Grilled Bonzini-Style Spiced Chicken Skewers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken skewers marinated in a fragrant blend of spices, grilled to perfection, inspired by the lively atmosphere of a game day gathering. This chicken-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 75 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, olive oil, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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: 65 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Chicken cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless chicken thighs into 1.5-inch cubes and place in a large bowl.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 0.5 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp lemon juice. Toss thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly.
  3. Step 3: Cover the bowl and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
  4. Step 4: Soak 6 wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  5. Step 5: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
  6. Step 6: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
  7. Step 7: Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the edges are slightly charred and crispy.
  8. Step 8: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Bonzini-Style Spiced Chicken Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (65 min prep + 10 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 Grilled Bonzini-Style Spiced 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 boneless chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Bonzini-Style Spiced 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 Grilled Bonzini-Style Spiced 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 Grilled Bonzini-Style Spiced Chicken Skewers?

Chicken bbq & smoked 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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