Mediterranean Chicken Skewers
These Mediterranean Chicken Skewers are marinated in a bright blend of lemon, olive oil, garlic, and herbs, then grilled to perfection. They’re simple to prepare, bursting with flavor, and pair beautifully with tzatziki, salad, or warm pita.
Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 30 minutes to 4 hours
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Marinade:
600g (about 1.3 lb) boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
3 tbsp olive oil
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: 1 tbsp Greek yogurt (for extra tenderness)
Optional Add-ins for Skewers:
Red onion, cut into chunks
Bell peppers, any color, chopped
Zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
For Serving:
Tzatziki sauce or hummus
Pita bread
Chopped cucumber-tomato salad
Fresh parsley or mint, for garnish
Optional: Lemon wedges
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken pieces, toss to coat well. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for more flavor).
2. Assemble the Skewers:
Thread chicken onto skewers, alternating with veggies if using.
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand.
3. Cook the Skewers:
Option A: Grill
Preheat grill to medium-high.
Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes, until chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
Option B: Oven
Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
Place skewers on a lined baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, turning once. Broil for the last 2–3 minutes for a charred finish.
4. Serve:
Transfer skewers to a platter. Garnish with herbs and serve with tzatziki, pita, and salad.
Tips
Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts when grilled.
For a full meal, serve with lemon rice, tabbouleh, or couscous.
Want more flavor? Add a pinch of cumin or sumac to the marinade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I cook these in a pan?
A: Yes! Use a grill pan or large skillet over medium-high heat and cook in batches, about 4–5 minutes per side.
Q: Can I make them ahead?
A: You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Cook just before serving.
Q: Are these freezer friendly?
A: Yes — freeze uncooked marinated chicken. Thaw and cook fresh.
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 280
Protein: 30g
Fat: 17g
Carbs: 3g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sodium: Moderate