Grilled Lemon-Chili Chicken Skewers
Juicy chicken pieces marinated in a zesty lemon and chili mixture, grilled to perfection with a smoky char. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs chicken breast, lemon juice, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 6, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 3 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb cubed chicken breast to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to absorb flavors.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the 6 soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
- Step 4: Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes total, turning every 3 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and has charred grill marks.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving warm with your choice of sides.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Lemon-Chili 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 Grilled Lemon-Chili 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 chicken breast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Lemon-Chili 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 Lemon-Chili 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 Lemon-Chili 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.
