Description
Bright, juicy, and budget-friendly grilled chicken skewers marinated in lemon, herbs, and olive oil. This easy weeknight dinner is kid-approved and takes about 30 minutes to make.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 medium fresh lemons (juice and zest)
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 1 large red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (optional)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (for serving)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into 1.5-inch cubes and place them in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours).
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Cut the red onion and bell pepper into 1-inch chunks. Thread the veggies onto the skewers first, leaving space between pieces, then thread the chicken cubes, alternating with veggies.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Grill skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and has char marks.
- Remove from grill and let rest for 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle with crumbled feta and chopped fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve immediately.
Notes
Do not marinate chicken for more than 24 hours as the acid can make the meat mushy. If using wooden skewers, soaking them is crucial to prevent burning. For best results, use fresh lemon zest and juice. Chicken thighs are juicier and often cheaper than breasts. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen raw (marinated) for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers per servin
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: grilled chicken skewers, mediterranean chicken, lemon herb chicken, cheap family dinner, weeknight dinner, healthy grilling, meal prep