Juicy marinated chicken kebabs with bright lemon and fresh herbs

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers

Name: Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 57 min
Yield: 8 skewers
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes; 1/4 cup olive oil; 3 tbsp lemon juice (about 1 large lemon); 1 tbsp lemon zest; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 tsp dried); 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried); 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 8 metal or soaked wooden skewers; Lemon wedges for serving

57 minEasy

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

12 min

Total Time

57 min

Servings

8 skewers

Difficulty

Easy

Cost

Moderate

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Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers

Juicy marinated chicken kebabs with bright lemon and fresh herbs

Tender chunks of chicken marinated in lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs, threaded onto skewers and grilled until charred and juicy. A summer grilling staple that works for weeknights and cookouts alike.

15m

Prep Time

12m

Cook Time

57m

Total Time

Servings

Easy

Difficulty

Moderate $$

Cost

Mediterranean Cuisine Main Course Appetizer Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Healthy

Sarah Chen

March 25, 2026(Updated April 12, 2026)

Chicken skewers are one of the most reliable things you can put on a grill. The small pieces cook quickly and evenly, the marinade has maximum surface contact, and the char you get from the grill makes everything taste better.

This marinade is built on lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and a combination of oregano and thyme. It is straightforward Mediterranean flavoring that enhances the chicken without masking it. Thirty minutes of marinating is enough, though longer is better if you have the time.

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tbsp lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
1 tbsp lemon zest
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
8 metal or soaked wooden skewers
Lemon wedges for serving

PrecisionUtility

Test Kitchen Pick

Thermometer

Helpful Tool

Why a thermometer helps here

This is the kind of recipe where doneness changes the result fast. A quick thermometer helps you pull it at the right moment instead of guessing.

The easiest upgrade here is accuracy, not another pan.

Makes doneness more repeatable
Helps avoid dry or overcooked protein

If you cook meat or fish regularly, an instant-read thermometer gets used constantly.

Shop thermometer options for this recipe

Instructions

1
In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2
Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours.
3
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a small gap between pieces for even cooking.
4
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates.
5
Grill the skewers for 5 to 6 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. Internal temperature should reach 165F.
6
Remove from the grill and let rest for 2 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

Serve with crusty artisan bread for dipping
Finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil
Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette
Arrange on a platter for easy sharing at your next gathering

Substitutions

Chicken breastChicken thighs

More flavorful and juicy, slightly higher fat

Fresh herbsDried oregano and thyme

Use 1 teaspoon each if fresh herbs are unavailable

Lemon juiceWhite wine vinegar

Similar acidity with a slightly different flavor profile

DepthPantry

Test Kitchen Pick

Olive Oil

Helpful Pantry Staple

Why the olive oil matters

On recipes like this, olive oil is not just a background fat. A better bottle gives you cleaner flavor and a better finish.

This is one of the few pantry upgrades that keeps paying off every time you cook in this lane.

Useful in dressings, sauces, and finishing
Improves flavor without changing the recipe structure

A good bottle of olive oil is one of the safest pantry upgrades for Mediterranean and Italian cooking.

Shop olive oil for this recipe

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Do not marinate longer than 4 hours — the lemon acid will start to break down the chicken texture.
Thread a piece of onion or bell pepper between chicken pieces for color and flavor.

Storage

Refrigerate cooked skewers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheating

Reheat on the grill for 2 minutes per side, or in a 375F oven for 8 to 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (2 skewers) · 4 servings

Calories290

LowModerateHigh

A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein40g

Carbohydrates2g

Fat13g

Fiber1g

Sugar0g

Sodium520mg

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake these instead of grilling?: Yes. Bake on a sheet pan at 425F for 18 to 20 minutes, turning halfway.
Can I use chicken thighs?: Absolutely. Thighs are more forgiving and stay juicier. Cut them into similar-sized pieces.
What goes well with these?: Rice pilaf, tzatziki, Greek salad, or grilled pita bread.

Explore More

More Mediterranean Recipes More Main Course More Appetizer Gluten-Free Recipes Dairy-Free Recipes Healthy Recipes Grill Recipes

About Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.

View all recipes →

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Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tbsp lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
1 tbsp lemon zest
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
8 metal or soaked wooden skewers
Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

1
In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2
Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours.
3
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a small gap between pieces for even cooking.
4
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates.
5
Grill the skewers for 5 to 6 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. Internal temperature should reach 165F.
6
Remove from the grill and let rest for 2 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges.

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Do not marinate longer than 4 hours — the lemon acid will start to break down the chicken texture.
Thread a piece of onion or bell pepper between chicken pieces for color and flavor.

Storage

Refrigerate cooked skewers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheating

Reheat on the grill for 2 minutes per side, or in a 375F oven for 8 to 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake these instead of grilling?

Yes. Bake on a sheet pan at 425F for 18 to 20 minutes, turning halfway.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Absolutely. Thighs are more forgiving and stay juicier. Cut them into similar-sized pieces.

What goes well with these?

Rice pilaf, tzatziki, Greek salad, or grilled pita bread.

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers