Description
Juicy, flavorful grilled chicken skewers marinated in lemon, herbs, and garlic. These skewers are packed with Mediterranean flavors, cook in under 20 minutes, and are healthier and tastier than takeout.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 1 large red onion, cut into 1-inch squares
- 2 medium bell peppers (red and green), cut into 1-inch squares
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (optional)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into 1.5-inch uniform cubes and place in a large bowl. Cut red onion and bell peppers into 1-inch squares.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, honey, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken cubes, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2-4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C). Clean grill grates and brush with oil to prevent sticking.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard leftover marinade.
- Thread chicken and vegetables onto skewers, alternating ingredients and leaving small gaps between pieces for heat circulation.
- Place skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving them to develop char, then flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes.
- If adding cherry tomatoes, add them in the last 2-3 minutes of grilling.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer; chicken is done at 165°F (74°C). If needed, move to indirect heat to finish cooking.
- Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 3-5 minutes to redistribute juices.
- Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately with warm pita bread, Greek salad, or tzatziki sauce.
Notes
Ensure chicken cubes are uniform in size for even cooking. Do not overcrowd the grill to allow proper searing. If using wooden skewers, soaking is mandatory to prevent burning. Chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts for a juicier result. Reserve marinade before adding to raw chicken if you wish to use it as a sauce (must be boiled first).
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers per servin
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
Keywords: grilled chicken, chicken skewers, mediterranean recipe, healthy dinner, summer grilling, lemon herb chicken, quick weeknight meals, gluten-free