the exact products and amounts used in your preparation.

Final Thoughts

These grilled lemon herb chicken skewers offer a perfect balance of flavor, nutrition, and convenience that you’ll want to add to your regular meal rotation. With their versatile presentation, you can serve them as a casual weeknight dinner or elevate them for special occasions by arranging them on a platter with grilled lemons and fresh herbs.

Their crowd pleasing appeal makes them an excellent choice for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or meal prep. You’ll find they’re just as delicious served hot off the grill as they’re at room temperature, making them perfect for buffet-style serving.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or planning a healthy Mediterranean-inspired dinner, these skewers will become your go-to recipe for reliable, flavorful results that everyone will appreciate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Freeze the Marinated Chicken Before Cooking?

Your tender chicken treasure can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, let it dance to life in your fridge overnight for proper defrosting before grilling your marinated masterpiece.

What Wine Pairs Best With These Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers?

You’ll love how a crisp, dry white wine complements these flavors. Try a chardonnay for its citrus notes, or opt for a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc – they’re perfect matches for herb-seasoned dishes.

How Long Can Leftover Cooked Chicken Skewers Be Stored?

You won’t need long-term storage plans – they’re too tasty to last! But if you must, store your cooked skewers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly in the oven at 350°F.

Are There Vegetarian Alternatives Using the Same Marinade?

You can use this vibrant marinade for delicious vegetarian alternatives. Try making vegetarian tofu skewers, ensuring firm tofu is well-pressed, or create marinated portobello mushrooms – both will absorb these Mediterranean flavors beautifully.

Can I Use Dried Herbs Instead of Fresh Ones?

You can use dried herbs, but you’ll want to use just one-third of the amount called for fresh herbs. While dried herbs are more concentrated, they’ll give you a slightly different, more intense flavor profile.