Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Garlic Lemon Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken skewers marinated in fresh herbs and grilled to juicy perfection, served with a bright garlic lemon sauce that complements the smoky flavors. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, fresh rosemary, chopped into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs into 1.5-inch cubes and place in a large bowl. Add 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp chopped rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped thyme, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss to coat evenly and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, spacing pieces slightly apart.
  3. Step 3: Grill the chicken skewers over direct heat for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until the edges are slightly charred and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, whisk together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley in a small bowl until smooth and fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled chicken skewers hot with a generous dollop of the garlic lemon sauce on the side for dipping.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Garlic Lemon Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Garlic Lemon Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Garlic Lemon Sauce?

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 with Garlic Lemon Sauce 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 with Garlic Lemon Sauce?

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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