Lemon-Basil Grilled Chicken Skewers

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

Tender chicken marinated in a bright lemon and basil mixture, grilled to juicy perfection on skewers for an ideal summer cookout dish. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 52 minutes pairs fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, finely chopped fresh basil leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 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 240 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil leaves, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb of 1-inch cubed boneless skinless chicken breasts to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours, to let flavors infuse.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, dividing evenly.
  4. Step 4: Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and has grill marks with the edges slightly charred. Serve immediately with a side salad or grilled vegetables for a bright summer main course.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Basil Grilled Chicken Skewers 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 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 fresh lemon juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Basil 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 Lemon-Basil Grilled 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 goes well with Lemon-Basil 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.

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