Hey y'all! If you're searching for a crowd-pleasing recipe bursting with flavor, these Grilled Chicken Skewers with Zesty Marinade are just what you need. They're juicy, tangy, and so simple to make—perfect for backyard BBQs, family dinners, or meal prep. The zesty marinade infuses the chicken with bright citrus and bold spices, making every bite irresistible. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Grilled Chicken Skewers with Zesty Marinade Recipe
- Super juicy and tender thanks to the citrus-packed marinade.
- Quick to prepare with just 10 minutes of hands-on prep time.
- Perfect for outdoor grilling or indoor grill pans.
- Easily customizable with your favorite veggies or spices.
- Great for gatherings, meal prep, or a healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Skewers with Zesty Marinade
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Wooden or metal skewers
Directions: How to Make Grilled Chicken Skewers with Zesty Marinade
Step 1: Prepare the Zesty Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lime juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) for maximum flavor infusion.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
Step 4: Grill the Skewers
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C). Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken is nicely charred and registers 165°F (74°C) internally—total cooking time is about 8-10 minutes.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Transfer the skewers to a plate, rest for 3 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes: Helpful Tips for Grilled Chicken Skewers with Zesty Marinade
- For best results, use fresh citrus juice and zest—pre-bottled won’t have the same punch (see zesting tips).
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers—space helps the heat circulate and cooks the chicken more evenly.
- Check doneness with an instant-read thermometer for juicy, perfectly cooked chicken (safe chicken temps).
Variations on Grilled Chicken Skewers with Zesty Marinade
- Mediterranean: Add bell peppers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes to the skewers and sprinkle with feta cheese after grilling.
- Spicy Sriracha: Swap honey for 1 tablespoon sriracha in the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Herb Garlic: Add 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil and thyme for an herby twist.
Required Equipment
- Grill or indoor grill pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Skewers (metal or soaked wooden)
- Instant-read thermometer
Storage Instructions for Grilled Chicken Skewers with Zesty Marinade
Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through. For longer storage, remove the chicken from skewers and freeze for up to 2 months.
Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve with a refreshing cucumber salad or classic Greek salad.
- Pair with fluffy rice pilaf, warm pita bread, or grilled veggies.
- Great alongside a cool tzatziki or garlic yogurt sauce (tzatziki recipe).
Pro Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken Skewers with Zesty Marinade
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 2 hours for the juiciest chicken.
- Always preheat your grill so the skewers develop gorgeous grill marks and smoky flavor.
- Resting the chicken after grilling keeps juices locked in—don’t rush this step. For more grilling tips, check out this expert guide.
FAQ: Grilled Chicken Skewers with Zesty Marinade
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs are even juicier and work perfectly for this recipe. - Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
You can marinate and assemble the skewers up to 8 hours in advance and grill when ready to serve. - What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries! Use a grill pan or broil in the oven on high for similar delicious results.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Marinate: 30-120 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 50-130 minutes
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
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1In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
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2Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, toss to coat well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.
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3Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers.
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4Grill the chicken skewers for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
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5Remove from the grill, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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