Prepare to delight your taste buds with these incredibly juicy and intensely flavorful Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers. This recipe offers an effortless path to a delicious dinner, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend BBQ. Marinated in a vibrant, zesty lemon and garlic blend, these chicken kabobs are grilled to golden perfection, promising a tender bite every time. Best of all, you can have this tantalizing meal ready and on the table in less than an hour, transforming simple ingredients into a gourmet experience that everyone will love.
This lemon garlic chicken recipe has quickly become a new household favorite, celebrated for its simplicity and incredible flavor. The bite-sized chicken pieces cook remarkably fast, ensuring that a hearty and healthy dinner is always within reach, even on your busiest days. Serving is equally versatile; enjoy them directly off the skewer for a fun, interactive meal, or remove the chicken chunks to incorporate into a vibrant salad, a comforting rice bowl, or alongside your favorite pasta. Their convenient size and burst of fresh flavor make them an ideal addition to any meal, providing a wholesome and satisfying option that caters to various dietary preferences and palates.
Looking to expand your repertoire of grilled chicken skewer recipes? You might also enjoy my Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers or my popular Hawaiian Chicken Skewers recipe. Both are fantastic options, perfect for adding variety to your next summer cookout or family gathering.
Why You’ll Adore These Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers
These Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers are more than just a meal; they’re a culinary experience designed for convenience, health, and undeniable flavor. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your rotation:
- Effortlessly Delicious BBQ. Forget complicated preparations! The zesty lemon garlic marinade comes together in minutes. Simply allow your chicken to soak up the incredible flavors for just 30 minutes (or longer if you have time), then throw them on the grill. The result is a profoundly flavorful and tender chicken that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but truly takes minimal effort. It’s the ultimate hassle-free solution for an outdoor meal or a quick indoor grill.
- Wholesome and Zesty Goodness. Crafted with fresh, natural ingredients, these chicken skewers offer a healthy meal option without compromising on taste. The bright burst of lemon provides a delightful citrus kick, perfectly balancing the savory garlic and aromatic herbs. This creates a light yet deeply satisfying dish that you can feel good about serving to your family, knowing it’s packed with nutrients and vibrant flavors.
- Incredibly Versatile for Any Occasion. One of the best qualities of these lemon garlic chicken skewers is their adaptability. They pair beautifully with an extensive array of side dishes, making them suitable for almost any meal plan. Serve them alongside a crisp green salad for a light lunch, with fluffy rice or noodles for a complete dinner, or with roasted vegetables for a wholesome feast. Their universal appeal makes them a fantastic option for meal prepping, entertaining guests, or simply enjoying a delicious, wholesome meal any day of the week.
- A Family Favorite. The mild, appealing flavors of lemon and garlic, combined with tender chicken, make this recipe a hit with both adults and children. It’s a fantastic way to introduce new flavors in a format that’s fun and easy to eat. Watching little ones eagerly devour these skewers is a testament to their universal appeal and delicious taste.
Gather Your Ingredients: The Heart of the Marinade
Creating these sensational Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers starts with a simple yet powerful list of ingredients. The magic truly happens in the marinade, where fresh, aromatic components come together to infuse the chicken with an unforgettable flavor profile. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- For the Chicken: I highly recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into uniform 1-inch chunks. Chicken thighs are naturally richer and more forgiving than chicken breasts, ensuring your skewers remain incredibly juicy and tender even when grilled at high temperatures. The fat content in thighs contributes to a more flavorful and moist result, making them ideal for skewering. If you prefer, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used, but be mindful of overcooking as they tend to dry out more easily.
- For the Irresistible Marinade: This is where the flavor explosion happens!
- Mayonnaise: While it might seem unconventional, mayonnaise is a secret ingredient that works wonders. It tenderizes the chicken, helps to bind the spices, and creates a beautiful, golden crust on the grill, locking in moisture and flavor.
- Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest: The star of the show! Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides that essential tangy brightness, while the zest intensifies the aromatic citrus notes, creating a truly vibrant flavor.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic delivers a pungent, savory depth that perfectly complements the lemon. Don’t skimp on the garlic – it’s crucial for the signature flavor.
- Paprika: Adds a beautiful reddish hue and a subtle, sweet peppery flavor that enhances the chicken’s natural taste.
- Dried Oregano and Rosemary: These classic Mediterranean herbs infuse the marinade with earthy, aromatic undertones that pair wonderfully with lemon and garlic. Ensure your rosemary is finely minced or use dried, crushed rosemary.
