Oh, hello there! Catherine here, ready to dive into one of my absolute favorite things to throw on the grill during those long, sunny days: grilled lemon herb chicken skewers! You know, I started Unfold Recipes because I truly believe every dish has a story, and these skewers are no different. They’re all about that approachable elegance I love, using those bright, fresh Mediterranean flavors that just sing. I’ve spent ages in my kitchen, fussing over ingredients and testing each step, because I want you to have a recipe that’s totally impressive but still super easy when you’re juggling a busy life. So if you’re a home cook like me, looking for something that looks fancy but is actually a breeze, you’ve come to the right place!
- Why You'll Love These Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers
- Gather Your Ingredients for Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers
- Mastering the Art of Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers
- Tips for the Best Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers
- Serving Suggestions for Summer Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers
- Storing and Reheating Your Delicious Skewers
- Frequently Asked Questions about Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers
- Estimated Nutritional Information
- Share Your Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers Creations
Why You’ll Love These Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers
Incredibly Easy Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers
Seriously, you guys, this is an easy grilled lemon herb chicken skewers recipe, and I mean *easy*. We’re talking minimal prep and straightforward grilling. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to get such delicious results!
Bursting with Fresh Lemon and Herb Flavor
The flavor here is just… wow! That bright, zesty lemon combined with fragrant rosemary and thyme makes the chicken taste so fresh and incredibly delicious. It’s a flavor combination that just works perfectly.
Perfect for Quick Weeknight Dinners or BBQs
Whether you need a speedy weeknight meal on the table in a snap or you’re firing up the grill for a backyard party, these quick grilled lemon herb chicken skewers are your answer. They’re just as happy on a Tuesday night as they are at a summer cookout.
Healthy and Satisfying Meal Prep Option
Not only are they tasty, but these skewers are also a fantastic choice for meal prep! They’re packed with protein and those fresh flavors hold up so well, making them perfect for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Gather Your Ingredients for Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers
Alright, let’s get our mise en place ready! To whip up these amazing grilled lemon herb chicken skewers, you’ll need: about 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into nice bite-sized cubes, so they grill evenly. For the marinade, grab some good quality olive oil (about a quarter cup), fresh lemon juice (same amount!), and a couple of cloves of garlic, all finely minced. We’ll also need fresh rosemary and thyme, about a tablespoon of each, chopped up nice and fine. And of course, a touch of salt and pepper to make everything pop. Oh, and don’t forget your skewers! If you’re using wooden ones, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before you start.
Mastering the Art of Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers
Okay, let’s get down to business! Making these skewers is honestly a breeze once you know the simple steps. It’s all about getting that marinade just right and keeping an eye on the grill. You’ll be serving up these beauties in no time!
Prepare Your Skewers and Marinade
First things first, if you’re using wooden skewers like I usually do, you *have* to soak them. Trust me on this! Pop them in water for at least 30 minutes before you start, or they’ll just burn to a crisp on the grill. While they’re soaking, let’s make that magic marinade. Grab a medium bowl and whisk together your olive oil, that lovely fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, salt, and pepper. It should smell absolutely divine already!
Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor
Now, toss those chicken cubes right into that bowl with the marinade. Make sure every single piece is coated – really get in there and mix them around. Cover the bowl up tight and pop it in the fridge. At least 30 minutes is great, but if you can let it go for a couple of hours, even better! It really lets all those bright lemon and herb flavors soak deep into the chicken.
Grilling Your Perfect Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers
Time to fire up the grill! Get it nice and hot over medium-high heat. While that’s coming up to temperature, thread your marinated chicken onto those soaked skewers. Don’t pack them too tight; leave a little space between each piece so they can cook evenly and get those gorgeous grill marks. Lay them on the hot grill and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes. Just give them a turn every few minutes so they cook all over. You want them to be cooked through – no pink inside – and have those lovely charred bits. Honestly, these are just about the best grilled lemon herb chicken skewers you’ll ever make!
Resting and Serving Your Skewers
Once they’re looking perfect, take them off the grill. Let them rest for just a few minutes – this is important! It helps keep all those juices locked inside. Then, just slide them off the skewers onto a platter and serve them up. They’re a stunner!
Tips for the Best Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers
Okay, so you’ve got the recipe down, but let’s talk about making these skewers absolutely *perfect* every single time. It’s the little things, you know? Like really paying attention to your herbs or making sure nothing sticks to the grill in a frustrating way. These are the tricks I’ve picked up that really elevate these skewers from good to *sensational*.
