Half-Peppered Chicken Skewers
Tender chicken marinated in a smoky blend of paprika and garlic, grilled to perfection and served with a zesty chimichurri sauce. This argentinean-inspired grilling (vegetarian-friendly) ready in about 45 minutes pairs chicken thighs, smoked paprika, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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
- 2 lbs chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 4 cloves garlic
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 head red onion
- 2 bell peppers
- 1/2 cup chimichurri sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400°F/200°C). Thread chicken thighs, half of the sliced red onion, and bell pepper pieces onto skewers, alternating with 1/2 tbsp olive oil.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 1/2 tsp salt. Brush the marinade evenly over the skewers. Let marinate for 20 minutes.
- Step 3: Grill skewers for 12-15 minutes, rotating every 5 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and charred in spots.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare chimichurri: chop 1/4 cup fresh parsley, 1/2 cup chopped red onion, and 1/2 cup olive oil. Add 1 tbsp vinegar, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix well.
- Step 5: Serve skewers with chimichurri sauce on the side, garnished with additional parsley.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Peppered Chicken Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (30 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 Half-Peppered 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 thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Peppered 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 Half-Peppered 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.
Is Half-Peppered Chicken Skewers vegetarian-friendly?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian-friendly based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 15-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better grilling dishes though.