Grilled Lemon-Thyme Chicken Skewers with Zucchini Ribbons

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

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in lemon and fresh thyme, threaded onto skewers and served with delicate zucchini ribbons tossed in olive oil. This Mediterranean-inspired paleo recipe (gluten free, whole30), ready in about 52 minutes, pairs chicken breast, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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: 40 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb cubed chicken breast and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken cubes onto skewers.
  3. Step 3: Grill chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges are slightly charred.
  4. Step 4: While chicken cooks, toss zucchini ribbons from 2 medium zucchinis with 1 tbsp olive oil and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) in a bowl.
  5. Step 5: Serve grilled chicken skewers atop a bed of zucchini ribbons while warm.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 52 minutes (40 min prep + 12 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 with Zucchini Ribbons?

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-Thyme Chicken Skewers with Zucchini Ribbons?

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 with Zucchini Ribbons 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.

Is Grilled Lemon-Thyme Chicken Skewers with Zucchini Ribbons gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, whole30, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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