Lemon-Basil Chicken Skewers with Honey Glaze

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

Juicy grilled chicken skewers marinated in lemon and fresh basil, finished with a sticky honey glaze perfect for a fun backyard meal. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 52 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, chopped fresh basil leaves, 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 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.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb boneless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch cubes, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss well to coat and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, distributing evenly.
  3. Step 3: Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
  4. Step 4: During the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush the chicken with 2 tbsp honey to form a sticky glaze, flipping once to caramelize both sides.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. The lemon and basil aroma combined with the honey glaze make each bite lively and fun.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Basil Chicken Skewers with Honey Glaze 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 Lemon-Basil Chicken Skewers with Honey Glaze?

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 Lemon-Basil Chicken Skewers with Honey Glaze?

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 Lemon-Basil Chicken Skewers with Honey Glaze 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 goes well with Lemon-Basil Chicken Skewers with Honey Glaze?

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.

Related recipes