Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Skewers are perfect for any occasion. The marinade infuses the chicken with incredible flavor, and grilling or baking gives the skewers a slightly charred, smoky taste. You can easily customize the marinade to suit your tastes, from a tangy citrus-based marinade to a spicy one. Plus, you can serve these chicken skewers with a variety of sides, such as rice, salad, or grilled vegetables. The best part is they’re simple to make, healthy, and fun to eat, making them perfect for both casual meals and special gatherings.
Ingredients
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2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for spice)
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Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
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8-10 skewers (wooden or metal)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, soy sauce, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using). Stir to combine. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but preferably 2-3 hours for maximum flavor.
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Prepare the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15-20 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent them from burning. If using metal skewers, no soaking is required.
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Thread the Chicken onto Skewers: Once the chicken is marinated, thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, ensuring they are evenly spaced. If you like, you can alternate the chicken with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini.
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Grill or Bake the Skewers:
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Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken skewers for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
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Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown.
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Serve: Remove the skewers from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for added color and flavor.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4 people
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Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marination time)
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Cook Time: 12-25 minutes (depending on grilling or baking method)
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Total Time: 40 minutes to 1 hour (including marination)
Variations
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Vegetarian Version: Use tofu, paneer, or mushrooms as an alternative to chicken for a vegetarian skewer option. Marinate the same way and grill or bake.
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Spicy Chicken Skewers: Increase the chili flakes or add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the marinade for extra heat. You can also brush the chicken with a spicy sauce or sriracha during grilling.
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Herb Infused Skewers: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil to the marinade for an aromatic twist.
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Add Vegetables: Feel free to alternate the chicken with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or even cherry tomatoes for added flavor and color.
Storage/Reheating
Leftover chicken skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave them for 1-2 minutes or warm them on the grill or in the oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Chicken skewers can also be frozen for up to 3 months. After marinating and skewering, place the uncooked skewers on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and grill or bake as usual.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative and will result in even juicier skewers. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces, similar to the chicken breasts.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.
Can I use a different marinade for these chicken skewers?
Yes, you can experiment with different marinades like teriyaki, lemon herb, or yogurt-based marinades. Adjust the ingredients based on your flavor preferences.
How can I make these skewers ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken and thread it onto skewers up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover the skewers and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. This makes it easy to prepare for a barbecue or party.
Can I cook these skewers in the oven if I don’t have a grill?
Yes, the chicken skewers can be baked in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown. You can also broil them for 2-3 minutes at the end to get a nice char on the edges.
Can I add vegetables to the skewers?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes make great additions to the skewers. Just make sure the vegetables are cut to a similar size as the chicken to ensure even cooking.
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with other proteins such as beef, lamb, shrimp, or even fish like salmon. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose.
Are these chicken skewers gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free, these chicken skewers are naturally gluten-free.
How do I keep the chicken from drying out on the grill?
To keep the chicken juicy, be sure not to overcook it. Grill or bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Marinating the chicken beforehand also helps to keep it moist.
Can I serve these skewers with a dipping sauce?
Yes, these chicken skewers pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces like peanut sauce, tzatziki, sweet chili sauce, or a yogurt-based dip.
Conclusion
Chicken Skewers are a versatile, delicious, and easy dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re grilling them for a summer barbecue or baking them for a quick weeknight dinner, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. With a flavorful marinade and the option to customize with vegetables or different proteins, this recipe is perfect for any palate. Serve them with your favorite sides, and you have a satisfying, protein-packed meal that everyone will love!
Chicken Skewers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These juicy and flavorful Chicken Skewers are marinated in a savory blend of herbs, garlic, and spices. Perfect for grilling, barbecuing, or baking, they make an ideal dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, preparing a weeknight dinner, or meal prepping, these chicken skewers are easy to make, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
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2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 tablespoon olive oil
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tablespoon lemon juice
-
1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
-
1 teaspoon dried oregano
-
1 teaspoon paprika
-
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for spice)
-
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 8–10 skewers (wooden or metal)
Instructions
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Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, soy sauce, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Stir to combine. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 3 hours.
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Prepare the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15-20 minutes. If using metal skewers, no soaking is required.
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Thread the Chicken onto Skewers: Once marinated, thread the chicken pieces onto skewers, spacing them evenly. Optionally, alternate with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini.
-
Grill or Bake the Skewers:
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Grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
-
Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown.
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Serve: Let the skewers rest for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.
Notes
Vegetarian Version: Use tofu, paneer, or mushrooms instead of chicken.Spicy Skewers: Add more chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade for extra heat.Add Vegetables: Alternating with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini adds flavor and color to the skewers.Storage: Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the microwave, grill, or oven.
