Grilled Smoky Spiced Chicken Skewers
Chicken thighs marinated in smoked paprika, cumin, coriander and garlic with olive oil and lemon, then grilled on skewers until the edges char. This barbecue recipe, ready in about 75 minutes, pairs boneless chicken thighs, olive oil, ground cumin 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 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 boneless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 6 skewers wooden skewers
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless chicken thighs into 1.5-inch cubes and place in a large bowl.
- Step 2: Add 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 0.5 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp lemon juice. Toss thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly.
- Step 3: Cover the bowl and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 4: Soak 6 wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Step 5: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
- Step 6: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
- Step 7: Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the edges are slightly charred and crispy.
- Step 8: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Smoky Spiced Chicken Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 75 minutes (65 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 Smoky Spiced 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 boneless chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Smoky Spiced 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 Smoky Spiced 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 should I serve with Grilled Smoky Spiced Chicken Skewers?
Serve it with a simple grain (rice, quinoa, or crusty bread), a quick green salad, and a steamed or roasted vegetable. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" above for dish-specific pairings based on what you have on hand.