Choosing the Right Herbs for Your Skewers
Fresh herbs are my go-to, always! Rosemary and thyme are fantastic, but don’t be afraid to mix in some parsley or even a bit of oregano. They really lean into that fresh, Modern Mediterranean vibe we love. If you can’t find fresh, you can totally use dried herbs, just use about a third of the amount since they’re more concentrated. It still tastes amazing!
Preventing Chicken from Sticking to the Grill
Ugh, the dreaded sticking! It’s the worst when your beautiful, marinated chicken gets all mangled. Make sure your grill grates are super clean *before* you heat it up, and then, once it’s hot, give them a good oiling. You can use a paper towel dipped in oil (carefully!) or a grill brush. That little bit of oil on the grates makes a HUGE difference, helping the chicken slide right off after getting those gorgeous char marks.
Serving Suggestions for Summer Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers
Now that you’ve got these amazing summer grilled lemon herb chicken skewers ready to go, what should you serve them with? I love keeping things light and fresh to match those bright lemon and herb flavors. Some grilled veggies are always a winner – think zucchini, bell peppers, or even some corn on the cob if it’s in season. A simple quinoa salad or a big, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette also pairs beautifully. Honestly, these skewers are so packed with flavor, they’re practically a meal on their own, but a few well-chosen sides really make it a complete, gorgeous meal that just screams summer!
Storing and Reheating Your Delicious Skewers
So, you’ve got some fantastic leftovers from these grilled lemon herb chicken skewers! Score! To keep them tasting their best, pop them into an airtight container once they’ve cooled down a bit. They’ll stay yummy in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, the microwave is super quick, but I often find them even better if you can gently reheat them in a skillet over medium-low heat. Just pop them in, maybe add a tiny splash of water or a little oil if they seem dry, cover them, and give them a few minutes. They’ll be almost as good as when they were fresh off the grill!
Frequently Asked Questions about Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers
Got questions about these grilled lemon herb chicken skewers? I’ve got answers! It’s totally normal to have a few as you’re getting started, but trust me, these skewers are super forgiving and always turn out delicious.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Swapping chicken breasts for boneless, skinless thighs is a totally great idea. Thighs are a little more forgiving on the grill and can handle a slightly longer cooking time without getting dry. They’ll be just as flavorful with that lemon herb marinade!
Can I make these indoor if I don’t have a grill?
You sure can! If grilling isn’t an option, a grill pan on your stovetop works like a charm. Just preheat the pan over medium-high heat, give it a light oiling, and cook the skewers, turning them every few minutes until they’re cooked through and have those nice grill marks. You could also broil them in the oven, keeping a close eye on them!
How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate the chicken skewers for anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours in the fridge. Any longer than that, and the lemon juice can actually start to break down the chicken too much, making it a bit mushy rather than tender. So, 30 minutes to 4 hours is the sweet spot for the best grilled lemon herb chicken skewers!
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
No worries at all! You can definitely use dried herbs. For the marinade, just use about 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary and 1 tablespoon of dried thyme. Since dried herbs are more potent, you won’t need as much. They still offer a wonderful flavor for these easy grilled lemon herb chicken skewers recipe.
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just a little heads-up, the nutritional info I’ve put together here is an estimate, okay? It can swing a bit depending on the exact brands you use and how big those chicken cubes are. But generally, for about three of these delicious skewers, you’re looking at around 250 calories, roughly 12 grams of fat (mostly the good stuff from olive oil!), and a solid 32 grams of protein. It’s a really satisfying and wholesome bite for your table!
Share Your Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers Creations
Okay, now that you’ve made these fabulous grilled lemon herb chicken skewers, I’d absolutely LOVE to see them! Seriously, snap a photo and tag me. Did you serve them at a BBQ or maybe pack them for lunch? Let me know in the comments below how they turned out and what you loved most about them. Your feedback and pictures mean the world to me and really help other home cooks!
PrintGrilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers
Flavorful and easy grilled chicken skewers with lemon and herbs, perfect for BBQs and meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 55 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
- Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
- Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serve with a side salad or grilled vegetables.
- You can substitute other herbs like oregano or parsley.
- For extra flavor, add lemon slices to the grill while cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 skewers
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg