Zesty Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers
These Zesty Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers feature a fresh herb marinade with bright lemon and fragrant herbs, delivering juicy, tender bites perfect for summer gatherings or quick weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest from 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before use)
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry chicken breasts. Cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. (About 10 minutes)
- In a mixing bowl, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, parsley, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well blended. (5 minutes)
- Toss chicken cubes in the marinade, ensuring every piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1-2 hours. (30-120 minutes)
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. Thread chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving space between pieces. (10 minutes)
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Lightly oil the grates. (5 minutes)
- Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes total, turning every 3-4 minutes until chicken is opaque and reaches 165°F internal temperature. (10-12 minutes)
- Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. (5 minutes)
Notes
Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours for best flavor. Do not marinate longer than 4 hours to avoid texture changes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. If chicken chars too quickly, move skewers to cooler part of grill or reduce heat. Baste with leftover marinade during grilling but do not reuse marinade that touched raw chicken. Wooden skewers should be soaked to prevent burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 25
Keywords: Greek chicken skewers, lemon chicken, grilled chicken, fresh herb marinade, easy chicken recipe, summer grilling, healthy chicken skewers