Short Description
Easy Herby Lemon Skewers are a fresh, vibrant dish made with tender chicken pieces marinated in a zesty lemon and herb blend. Grilled to perfection, they are ideal for a light and flavorful lunch, dinner, or outdoor gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare with minimal ingredients
- Bursting with fresh lemon and herb flavors
- Great for grilling indoors or outdoors
- Healthy and high in protein
- Perfect for meal prep or casual entertaining
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the marinade:
- Olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh thyme
- Fresh rosemary
- Dried oregano
- Salt
- Black pepper
For the skewers:
- Skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- Wooden or metal skewers
Directions
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks.
- Place the chicken in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook the skewers for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and nicely charred.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12 minutes
- Marination Time: 30 minutes to 24 hours
Variations
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or onions to the skewers for more variety
- Use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier option
- Swap herbs based on what you have—basil or parsley work well too
- Try with shrimp or tofu for a seafood or vegetarian twist
Storage/Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10–15 minutes or until heated through
- Freeze uncooked marinated chicken in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw before cooking
FAQs
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 30 minutes, but for best flavor, marinate up to 24 hours.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs are a juicy and flavorful alternative.
What grill temperature is best for these skewers?
Medium-high heat works best to cook the chicken evenly and create a nice sear.
Can I make these skewers in the oven?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through.
Do I have to soak wooden skewers?
Yes, soaking them prevents burning during grilling.
Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble and refrigerate them several hours in advance.
What herbs can I substitute if I don’t have fresh ones?
Use dried herbs, reducing the amount by about half, or substitute with basil or parsley.
What goes well with these skewers?
Serve with rice, couscous, salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I make a dipping sauce?
A yogurt-based sauce or tzatziki pairs perfectly with the lemon and herb flavor.
How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C), or cut into a piece to check that it’s no longer pink inside.
Conclusion
Easy Herby Lemon Skewers are a refreshing and satisfying dish perfect for warm-weather meals or quick weeknight dinners. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, these skewers
Print
Easy herby lemon skewers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 53 minutes (includes marination)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Description
These easy herby lemon skewers are bursting with bright citrus flavor and fresh herbs, making them a perfect choice for grilling season. Whether you use chicken, shrimp, or vegetables, this versatile recipe delivers juicy, charred bites with a zesty punch. Keywords: lemon herb skewers, grilled skewers, summer grilling, easy lemon marinade
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken breast or shrimp, cut into chunks
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken or shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours).
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Thread marinated chicken or shrimp onto skewers.
- Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill skewers for 3–4 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and nicely charred.
- Serve warm with extra lemon wedges for squeezing.
Notes
- You can swap the herbs for what you have on hand—oregano and basil work great too.
- Great with a side of couscous, salad, or tucked in a pita.
- Double the marinade to use as a drizzle after grilling (boil it first if it’s touched raw meat).
Nutrition
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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