Spiced Chicken Skewers with Herb Marinade
Tender grilled chicken skewers infused with a warm blend of spices and finished over high heat. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, smoked paprika 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, cut into 1.5-inch cubes boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 6 soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, 3/4 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp lemon juice. Whisk together to form a marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb cubed boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours for best flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated chicken pieces onto 6 soaked wooden skewers, distributing evenly.
- Step 4: Grill skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks. Internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with a fresh salad or flatbread for a lively meal.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Chicken Skewers with Herb Marinade take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 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 Spiced Chicken Skewers with Herb Marinade?
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 Spiced Chicken Skewers with Herb Marinade?
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 Spiced Chicken Skewers with Herb Marinade 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 Spiced Chicken Skewers with Herb Marinade?
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.
