Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers

$- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish I love using fresh ingredients for this dish. The chicken breast is the star here. It is lean and tender. I always choose high-quality meat for the best flavor. Next, I pour in the olive oil and fresh lemon juice. These add a rich taste and a bright zing. The lemon zest enhances the lemon flavor too. Garlic, oregano, and thyme round out the taste. Garlic gives a strong, warm flavor. Oregano adds a hint of earthiness, while thyme brings a subtle sweetness. Don't forget to add salt and pepper. They help to elevate all the flavors. Lastly, I like to garnish with fresh parsley. It adds color and a fresh touch. - Skewers (wooden or metal) - Grill or grill pan - Mixing bowl For this recipe, you need a few tools. Skewers are important. Wooden skewers need soaking, while metal ones are ready to go. A grill or grill pan is essential for that perfect char. I prefer grilling outdoors, but an indoor grill pan works too. A mixing bowl is where all the magic starts. You’ll use it to mix the marinade and coat the chicken. Simple tools make this recipe easy and fun. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, I mix the marinade in a large bowl. I use these ingredients: - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste I stir everything well. Then, I add the chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes. I make sure each piece is coated with the marinade. After that, I cover the bowl and put it in the fridge. I let it marinate for at least 1 hour. For deeper flavor, I can leave it for up to 4 hours. If I use wooden skewers, I soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This step helps prevent them from burning on the grill. While soaking, I preheat my grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. This makes sure the skewers cook evenly. Next, I thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers. I leave a little space between each piece. This helps them cook evenly. I then place the skewers on the preheated grill. I cook them for about 10 to 12 minutes. I turn them occasionally, so they get nice grill marks. To check for doneness, I use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once done, I take them off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. To get the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least one hour. If you have time, let it soak for up to four hours. This longer time helps the chicken absorb all the tasty flavors. For a flavor boost, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade. This adds a nice kick without being too spicy. Fresh herbs like basil or mint are also great choices for extra freshness. To prevent sticking, make sure your grill is hot before adding the skewers. You can also brush the grates with a little olive oil. This will help the chicken slide off easily when done. When grilling, keep an eye on the skewers. Turn them every few minutes for even cooking. This will help each side get those nice grill marks. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) inside. For a pretty presentation, garnish your skewers with fresh chopped parsley. You can also add lemon wedges on the side for a zesty finish. Great sides to serve include a Greek salad or tzatziki sauce. Both add a nice touch and complement the chicken well. Enjoy your meal with some warm pita bread for an extra treat! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of your chicken skewers. Fresh ingredients make a significant difference in taste. Don't Skip the Marinade: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least an hour helps to infuse it with flavor and ensures moist, tender meat. Check Grill Temperature: Make sure your grill is adequately preheated before adding the skewers. This will help achieve those beautiful grill marks and prevent sticking. Let It Rest: After grilling, give the skewers a few minutes to rest before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier chicken. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of Greek lemon chicken skewers by adding different herbs. Try fresh basil or dill to give it an extra kick. You can also mix in some rosemary for a rich flavor. You can also incorporate vegetables on your skewers. Bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes work well. These veggies add color and nutrition to your meal. Plus, they soak up all the delicious marinade. Pair your chicken skewers with tasty sauces. A simple tzatziki sauce made from yogurt, cucumber, and garlic is a great choice. It adds creaminess and freshness. You can also try a spicy harissa sauce for a bold twist. To make a quick dip, mix some Greek yogurt with lemon juice and herbs. This dip brings out the flavors of the chicken. If you don’t have a grill, you can still enjoy these skewers. Bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes. Just make sure to turn them halfway through. This method keeps the chicken juicy. Another fun way to cook them is in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 10-12 minutes. This gives a nice crisp without much oil. Enjoy experimenting with these ideas! To store leftover Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers, place them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the skewers. Wrap each skewer tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. This keeps them fresh for up to two months. When you're ready to eat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat, I recommend using an oven or a grill. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm. If you use a grill, heat it to medium. Grill the skewers for about 4-5 minutes, turning once. This method helps keep the chicken juicy and flavorful. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the chicken rubbery. How long to marinate chicken for the best flavor? Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour. For a deeper taste, you can marinate it for up to 4 hours. This time allows the flavors to soak into the chicken. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They are juicier and add more flavor. Just cut them into the same size pieces for even cooking. What sides pair well with Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers? Great sides include a Greek salad, rice pilaf, or roasted vegetables. Pita bread and tzatziki sauce are also nice additions. How to tell if chicken is cooked through? Check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). The chicken should no longer be pink inside and juices should run clear. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Yes, this recipe works well for meal prep. You can marinate the chicken in advance. Cook it fresh, then store in the fridge for easy meals. Gluten-free adjustments This recipe is gluten-free as is. Just make sure your seasonings and any sides you serve are also gluten-free. Suggestions for low-carb variations To make it low-carb, skip the rice and serve with grilled veggies. You can also add zucchini or bell peppers to the skewers for extra nutrition. You now have a complete guide for making tasty Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers. We covered the main ingredients and tools you need. I shared easy steps for marinating and grilling the chicken. Plus, I provided tips for perfect results and fun variations to try. As you experiment with flavors, remember that cooking should be simple and enjoyable. These skewers can impress at any meal. Now, grab your ingredients and get grilling!$

Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers

Delicious marinated chicken skewers with a zesty lemon flavor, perfect for grilling.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 1 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine Greek

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 unit Zest of 1 lemon
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
to taste Salt and pepper
for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped
as needed Skewers (wooden or metal)

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 4 hours for a deeper flavor).
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

For best results, marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours.

Keyword chicken, Greek, grilling, lemon, skewers