Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe

Juicy Easy Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe for Summer Fun

Tender, juicy grilled chicken skewers dance with vibrant Mediterranean flavors that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Marinating meat in a zesty blend of herbs and citrus creates magic on the grill.

Weeknight dinners transform when you infuse simple ingredients with bold spices and love.

Succulent chicken pieces threaded onto wooden skewers promise an easy meal that impresses without stress.

Colorful bell peppers and red onions add crunch and visual appeal to this simple dish.

Minimal prep and maximum flavor define these mouthwatering skewers that come together in under 30 minutes.

I promise you’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next outdoor cooking adventure.

Why Grilled Chicken Skewers Is a Winner

  • Simplify Meal Prep: Marinate chicken ahead of time and chop vegetables in advance, making dinner assembly quick and stress-free for busy families.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap vegetables or adjust seasonings to match personal taste preferences, creating a versatile meal that pleases everyone at the table.
  • Healthy Grilling Option: Packed with lean protein from chicken and colorful vegetables, these skewers offer a nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on flavor or satisfaction.
  • Perfect for Social Gatherings: Ideal for backyard barbecues, potlucks, and casual get-togethers where people can enjoy interactive, hands-on eating experience.

Ingredients Needed for Grilled Chicken Skewers

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: A lean protein that absorbs marinades well and becomes tender and flavorful when grilled.
Marinade Components:
  • Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and prevents the chicken from sticking to the grill.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides a savory, aromatic flavor to the chicken.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Vegetable Components:
  • Bell Peppers, Onion: Colorful vegetables that add sweetness, crunch, and visual appeal to the skewers.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Skewers Perfectly

Step 1: Whip Up Zesty Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine the marinade ingredients by whisking together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well blended.

Step 2: Slice and Dice Proteins and Veggies

Cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized chunks.

Chop the bell peppers and onion into similarly sized pieces to ensure even cooking and balanced flavors.

Step 3: Bathe Chicken in Flavor

Submerge the chicken pieces in the prepared marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.

Let the chicken soak up the delicious flavors for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum taste infusion.

Step 4: Assemble Colorful Skewers

Carefully thread the marinated chicken and chopped vegetables onto skewers, alternating between protein and vegetables for a visually appealing and balanced presentation.

Step 5: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking and ensure beautiful grill marks.

Step 6: Grill to Perfection

Place the loaded skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 10-12 minutes, rotating occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Verify doneness by checking that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F using a meat thermometer.

Helpful Tips for Grilled Chicken Skewers

  • Let chicken soak in the marinade for up to 4 hours to enhance taste and tenderness.
  • Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to stop them from charring quickly.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
  • Cut bell peppers and onions into similar-sized pieces so they cook uniformly on the skewer.
  • Can't grill? Bake skewers at 425°F for 15-20 minutes or use a grill pan on the stovetop.

Variations to Try with Grilled Chicken Skewers

  • Mediterranean Herb Skewers: Replace olive oil with Greek yogurt, add dried oregano, mint, and rosemary for a zesty Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Spicy Cajun Chicken Skewers: Swap garlic powder with Cajun seasoning, add paprika and cayenne pepper for a bold, fiery kick.
  • Coconut Curry Skewers: Use coconut milk instead of olive oil, mix in curry powder, turmeric, and ginger for an aromatic Indian-inspired version.
  • Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Option: Skip skewers entirely, serve grilled chicken and vegetables in crisp lettuce leaves for a carb-conscious alternative.

Pairing Ideas for Chicken Skewers

Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that complements the chicken’s light, herbal marinade with refreshing citrus notes.

Create a side of cucumber, tomato, and feta salad dressed in olive oil and herbs to enhance the grilled skewers’ Mediterranean flavor profile.

Prepare a cool, tangy yogurt-based tzatziki with diced cucumber, garlic, and fresh dill to provide a creamy contrast to the grilled chicken’s charred texture.

Cook light, fluffy couscous seasoned with parsley, mint, and lemon zest to mirror the skewers’ bright, fresh marinade and add a complementary grain side.

Storage Tips for Grilled Chicken Skewers

  • Store leftover skewers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping chicken and vegetables separate from wooden skewers.
  • Wrap cooled skewers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months for best quality and taste.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place skewers on baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
  • Heat skewers on microwave-safe plate in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and moisture to avoid overcooking and maintain juiciness.

FAQs

  • What type of chicken works best for these skewers?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are perfect. They’re tender, cook quickly, and absorb marinade flavors well.

  • Can I use wooden or metal skewers?

Both work great. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Metal skewers conduct heat and help chicken cook evenly.

  • How long should I marinate the chicken?

Aim for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 2 hours. Longer marinating can make the meat mushy due to acid in the lemon juice breaking down proteins.

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Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe

Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe


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4.6 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 52 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent grilled chicken skewers deliver Mediterranean magic with zesty marinade and perfectly charred edges. Crisp herbs and tangy lemon elevate this simple yet spectacular dish you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 34 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.52 pounds or 680907 grams)

Vegetables:

  • 12 red bell peppers
  • 12 yellow bell peppers
  • 12 green bell peppers
  • 1 red onion

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by whisking olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing container.
  2. Slice chicken into uniform, bite-sized cubes and chop bell peppers and onion into similarly sized pieces.
  3. Immerse chicken pieces in the prepared marinade, ensuring complete coverage, and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to enhance flavor absorption.
  4. Carefully slide marinated chicken and chopped vegetables onto skewers, alternating ingredients for visual appeal and balanced taste.
  5. Heat outdoor grill to medium-high temperature (around 400°F) and lightly brush grates with oil to prevent sticking.
  6. Position skewers on preheated grill, cooking for approximately 10-12 minutes, rotating occasionally to ensure even charring and thorough cooking.
  7. Verify chicken’s doneness by confirming internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer, guaranteeing safe consumption and optimal juiciness.

Notes

  • Marinating for longer enhances deeper flavor absorption, so consider preparing chicken a day ahead for maximum taste infusion.
  • If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and potential fire hazards.
  • For gluten-free option, replace any potential seasoning blends with pure spices and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Create vegetarian version by substituting chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, maintaining identical marinade and grilling technique.
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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