Grilled Lemon-Thyme Chicken Skewers

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

Tender chicken thighs marinated in lemon and thyme, grilled to perfection with a bright, herbaceous finish. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 25 minutes pairs tablespoons olive oil, tablespoons lemon juice, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, 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: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 pound cubed chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated. Marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Step 3: Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, alternating with 2 lemon slices.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high (375°F/190°C). Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning once, until chicken is cooked through and edges are slightly charred.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Lemon-Thyme Chicken Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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-Thyme 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 tablespoons olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Lemon-Thyme 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-Thyme Chicken Skewers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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-Thyme Chicken Skewers?

American 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.

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