- Dijon Mustard: A touch of Dijon adds a complex tang and helps to emulsify the marinade, ensuring all flavors are beautifully blended.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Contributes another layer of acidity, helping to tenderize the chicken and brighten the overall flavor profile.
- Honey: A hint of sweetness from honey balances the acidity, promotes caramelization on the grill, and adds a lovely glaze to the cooked chicken.
- Salt and Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all the other flavors. Adjust to your taste preferences.
- Chili Flakes: For a gentle warmth and subtle kick. You can adjust the amount based on your preference for spice.
- Olive Oil: Helps to carry the fat-soluble flavors throughout the marinade, keeps the chicken moist, and prevents sticking on the grill.
Crafting Your Masterpiece: How To Make Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers
Creating these mouthwatering lemon garlic chicken skewers is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. Follow these easy steps to bring this flavorful dish to life:
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken. Begin by taking your boneless, skinless chicken thighs and slicing them into uniform 1-inch cubes. Consistency in size is key here, as it ensures all the chicken pieces cook evenly on the grill. Aim for bite-sized chunks that are easy to skewer and enjoy.
- Step 2: Whisk Together the Marinade. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients: mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, paprika, oregano, Dijon mustard, finely minced rosemary, red wine vinegar, honey, salt, chili flakes, black pepper, and olive oil. Whisk everything together thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth and all ingredients are well combined. This ensures an even distribution of flavor throughout the chicken.
- Step 3: Marinate the Chicken. Add your cubed chicken pieces into the bowl with the prepared marinade. Using tongs or clean hands, toss the chicken vigorously to ensure every single piece is thoroughly coated in the rich, flavorful marinade. Once coated, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Allow the chicken to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes to absorb those incredible flavors. For an even deeper taste, you can marinate for up to 1-2 hours. Do not marinate for more than 4 hours, as the acidity from the lemon can start to break down the chicken’s texture.
- Step 4: Prepare for Grilling. While the chicken is marinating, it’s the perfect time to get your grill ready. Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C). If you are using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 20-30 minutes prior to skewering to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Step 5: Skewer the Chicken. Once the grill is preheated and your chicken is marinated, thread the chicken pieces evenly onto your skewers. Be careful not to overcrowd the skewers; leave a small space between each piece to allow for even cooking and proper heat circulation. This also helps achieve those beautiful grill marks.
- Step 6: Grill to Perfection. Lightly spray your preheated grill grates with a non-stick oil spray to prevent the chicken from sticking. Place the skewers on the hot grill. Grill for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown, cooked through, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy and food safety.
- Step 7: Rest and Serve. Once cooked, remove the Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in even more tender and flavorful bites. Serve immediately with your favorite complementing side dishes and enjoy the incredible flavors!
Expert Tips & Clever Notes for Perfect Skewers
Achieving perfectly grilled and flavorful Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers is easy, especially with a few insider tips. These pointers will help ensure your chicken is always juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor:
- Spice It Up: If you’re a fan of heat, don’t hesitate to increase the amount of chili flakes in the marinade. For an even more fiery kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper can be added to the mix. Adjust to your personal preference for spice.
- Prevent Sticking: A common grilling concern is meat sticking to the skewers. To avoid this, always spray your skewers with a bit of non-stick cooking spray before threading the chicken onto them. This creates a barrier that helps the chicken release easily once cooked.
- Add Vibrant Vegetables: These chicken skewers are wonderfully versatile. Feel free to add colorful vegetables like bell peppers (red, yellow, orange), red onions, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or even mushrooms directly onto the skewers alongside the chicken. They not only add flavor and nutrition but also make for a visually stunning presentation. Ensure vegetables are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Always Preheat Your Grill: This tip is crucial for any grilling endeavor. A properly preheated grill ensures that the chicken sears immediately upon contact, creating those desirable char marks and preventing the meat from sticking to the grates. It also helps lock in the juices, leading to a more tender result.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers: When threading your chicken (and vegetables), leave a small gap between each piece. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of grilling, resulting in less flavorful chicken and uneven cooking. Proper spacing allows heat to circulate freely around each piece.
- Let the Chicken Rest: After grilling, resist the urge to cut into the chicken immediately. Transfer the skewers to a cutting board and tent them loosely with foil for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices within the meat to redistribute, ensuring every bite is succulent and tender.
