Lemon Chicken Skewers: The Ultimate Grilling Recipe (5 Simple Steps)
Juicy, tender chicken marinated in a bright lemon-herb mixture and grilled to perfection. These Mediterranean-inspired skewers feature vibrant flavors from fresh lemon, garlic, and herbs, with colorful bell peppers and onions for a complete meal on a stick. Perfect for summer grilling, weeknight dinners, or entertaining.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8-10 skewers (4-5 servings)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Marinade:
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh oregano (or 2 tsp dried)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Skewers:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 large red onion, cut into chunks
- 2 bell peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Make marinade: In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, zest, olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Marinate chicken: Cut chicken into 1½-inch chunks. Place in a zip-top bag or shallow dish, pour marinade over chicken, and toss to coat. Refrigerate 30 minutes to 24 hours.
- Prep skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes. Remove chicken from fridge 20 minutes before grilling. Thread chicken onto skewers, alternating with bell pepper and onion chunks.
- Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high (400-425°F). Oil grates well. Grill skewers 4-5 minutes per side, rotating once for crosshatch marks, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (total time 12-15 minutes).
- Rest and serve: Transfer to a platter, let rest 3-5 minutes. Squeeze fresh lemon over top, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For oven method: Bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway
- Chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay juicier than breasts
- Don’t marinate longer than 24 hours or chicken texture becomes mushy
- Reserve ¼ cup marinade before adding raw chicken; boil 2 minutes for safe basting
- Add cherry tomatoes or zucchini chunks for extra vegetables
Find it online: https://recipya.com/lemon-chicken-skewers-recipe-5-easy-steps/