These grilled lemon chicken skewers recipe is a household favorite when grilling season hits! Chicken thighs, marinated in a garlic, oregano, and cumin, marinade then grilled to perfection. What could be better than this?
If you are looking for the perfect pairing for this chicken skewers recipe, then check out my Tzatziki Sauce recipe, next!
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Lemon Chicken Skewers
Lemon chicken skewers was one of my favorite things to make and eat as a kid, so this recipe always hits home when I whip it up.
These Greek-style lemon chicken skewers are lemony, garlicky and incredibly delicious. They are great for a light lunch or dinner when paired with a salad, pita and especially with Tzatziki sauce.
Why This Recipe Works
- Easy to make – These lemon garlic chicken skewers are perfect for weeknights and especially if you are in the mood for grilling.
- Can be prepared ahead of time – Simply marinate chicken one day ahead, and when you are ready to cook, just grill and eat!
- Great for meal prep. I love to have these skewers grilled ahead of time and add them to salads, pita, rice bowls–easy, ready to eat, and perfect for busy weeks.
Ingredients to Make Lemon Chicken Skewers
- Chicken thigh – Use boneless and skinless. I would suggest against using chicken breast as it is drier compared to thigh meat. I personally prefer the tenderness and juiciness of thigh meat.
- Lemon juice – Adds brightness to the chicken.
- Quality olive oil – Coats the chicken which also help when grilling.
- Seasonings – Dried oregano, cumin, kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper.
- Garlic – Be sure to grate the garlic or finely mince.
Chicken Skewers Marinade and Marinade Time
This marinade is simple. The magic happens during the marinating time. For optimal results, marinate chicken overnight.
If you are short on time, marinate for at least one hour.
How Long Does It Take to Grill Chicken Skewers
The secret to the flavor-bomb of goodness of this dish is grilling the chicken. Unlike cooking chicken in a skillet, grilling lends an extra layer of smokey and char flavor is unbeatable.
If you do not have an outdoor grill, no worries.
Days when the weather isn’t optimal for grilling, I rely on my favorite grill pan to get the job done. It’s durable and cooks food perfectly, every time.
Cooking time is 10-12 minutes. If you have a cooking thermometer handy, cook chicken until you get an internal temperature reading of 165°F.
How to Make Lemon Chicken Skewers
- Before squeezing lemons for juice, zest half of a lemon. Cover and set zest aside for later use.
- Cut chicken thighs into 1½ inch-wide strips for skewering.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add seasonings, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil and mix well. Add chicken and mix to coast. Cover and marinate for 1 hour in the refrigerator. Meanwhile, soak wooden skewers in water while the chicken is marinating and start on the tzatziki sauce (if making).
- Heat grill or grill pan over medium heat. Spray with cooking spray, then skewer chicken.
- Place skewers on grill for 10-12 minutes, until cooked through, turning once.
- Immediately top chicken with lemon zest after from the grill.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges tzatziki sauce and warm pita.
Tips and Tricks
- Soak wooden skewers. If using bamboo skewers, be sure to soak in water 20 minutes before adding the meat. This reduces the chances of burning and will keep the skewers moist.
- Don’t skip on marinating the meat. Marinate the meat for at least 1 hour, best if overnight. If rushed, the chicken will not be as flavorful.
- Check for splinters. Remove splinters prior to skewering meat.
- Skewering Trick. Refer to photo above for a way to slice chicken thigh meat, which makes for easier skewering. You won’t have to fuss with individual pieces, rather one long piece that securely fits on the the skewer. The optimal width is about 1½ inches and the length is that of the chicken thigh.
Ways to Enjoy Lemon Chicken Skewers
My absolute favorite way is to enjoy these flavorful and juicy skewers with Tzatziki Sauce.
Another great pairing is with my Kale and White Bean Salad.
Pita and rice also makes for delicious pairings!
Looking For More Recipe With Chicken?
Try these favorites:
Looking For More Grilled Recipes?
Here are more delicious options to throw on the grill
Grilled Lemon Chicken Skewers for the Win!
Are you loving this chicken skewers recipe, too? Leave a comment below and share your love for this recipe on Instagram and Pinterest. We love to see you get down in the kitchen. Happy eating!
Lemon Chicken Skewers
Equipment
- 6-8 wooden skewers, 8-inch skewers
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs, boneless skinless
- ⅓ cup lemon juice
- 2½ tablespoons quality olive oil
- 1¾ teaspoons dried oregano
- 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1¼ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic, grated
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ½ lemon, zested
Instructions
- Before squeezing lemons for juice, zest half of a lemon. Set zest aside for later use.
- Cut chicken thighs into 1½ inch-wide strips for skewering.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add seasonings, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil and mix well. Add chicken and mix to coast. Cover and marinate for 1 hour in the refrigerator. Meanwhile, soak wooden skewers in water while the chicken is marinating and start on the tzatziki sauce (if making).
- Heat grill or grill pan over medium heat. Spray with cooking spray, then skewer chicken.
- Place skewers on grill for 10-12 minutes, until cooked through, turning once.
- Immediately top chicken with lemon zest after removing from the grill.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges tzatziki sauce and warm pita.