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Close-up of golden-brown grilled chicken skewers topped with herbs on a white plate, ready to be enjoyed.
Linda

Grilled Chicken Skewers

Juicy marinated chicken, skewered with colorful veggies and grilled to perfection, makes for an easy and delicious meal that's perfect for warm weather gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 370

Ingredients
  

For the Marinated Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
For the Skewers
  • 2 medium bell peppers different colors, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 small red onion cut into 1-inch pieces

Equipment

  • Grill (gas or charcoal)
  • Large Bowl
  • Tongs
  • Skewers (wooden or metal)

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the cubed chicken breast to the bowl, tossing to coat evenly.
  2. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for best flavor. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water during this time to prevent burning on the grill.
  3. While the chicken marinates, cut the bell peppers and red onion into roughly 1-inch pieces, similar in size to your chicken cubes. This ensures they cook evenly alongside the chicken.
  4. Thread the marinated chicken and prepared vegetables alternately onto the skewers. Don't pack them too tightly; leaving a little space helps them cook evenly and allows for better charring.
  5. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F or 200-230°C). Lightly oil the grill grates using a paper towel dipped in a little oil to prevent sticking.
  6. Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and has nice char marks on all sides. The vegetables should be tender-crisp.
  7. Carefully remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender. Serve hot.

Notes

For even more flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours, but avoid going much longer than that, as the lemon juice can start to break down the chicken's texture. If you don't have a grill, these skewers can also be cooked in a hot cast-iron pan or under a broiler. Just keep an eye on them for even cooking and charring. These grilled chicken skewers are fantastic served with a side of fluffy rice, a fresh green salad, or tucked into warm pita bread with a dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce.