Herbed Grilled Chicken Skewers

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-03-30 · Updated 2026-03-30

Tender chicken skewers marinated in a zesty blend of herbs and citrus, grilled to perfection and served with a lemon-herb sauce. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (mediterranean) ready in about 35 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast, olive oil, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, 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: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving

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Ingredients

2 lbs, cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp, chopped fresh rosemary
1 tbsp, chopped fresh thyme
3 cloves, minced garlic
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
12 wooden skewers, soaked in water skewers

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 lbs chicken cubes, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped thyme, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix well, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
Step 2: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked skewers, dividing evenly among 12 skewers.
Step 3: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and charred in spots. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: While the chicken cooks, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and 1/2 tsp salt in a small bowl to make the lemon-herb sauce.
Step 5: Serve the grilled skewers immediately, drizzled with the lemon-herb sauce and garnished with additional parsley and lemon wedges.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herbed Grilled Chicken Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Herbed Grilled 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herbed Grilled 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 Herbed Grilled Chicken Skewers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Herbed Grilled Chicken Skewers?

Mediterranean chicken 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.