Grilled Chicken Skewers

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Grilled chicken skewers are a staple in our household, especially during the summer. . The marinade in this recipe ensures the chicken stays juicy and flavorful, while the char from the grill adds that perfect touch of smokiness. Ready in about 30 minutes, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

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Easy Marinated Chicken Skewers

I’ve been making these chicken skewers for years, and they never disappoint. What makes them special is the balance of flavors in the marinade and the quick cooking time that keeps the chicken moist.

The secret is not overcooking them—just a few minutes on each side is all you need for juicy, tender results. My family requests these regularly, and for good reason—they’re simple, delicious, and always turn out perfectly.

What You’ll Need to Cook

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the star of this dish for good reason. While you could use chicken breast, thighs contain more fat, making them far more forgiving on the grill.

The marinade combines olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a Mediterranean spice blend. For the brightest flavor, use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled.

Wood and metal skewers work well, but if using wooden skewers, don’t skip the soaking step. Soaking for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning on the grill. Metal skewers conduct heat, which can help cook the chicken from the inside and outside, but they’ll be hot when coming off the grill.

Ingredient Substitutes

Here are some substitution options if you need to make adjustments to the original recipe:

Chicken breast instead of thighs— If you prefer white meat, breast meat can be used. However, it has less fat and can dry out more easily, so be careful not to overcook. You may want to cut the pieces slightly larger and consider a slightly shorter cooking time.

Dried herbs for fresh – If you have fresh oregano, you can substitute about three tablespoons of freshly chopped oregano leaves for the dried oregano. Fresh herbs generally provide a brighter flavor but must be used in larger quantities than dried.

Alternative marinade base— Plain yogurt can replace the olive oil and lemon juice for a dairy-based tenderizer. Use about ½ cup of yogurt plus a tablespoon of olive oil with the same spices for a creamier, tangier marinade that creates incredibly tender chicken.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Chicken

Start by mixing all your marinade ingredients in a large bowl. The combination of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper creates a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that’s both bold and balanced. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly to form an emulsion that will cling to the chicken pieces.

Cut your chicken thighs into uniform pieces, approximately 1.5 inches in size. Uniformity is key to ensuring that cooking is even throughout. Remove any excess fat or connective tissue as you cut. Once your chicken is prepared, add it to the marinade and toss until each piece is thoroughly coated.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For the best flavor development, marinate overnight.

Step 2: Preheat the Grill and Assemble

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before cooking. This prevents them from burning on the grill.

Preheat your grill to 400°F with the lid closed. Allow 15 minutes for preheating to ensure the grill grates are properly heated.

The initial sear on the chicken is crucial for both flavor development and food safety, so don’t rush this step. A properly preheated grill will give you those beautiful grill marks and help prevent sticking.

When assembling your skewers, don’t pack the ingredients too tightly. Leave a small space between items to ensure heat circulates properly. This helps achieve even cooking and those beautiful char marks we’re looking for.

Step 3: Grill

Place your assembled skewers directly on the preheated grill grates. Close the lid and cook for approximately 12-15 minutes total, turning the skewers once halfway through cooking. Keep a close eye on them as the cooking time can vary depending on the size of your chicken pieces and how tightly packed your skewers are.

For food safety, chicken must reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a reliable instant-read thermometer to check several pieces, as cooking can be uneven. Look for nice grill marks and slight charring on the edges of both the chicken and vegetables as visual indicators of doneness.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Once your skewers have reached the proper temperature, carefully remove them from the grill and place them on a clean platter. Allow the skewers to rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

While resting, you can brush the skewers with extra olive oil or sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness that complements the smoky flavors.

How To Store Leftovers and Reheat

Allow any leftover skewers to cool completely to room temperature. Place the chicken in an airtight container. If leaving them assembled, wrap them carefully in aluminum foil or place in a large container with a tight-fitting lid.

Leftover chicken skewers can be refrigerated for up to four days. Ensure your refrigerator temperature is set to 40°F or below for optimal food safety.

These skewers also freeze well for longer storage. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place them in freezer-safe containers. They’ll maintain good quality in the freezer for about 2-3 months.

When it’s time to reheat, you have several options depending on how you want to enjoy them:

For the best texture, reheat in a 350°F oven. Place the skewers (or removed chicken and vegetables) on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Heat for approximately 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

For a fresh-off-the-grill experience, you can briefly return the skewers to a preheated grill for 2-3 minutes per side, just until heated through. This reintroduces some of that wonderful smoky flavor.

What To Serve with the Chicken Skewers

Grilled Cornbread

Onion Bombs

Texas Twinkies

Grilled Garlic Bread

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Smoke On!

Charlie

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