Memorial Day Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers
Tender chicken skewers marinated in fresh herbs and lemon, perfect for a Memorial Day cookout. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 80 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 skewers wooden skewers, soaked
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes and place in a bowl. Add 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix well and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers evenly.
- Step 3: Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Memorial Day Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 80 minutes (70 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 Memorial Day Grilled Herb-Marinated 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 Memorial Day Grilled Herb-Marinated 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 Memorial Day Grilled Herb-Marinated 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 Memorial Day Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers?
American grilling 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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