Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Spicy Red Pepper Glaze

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

Juicy chicken skewers marinated in fresh herbs and garlic, grilled over high heat, and brushed with a vibrant spicy red pepper glaze that celebrates bold flavors. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, fresh rosemary, chopped, fresh thyme, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 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: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp chopped rosemary, 2 tbsp chopped thyme, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Whisk together until well blended.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs cubed boneless skinless chicken breasts to the marinade, tossing to coat all pieces evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally 3 hours, to absorb flavors.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the spicy red pepper glaze by mixing 2 tbsp honey with 1/2 tsp red chili flakes in a small bowl; set aside.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Thread marinated chicken cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, distributing evenly.
  5. Step 5: Grill chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, basting with the spicy red pepper glaze every 2 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
  6. Step 6: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Spicy Red Pepper Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Spicy Red Pepper Glaze?

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 Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Spicy Red Pepper Glaze?

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 Spicy Red Pepper Glaze 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 Spicy Red Pepper Glaze?

American 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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