Description
Juicy, flavorful grilled chicken skewers marinated in lemon, garlic, and oregano. This beginner-proof recipe is simple, versatile, and perfect for summer grilling.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 large lemons)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- If using wooden or bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
- Pat chicken breasts dry and cut into uniform 1-inch cubes. Toss chicken into the marinade, ensuring every piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between cubes for even cooking.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F). Clean grates and oil them thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Place skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side until char marks appear.
- Flip skewers and grill for another 4-5 minutes on the second side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 2-3 minutes to redistribute juices.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Do not marinate chicken for more than 4 hours as the acid can make the texture mushy. Ensure chicken cubes are uniform in size for even cooking. If using wooden skewers, soaking is mandatory to prevent fire. Save a portion of marinade before adding chicken if you wish to baste during grilling, or boil used marinade before using as a sauce.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer per serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: grilled chicken, chicken skewers, mediterranean recipe, lemon herb chicken, easy grilling, summer dinner, keto friendly, gluten free