- Perfect Pairings: These lemon chicken skewers are incredibly versatile and pair well with almost anything. For a truly delicious accompaniment, try my Best Grilled Vegetables or my refreshing Mexican Street Corn Salad. Other great options include couscous, quinoa salad, a simple garden salad, or fluffy rice.
- Even Cutting: Ensure your chicken pieces are cut into roughly the same size. This consistency is vital for even cooking, preventing some pieces from drying out while others are still undercooked.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers
You have two main options: metal or wooden skewers. If you’re using wooden skewers, it’s crucial to soak them in water for at least 15 to 30 minutes before threading your ingredients. This prevents them from burning and splintering on the hot grill. For infrequent grillers, wooden skewers are perfectly fine and disposable. However, if you grill often, I highly recommend investing in a set of reusable metal skewers. I personally prefer ones with a comfortable handle or a large hook on one end, as they are easier to grip and turn on the grill, and make sliding the cooked meat onto a plate much simpler.
While I primarily use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe due to their superior juiciness and reduced risk of drying out when cubed, you can certainly use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if that’s your preference. If opting for chicken breasts, be extra vigilant about cooking times to avoid overcooking, which can lead to dry and tough chicken. You might reduce the grilling time slightly and always rely on a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C).
Absolutely! No grill? No problem. These lemon garlic chicken skewers can be easily made in your oven. Simply arrange the marinated and skewered chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil (for easy cleanup). Bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For a bit of char, you can finish them under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Yes, these lemon garlic chicken skewers are fantastic for meal prepping! They hold up beautifully in the refrigerator, making them a convenient option for packed lunches or quick dinners throughout the week. When stored in an airtight container, the cooked chicken will remain fresh and delicious for up to 4-5 days. For ease of reheating and eating, I typically remove the chicken pieces from the skewers before storing them, especially if they’re destined for microwave-friendly work lunches.
Yes, you can prepare the marinade several hours or even a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This can save you valuable time on cooking day. Just give it a good stir before adding the chicken. However, only add the chicken to the marinade when you are ready to begin the marination process, ideally no more than 4 hours before cooking to maintain optimal texture.
Store any leftover cooked chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave for quick warming, though this might slightly alter the texture. For best results, reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, or in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which helps retain moisture and flavor.
More Delicious Skewer Recipes to Explore
If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and flavor of these Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers, you’re in for a treat! Here are more fantastic skewer recipes to expand your grilling horizons and keep your meals exciting:
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers: A quick and flavorful seafood option, perfect for a light and refreshing meal.
- Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers: Dive into a world of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors with these Asian-inspired chicken skewers.
- Hawaiian Chicken Skewers: Experience a taste of the tropics with pineapple and a sweet and tangy glaze on your chicken.
I genuinely hope you enjoy all the recipes I share with you, and that these delightful Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers become a beloved staple in your kitchen. I encourage you to try this recipe, savor its flavors, and share your experience with friends and family. Happy cooking!
If you make this recipe and love it, please consider leaving a star rating and a comment below. Your feedback means the world! Don’t forget to use my hashtag to share your delicious recreations with me on INSTAGRAM! Also, be sure to follow Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST for all my latest recipes, cooking tips, and culinary inspiration.
Print Recipe
Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch chunks
- 2 tbsps. mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup lemon juice
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. oregano
- 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp. fine rosemary
- 1 tbsp. red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsps. honey
- 1 tsp. salt, or more to taste
- ½ tsp. chili flakes, or less per preference
- 1 tsp. black pepper, fresh cracked
- 3 tbsps. olive oil
- Zest of one large lemon
Instructions
- Slice the chicken into 1 inch cubes or bite-sized chunks.
- In a bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients to make the marinade. Mix well until well combined.
- Add in the cubed chicken in the marinade bowl and mix to coat well with the marinade.
- Cover and allow the chicken to marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Preheat the grill.
- Skew the chicken onto the skewers.
- Spray the grill with some non-stick oil spray and grill on each side for 4-5 minutes until fully cooked or reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately with your favorite side dish.
Notes
- To make this spicier, you can add more chili flakes or even some cayenne pepper.
- If you are worried about the meat sticking to the skewer, spray them with a bit of non-stick spray before placing your ingredients onto the skewer.
- Feel free to add some vegetables to this like bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and more.
- Always use a preheated grill so the chicken doesn’t stick.
- These lemon chicken skewers go with everything. Try my Grilled Vegetables or my Mexican Street Corn Salad.
Nutrition
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