Smith's Spiced Chicken Skewers
A savory, herb-crusted chicken skewer dish inspired by the common U.S. surname Smith, seasoned with global spices for a bold flavor profile. This mediterranean-inspired grilling ready in about 30 minutes pairs chicken thighs, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. In a large bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, 1 tsp thyme, 1 tbsp lemon zest, and 1 tbsp honey. Add 1.5 lbs chicken thighs and marinate for 20 minutes.
- Step 2: Thread chicken pieces onto skewers, alternating with 1/2 cup whole wheat bread crumbs for a crispy crust. Brush the skewers with any remaining marinade.
- Step 3: Grill for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and the crust is golden and slightly charred. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smith's Spiced Chicken Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Smith's Spiced 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 chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smith's Spiced 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 Smith's Spiced 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 Smith's Spiced Chicken Skewers?
Mediterranean 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
