Easy Herby Lemon Chicken Skewers

I developed these Easy Herby Lemon Chicken Skewers to bring together juicy, lemon‑bright chicken bites seasoned with fresh herbs and garlic—all grilled or broiled for a flavorful, no‑stress appetizer or main dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these skewers offer tender chicken with vibrant lemon and herb flavor in each bite. They grill quickly, require minimal prep, and the marinade is simple yet bright. They feel fresh and satisfying whether I serve them as party finger food or a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite‑sized pieces

• lemon juice and lemon zest

• garlic cloves, minced

• fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, oregano), finely chopped

• olive oil

• salt and freshly ground black pepper

• optional: red pepper flakes or smoked paprika

Directions

1. I whisk the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, chopped herbs, salt, pepper, and any optional spices in a bowl to make the marinade.

2. I add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. I let them marinate in the fridge for at least 15–20 minutes (or up to a few hours) for deeper flavor.

3. I thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking.

4. I preheat my grill, grill pan, or broiler to medium-high heat.

5. I grill or broil the chicken skewers for about 4–5 minutes per side, until the chicken is golden and cooked through (reaching at least 165 °F or 74 °C internally).

6. I remove the skewers and let them rest briefly before serving—this helps the juices redistribute and stay moist.

Servings And Timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings (6–8 skewers depending on size).

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Marinating time: 15–20 minutes (optional longer for more flavor)

• Cook time: about 10–12 minutes

• Total time: around 30–35 minutes

Variations

• I swap herbs—like using basil, rosemary, cilantro, or a mix—to change the flavor profile.

• I substitute lemon with lime for tangy variation or add orange juice for sweetness.

• I add a splash of soy sauce or honey to the marinade for depth or balanced sweetness.

• I thread vegetables like bell pepper, onion, zucchini, or mushrooms between chicken pieces for colorful skewers.

• I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier results, especially on high-heat grills.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm them gently in a skillet or oven (about 325 °F) until heated through. I avoid microwaving to maintain juicy texture. If needed, I freshen them with a light squeeze of lemon before serving again.

FAQs

What Herbs Work Best For These Skewers?

I find parsley and oregano or thyme give the brightest, most balanced flavor. I also sometimes use basil or tarragon for seasonal variation.

Do I Need To Marinate Long?

I actually think even 15–20 minutes gives enough flavor—though if I have time, I let the chicken marinate for a few hours for deeper herb infusion.

Can I Use Wooden Skewers?

Yes—but I soak them in water for 20–30 minutes before grilling so they don’t burn.

How Can I Make Them Spicy?

I add red pepper flakes, chili powder, or a dash of cayenne to the marinade to kick up the heat just how I like it.

Can I Make These Ahead For a Party?

Absolutely. I assemble the marinated chicken skewers ahead of time and refrigerate covered. I grill or broil them just before serving to keep them fresh and flavorful.

Conclusion

I love making Easy Herby Lemon Chicken Skewers because they’re fresh, flavorful, and easy to prep. With minimal ingredients and cooking time, they deliver juicy, herb-infused chicken each time—perfect for casual dinners, gatherings, or when I want a light, satisfying dish with a lemony kick.