Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers

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

Tender chicken skewers marinated to imbibe fresh herbs and lemon, then grilled to smoky perfection for a vibrant, flavorful dish. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 20 minutes pairs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes, extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice 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: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs chicken breast cubes to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the chicken to imbibe the herbaceous flavors.
  3. Step 3: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F.
  4. Step 4: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the soaked wooden skewers evenly.
  5. Step 5: Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks with an internal temperature of 165°F.
  6. Step 6: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. These herb-marinated chicken skewers pair well with a fresh salad or rice.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Herb-Marinated 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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Herb-Marinated 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 Herb-Marinated 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 Herb-Marinated 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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