Chicken Skewers

These flavorful Mediterranean-inspired garlic and herb-marinated Chicken Skewers are ready in just 45 minutes. Made with simple, healthy ingredients, they’re perfect for grilling and summer cookouts.

Chicken Skewers Recipe

A perfect dish for BBQs and summer cookouts, these chicken skewers are tender, juicy, and coated in the most delicious zesty marinade. The marinade is super easy to make with garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs including basil, cilantro, and parsley, and tastes fantastic with not only chicken but shrimp and beef as well.

One of my favorite meals to enjoy with friends throughout the summer months, try adding some red onions, bell peppers, or zucchini to the skewers for extra color and fun! Healthy and protein-packed, serve these skewers with pita bread, tzatziki, hummus, feta cheese, and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Chicken Breast or Chicken Thighs for Skewers?

This easy recipe can be made with either chicken breasts or chicken thighs. Chicken breasts contain less fat and are more sensitive to over-cooking, whereas chicken thighs are naturally more flavorful, fattier, and less resistant to drying out if overcooked.

How to Make Chicken Skewers

1. Soak the wooden skewers: Soak the bamboo skewers in water for 15-30 minutes before threading them with the marinated chicken to prevent the skewers from burning. You may also make this recipe using metal skewers.

2. Prepare the marinade: Combine the fresh parsley, cilantro, and basil in a large mixing bowl with the dried oregano, garlic powder, ginger powder, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.

3. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a bowl with ¼-½ cup of the prepared marinade, fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to combine. Transfer the remaining marinade to a separate airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4-6 days.

4. Skewer the chicken: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, then thread the chicken pieces onto the pre-soaked skewers.

5. Cook the chicken skewers: Turn the grill to medium-high heat. When the grill is ready, place the skewers on the grilling surface, leaving space between each skewer to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your chicken pieces, cook each side of your skewers for approximately 3-4 minutes (total of 12-16 minutes). With each turn baste with additional marinade. Chicken is fully cooked at 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

6. Serve: Check for doneness and remove skewers from the grill. If desired, serve with pita, hummus, tzatziki, and fresh veggies.

How to Serve

These Mediteranean-inspired skewers are delicious with hummus, tzatziki sauce, warm pita bread, and fresh veggies. You can also serve them with a Greek salad, tomato salad, or simple cucumber tomato salad. If I’m not enjoying this delicious recipe wrapped in pita, I’ll always make a size of rice or sweet potato fries. They’re a delicious addition to your next barbecue or potluck and fantastic served alongside my veggie skewers.

Storing and Freezing

Leftover cooked chicken skewers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave until heated through.

To freeze uncooked marinated chicken skewers:

1. Marinate and assemble: Follow the recipe for marinating and making the chicken skewers – this includes threading the chicken onto the bamboo skewers.
2. Pre-freeze: Place the assembled skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (make sure the skewers aren’t touching). “Flash-freeze” for 2-3 hours or until the skewers are fully frozen.
3. Package and freeze: Transfer the skewers to a freezer-safe bag or container once frozen. Freeze for up to 3 months.
4. Thaw and cook: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or cook directly from frozen.

More Chicken Recipes:

• Creamy Tuscan Chicken
• Orange Chicken Recipe
• Chicken Yakitori Recipe
• Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
• Air Fryer Whole Chicken

If you try making this Chicken Skewers Recipe, please leave me a comment and let me know! I always love to hear your thoughts.