Go Back
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 lemons (zest and juice) - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish - Wooden or metal skewers - Additional spices or herbs (e.g., cumin, thyme) - Marinade enhancers (e.g., honey, mustard) In this recipe, the main ingredients bring bright flavors to your chicken skewers. The lemon zest and juice add a fresh zing. Olive oil keeps the chicken juicy. Garlic gives it a nice kick, while oregano and smoked paprika add depth. Don't forget the salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. The optional ingredients can change the skewers to fit your taste. Adding cumin or thyme can create a new flavor profile. Honey can sweeten the marinade, and mustard can add tanginess. Feel free to mix and match these options to make the dish your own. For full details, check out the Full Recipe. To make the marinade, start by mixing the zest and juice of two lemons in a large bowl. Add three tablespoons of olive oil for richness. Next, include two minced garlic cloves, one teaspoon of dried oregano, and one teaspoon of smoked paprika. Finish with salt and pepper to taste. This mixture will give your chicken a bright, zesty flavor. Take one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, and cut them into one-inch cubes. Toss these chicken cubes in the marinade. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is key because it allows the chicken to soak up all the flavors. Before grilling, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. While it heats, thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving space between pieces for even cooking. Grill the skewers for about 10 to 12 minutes. Turn them occasionally to achieve nice grill marks. Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. For a fresh touch, garnish with chopped parsley before serving. You can find the Full Recipe for a complete guide. - Ideal marinating time: Marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes. This helps the chicken soak up all the tasty flavors. For even better results, you can marinate for up to 4 hours. - How to enhance flavor profiles: Add zest from more lemons for a brighter taste. You can also mix in a bit of honey for sweetness. A splash of soy sauce brings a savory kick. - Tips for achieving grill marks: Preheat your grill well. This helps the chicken sear quickly and get those nice lines. Place the skewers on the grill and do not move them for the first few minutes. - How to avoid dry chicken: Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken's internal temperature. Remove it from the grill when it reaches 165°F. Let it rest for a few minutes; this keeps it juicy. - Creative serving ideas: Serve the skewers on a big platter with fresh lettuce. You can also add colorful veggies for a bright look. - Garnishing recommendations: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for color. Serve with lemon wedges to let guests add more zest. For a fun touch, add small bowls of dipping sauces. For the full recipe, check out the Zesty Lemon Chicken Skewers section. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your zesty lemon chicken skewers with fun flavors. Adding tropical fruits like pineapple brings sweetness and a fresh twist. The juicy bits of pineapple grill up nicely, pairing well with the lemony chicken. You can also try a yogurt-based marinade. Yogurt adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor, making the chicken super tender. Just mix yogurt with lemon juice, garlic, and your favorite spices for a new take. Mix things up by adding vegetables to your skewers. Bell peppers, onions, and zucchini add color and crunch. They grill beautifully and soak up the marinade flavors. You can also switch proteins. Shrimp cooks quickly and pairs well with lemon. If you prefer plant-based options, tofu is a great choice. Just press and marinate it like chicken for tasty results. Serve your skewers with sides that balance the meal. Rice or a fresh salad complements the zesty chicken. You can even add a fruit salad for a refreshing touch. If you like meal prep, these skewers are perfect. Grill them ahead of time and store them in the fridge. They make for tasty lunches or easy dinners throughout the week. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe for additional serving suggestions. To keep your Zesty Lemon Chicken Skewers fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay good for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. For freezing, first, let the skewers cool down. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. After that, place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, they can last for about 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheating skewers can be tricky. The best way is to use an oven or a grill. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. If you use a grill, warm it up to medium heat. Place the skewers on the grill for a few minutes, turning them often. This method helps keep the chicken moist. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken dry and tough. Enjoy your leftovers just as you did when they were fresh! For the full recipe, check out the complete guide above. You can use several tasty alternatives for chicken skewers. Here are some great options: - Turkey: Use turkey breast cut into cubes. - Shrimp: Large shrimp works well and cooks quickly. - Tofu: Firm tofu can soak up the marinade flavor. - Beef: Cut beef sirloin into bite-sized pieces. - Pork: Pork tenderloin is another delicious option. Each of these proteins will pair well with the zesty lemon flavor. Yes, you can prepare this recipe ahead of time! Here are some tips: - Marinate the chicken: You can marinate it up to 24 hours before grilling. - Skewer the chicken: Prepare the skewers and store them in the fridge. - Prep sides: Chop vegetables or make salads in advance. - Refrigerate everything: Keep all items covered until you are ready to grill. Making this ahead saves time and enhances the flavors. Grilling time varies based on skewer thickness and size. Here’s a quick guide: - Thin skewer chicken: Grill for about 8-10 minutes. - Thicker pieces: Aim for 10-12 minutes. - Check doneness: The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) internally. Keep turning the skewers for even cooking and nice grill marks. This blog post covered a tasty grilled chicken skewers recipe. We explored main ingredients, optional flavors, and step-by-step marinating and grilling instructions. I shared tips to achieve the best flavor and presentation. Remember, you can easily adapt the recipe with different proteins or veggies. Proper storage and reheating methods ensure leftovers stay delicious. Get creative—try new variations to suit your taste! Enjoy grilling and savor every bite of your flavorful meal!

Zesty Lemon Chicken Skewers

Savor the fresh flavors of summer with these Zesty Lemon Chicken Skewers! Perfect for your next BBQ or family dinner, this easy recipe features tender chicken marinated in vibrant lemon juice, garlic, and spices. Grill them to perfection and impress your guests with a delicious meal that's ready in under an hour. Click through for the full recipe and tips on how to make your skewers shine at your next gathering!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

2 lemons (zest and juice)

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, for garnish

Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling)

Instructions
 

In a large bowl, mix the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.

    Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, tossing to coat completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

      Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

        Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.

          Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

            Once done, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.

              Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

                Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the skewers on a platter lined with fresh lettuce or herbs, and accompany with lemon wedges for an extra zesty touch.