Frozen Herb-Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken skewers marinated in fresh herbs and lemon, then grilled to smoky perfection from frozen for juicy results. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs olive oil, fresh lemon juice, chopped fresh oregano leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 240 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano, 1 tbsp fresh thyme, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 1.5 lbs chicken breast cubes into a large zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal and massage to coat all pieces evenly.
  3. Step 3: Freeze the marinated chicken cubes on a tray until solid, about 3 hours, then transfer to a freezer bag for long-term storage.
  4. Step 4: When ready to cook, thread frozen chicken cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
  5. Step 5: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill skewers for 12-15 minutes total, turning every 3-4 minutes, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has nice grill marks.
  6. Step 6: Let rest 5 minutes before serving with a side of tzatziki or fresh salad.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Frozen Herb-Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Frozen Herb-Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Frozen Herb-Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Frozen Herb-Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Frozen Herb-Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers?

Mediterranean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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