Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken Skewers with Cherry Tomatoes
Juicy chicken breasts marinated in lemon and herbs, threaded with cherry tomatoes and grilled to perfect char and tenderness. This mediterranean-inspired grilling ready in about 50 minutes pairs boneless chicken breasts, lemon juice, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 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
- 1.5 lb boneless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sliced red onion
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and toss with 3 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp chopped thyme, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 2: Thread the marinated chicken cubes, cherry tomatoes, and red onion slices onto soaked wooden skewers in a balanced pattern, pressing gently to secure.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high (375°F); place skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until chicken is no longer pink in the center and tomatoes are slightly blistered.
- Step 4: Transfer skewers to a serving platter and let rest for 5 minutes; the juices will redistribute, ensuring the chicken stays moist and flavorful.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken Skewers with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (40 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 Lemon-Herb Chicken Skewers with Cherry Tomatoes?
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 breasts from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken Skewers with Cherry Tomatoes?
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-Herb Chicken Skewers with Cherry Tomatoes 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-Herb Chicken Skewers with Cherry Tomatoes?
Mediterranean grilling 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
