Description
A quick and easy grilled chicken skewer recipe featuring a flavorful herb and citrus marinade, perfect for customizable, interactive meals that bring people together.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or fresh)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1–2 bell peppers, any colors, cut into chunks
- 1 medium red onion, cut into wedges
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium zucchini or summer squash, sliced thick
- 1 cup mushrooms, whole or halved (optional)
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before use)
- Optional dips and extras: tzatziki or garlic yogurt sauce, hummus, fresh parsley or cilantro, warm pita or flatbread
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using in a medium bowl (about 5 minutes).
- Trim excess fat from chicken and cut into roughly 1.5-inch cubes for even cooking (about 10 minutes).
- Add chicken pieces to the marinade, coat thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
- While chicken marinates, chop bell peppers, red onion, zucchini, and mushrooms into bite-sized chunks; halve cherry tomatoes (about 10 minutes).
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Assemble skewers by threading chicken pieces alternately with vegetables, balancing colors and textures.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C).
- Grill skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning carefully with tongs, until chicken is charred outside and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), total grilling time about 10-12 minutes.
- Let skewers rest for a few minutes off heat to allow juices to settle.
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs and serve with choice of dips and warm pita or flatbread.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the grill to ensure proper searing. Marinate at least 30 minutes for flavor, ideally 2 hours. Use chicken thighs for juicier results. Soak wooden skewers before grilling to prevent burning. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness without piercing repeatedly. Vegetables like cherry tomatoes cook faster; remove early if needed. Can bake skewers at 425°F for 15-20 minutes if no grill is available.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 28
Keywords: grilled chicken skewers, chicken skewers recipe, easy grilled chicken, summer grilling, healthy chicken recipe, customizable skewers, quick dinner, family meal