Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Skewers

$For these tasty skewers, you will need: - 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 bell pepper (any color), cut into squares - 1 red onion, cut into squares - Wooden or metal skewers These ingredients create a bright and fresh flavor. The chicken is the star here, and the herbs add depth. The lemon juice and zest bring a zesty kick. The marinade is key to great flavor. It includes lemon juice, zest, olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Each ingredient plays a role: - Lemon juice: Adds acidity, which tenderizes the chicken. - Lemon zest: Boosts the lemon flavor, making it more vibrant. - Olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and flavorful. - Garlic: Adds a savory kick. - Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, and oregano give a fresh, aromatic taste. Marinating for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to soak in. For best results, marinate for up to 2 hours. You can customize your skewers! Here are some fun ideas: - Vegetables: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for variety. - Spices: Try adding red pepper flakes for heat. - Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different twist. - Herbs: Use basil or cilantro instead of rosemary and thyme. These changes can help you make the dish your own. Enjoy experimenting! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by making the marinade. In a medium bowl, combine these ingredients: - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste Whisk everything together until it blends well. This mix gives the chicken a bright and fresh flavor. Next, add 1.5 pounds of cubed chicken breasts to the marinade. Make sure each piece is coated with the mix. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you want extra flavor, leave it for up to 2 hours. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This helps prevent burning. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Now, it’s time to thread the chicken onto the skewers. Alternate pieces of chicken with squares of bell pepper and red onion. This adds color and taste. Grill the skewers for about 10-15 minutes. Turn them occasionally so everything cooks evenly. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (75°C) inside, and the veggies should be slightly charred. Once cooked, take them off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps all the juices stay inside. To make juicy chicken skewers, start with the right cut of meat. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors soak in. If you have time, let it marinate for up to 2 hours. The longer, the better! Always season with salt and pepper before grilling. This adds flavor and helps keep the moisture in. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes first. This keeps them from burning on the grill. When grilling, turn the skewers every few minutes. This helps them cook on all sides and get nice grill marks. Aim for 10-15 minutes of grilling. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This keeps it safe to eat and perfectly cooked. Serve your lemon herb grilled chicken skewers on a large platter. Add lemon wedges for a fresh touch. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro makes it pop. Pair the skewers with a side salad or grilled veggies. You can also serve them with rice or quinoa for a filling meal. For a fun twist, try serving them with a yogurt sauce or a spicy dip. This adds extra flavor and makes the meal more exciting. Enjoy! Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Flavor: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours. If time allows, overnight marination will yield even more delicious results. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize the vegetables on your skewers. Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms work great and add more color to your dish. Rest Before Serving: Let the skewers rest for a few minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender and juicy. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for other meats. Pork works great, too. Use pork tenderloin cut into cubes. Beef is another option; just choose a tender cut like sirloin. For seafood lovers, shrimp adds a nice touch. Just coat them with the same lemon herb marinade. Each protein brings a unique flavor, making your skewers exciting. Try making vegetarian skewers for a fresh twist. Use firm tofu cut into cubes. Marinate it just like chicken. You can also use hearty vegetables, like zucchini or mushrooms. They grill well and soak up all the flavors. Even fruit like pineapple can add a sweet touch. These options cater to everyone. Want to turn up the heat? Add red pepper flakes to your marinade. This will give your skewers a spicy kick. You can also brush them with a spicy sauce while grilling. For a sweet twist, mix honey or maple syrup into the marinade. This balances the lemon's tartness and makes each bite delicious. Adjust these flavors to match your taste. To store leftover skewers, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you have a lot, divide them into smaller portions. This makes it easy to grab a quick meal later. Reheat the skewers in the oven for the best taste. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Just make sure to cover them to keep moisture in. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking often. Freezing is a great option for meal prep. To freeze, first cool the skewers completely. Wrap each skewer in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This keeps them fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned before. Enjoy your tasty meal even after freezing! You should marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you want more flavor, marinate it for up to 2 hours. This time allows the chicken to soak up the lemon and herbs. The longer the marination, the tastier the chicken will be. Just be careful not to marinate for too long, as the acid can change the texture. To check if the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). This is the safe temperature for chicken. If you don't have a thermometer, cut a piece open. The meat should be white, and the juices should run clear. Avoid undercooked chicken, as it can cause foodborne illness. Yes, you can use a grill pan if you don't have an outdoor grill. Preheat the grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil to prevent sticking. Cook the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning often. This method gives you nice grill marks and keeps the chicken juicy. Lemon herb grilled chicken skewers offer great flavor and easy preparation. We discussed essential ingredients, marinade steps, and tips for juicy results. You learned about variations, substitutions, and storage methods for leftovers. By using these ideas, you can create meals your family will love. Enjoy your cooking, experiment with flavors, and make this dish your own. Remember, it’s all about fun in the kitchen and sharing good food with loved ones. Try it out and see how these skewers can elevate your meals!$

Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Skewers

Delicious grilled chicken skewers marinated in lemon and herbs, perfect for a summer barbecue.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 lemon zest
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
to taste salt and pepper
1 bell pepper cut into squares
1 red onion cut into squares
as needed wooden or metal skewers

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. This will be your marinade.
Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Thread the marinated chicken, bell pepper, and red onion onto the skewers, alternating between chicken and vegetables.
Grill the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the vegetables are slightly charred.
Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve the skewers on a large platter with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for garnish.

Keyword chicken, grilled, herbs, lemon, skewers