If you are looking for a vibrant and flavorful dinner idea that brings the joy of outdoor cooking right to your table, this Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe is an absolute winner. Juicy, tender chicken cubes are bathed in a zesty marinade featuring garlic, lemon, and spices, then grilled to perfection, locking in smoky char and a burst of Mediterranean flair with every bite. Perfect for warm evenings with friends or a quick weeknight meal, these skewers are as simple as they are satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Using fresh, straightforward ingredients is the secret to making this dish shine. Each component adds its own unique touch, from the bright acidity of lemon juice to the gentle heat of paprika and red pepper flakes, creating a harmonious balance that’s both savory and colorful.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose boneless, skinless pieces cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes for even cooking and tenderness.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps tenderize the meat while keeping it juicy on the grill.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the flavors with a fresh, citrusy lift that’s key to the marinade.
- Garlic: Minced cloves impart a warm, aromatic base that complements the grilled chicken perfectly.
- Paprika: Gives a subtle smoky sweetness and beautiful color to the chicken.
- Dried oregano: Adds a fragrant, herbal note that enhances the Mediterranean vibe.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the marinade flavors.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Provides a hint of heat if you like your skewers with a little kick.
- Metal or wooden skewers: Wooden skewers must be soaked beforehand to prevent burning on the grill.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl. This marinade is the flavor powerhouse that will soak into the chicken, tenderizing it and infusing every bite with bright, smoky, and herby goodness.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though 2 hours is ideal if you have the time to let those flavors deepen.
Step 3: Prepare the Skewers
Whether you’re using metal or soaked wooden skewers, thread the chicken pieces onto them, leaving a little space between each cube. This spacing helps the heat circulate evenly, ensuring each bite cooks uniformly with that beloved grilled crust.
Step 4: Heat Up the Grill
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Get it nice and hot to form those signature grill marks and to seal in juices quickly, locking in flavor and moisture.
Step 5: Grill the Chicken Skewers
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally. Watch as the chicken transforms, developing a gorgeous char and aroma that will have everyone eagerly waiting to dig in. You’ll know they’re done when the juices run clear and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, remove the skewers from heat and let them rest for a few minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, keeping every bite moist and succulent.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can elevate your grilled chicken skewers to something truly spectacular. Think chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of green and freshness, lemon wedges for a citrus squeeze right before eating, or a sprinkle of crumbled feta to bring a creamy, tangy contrast.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve with fluffy rice, a crisp Greek salad bursting with cucumbers and tomatoes, or warm flatbreads to create a hearty and balanced meal. Dips like tzatziki or garlic yogurt add a cool, creamy element that complements the smoky chicken perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, try laying the skewers over a bed of colorful grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions. You can also make mini sliders by placing the chicken pieces onto small pita or naan bread with fresh toppings for a fun twist that’s perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover grilled chicken skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 to 4 days, making them great to enjoy as quick lunches or dinner the next day.
Freezing
If you want to store them longer, remove the chicken from the skewers and freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Frozen chicken cubes last up to 3 months and make for a handy protein option ready to be reheated whenever you crave them.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the skewers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Using the oven helps retain moisture better than the microwave, keeping the chicken tender and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually a fantastic choice because they tend to be more forgiving on the grill and remain juicy even if slightly overcooked. Just cut them into similar-sized cubes for even cooking.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning or catching fire on the grill, ensuring a safe and pleasant grilling experience.
Can I add vegetables to the skewers?
Definitely. Bell peppers, red onions, and zucchini work beautifully alongside the chicken. Just keep the pieces roughly the same size to cook evenly.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
A minimum of 30 minutes is best to impart flavor while keeping the chicken tender. If you have more time, marinating up to 2 hours will deepen those lovely citrus and herb notes without compromising texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe a safe and delicious choice for anyone avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe with you feels like passing along a little culinary sunshine. It’s a simple, fuss-free meal bursting with bold, fresh flavors that never fail to impress. Whether for a family dinner or your next backyard barbecue, these skewers are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. So grab those skewers, fire up the grill, and enjoy every delicious, juicy bite!
Print
Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Grilled Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and healthy main course perfect for summer grilling. Marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices, the chicken cubes are grilled to juicy perfection with beautiful char marks. Served alone or paired with rice, salad, or flatbread, these skewers make a versatile and easy meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Other
- Metal or wooden skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss well to ensure every piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours to let the flavors infuse the meat.
- Preheat the Grill: Warm up your grill or grill pan to a medium-high heat. This will ensure the chicken cooks evenly and gets nice grill marks.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the metal or soaked wooden skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces to allow heat circulation and even cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning them occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and has appealing grill marks.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to settle before serving them with your choice of sides such as rice, salad, or flatbread.
Notes
- Serve with rice, salad, flatbread, or dipping sauces like tzatziki or garlic yogurt for added flavor.
- Add vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the skewers for a more complete and colorful meal.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning on the grill.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level to your preference.
