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
Ingredients Needed for Grilled Chicken Skewers
Main Protein:Marinade Components:Vegetable Components: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
Variations to Try with Grilled Chicken Skewers
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
FAQs
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are perfect. They’re tender, cook quickly, and absorb marinade flavors well.
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.
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
- 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
Protein:
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.5–2 pounds or 680–907 grams)
Vegetables:
- 1–2 red bell peppers
- 1–2 yellow bell peppers
- 1–2 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
- Prepare the marinade by whisking olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing container.
- Slice chicken into uniform, bite-sized cubes and chop bell peppers and onion into similarly sized pieces.
- Immerse chicken pieces in the prepared marinade, ensuring complete coverage, and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to enhance flavor absorption.
- Carefully slide marinated chicken and chopped vegetables onto skewers, alternating ingredients for visual appeal and balanced taste.
- Heat outdoor grill to medium-high temperature (around 400°F) and lightly brush grates with oil to prevent sticking.
- Position skewers on preheated grill, cooking for approximately 10-12 minutes, rotating occasionally to ensure even charring and thorough cooking.
- 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
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.