Lemon-Thyme Grilled Chicken Skewers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken pieces marinated in lemon juice, fresh thyme, and garlic, grilled to perfection for a bright and aromatic summer main dish. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 20 minutes pairs fresh lemon juice, chopped fresh thyme leaves, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme leaves, 3 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb cubed boneless skinless chicken breasts to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 425°F). Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
  4. Step 4: Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the edges are lightly charred and caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with a fresh summer salad or grilled vegetables.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Thyme Grilled Chicken Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Lemon-Thyme 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-Thyme 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-Thyme 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-Thyme 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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