Marinated Chicken Skewers: A Deliciously Easy Delight

Marinated chicken skewers are a juicy, flavorful treat perfect for any occasion. This simple recipe is family-friendly and ideal for meal prep, making it a must-try for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

The Best Marinated Chicken Skewers Recipe

Why You’ll Love These Marinated Chicken Skewers

These marinated chicken skewers burst with vibrant flavors and tender textures. The marinade, with its zesty lemon and savory spices, seeps into the chicken, ensuring each bite is packed with taste. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile! Serve them grilled, baked, or on an indoor grill pan. Your family will love them, and they’re perfect for outdoor barbecues or cozy dinners at home.

Ingredients for Marinated Chicken Skewers

For the Chicken Skewers

• 1 1/2 lbs chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/4-inch cubes
• 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, orange), cut into 1 1/4-inch chunks
• 2 zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 1 large red onion, cut into 1 1/4-inch chunks

For the Marinade

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp reduced sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

For the Optional Parmesan Yogurt Herb Dip

• 1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp minced parsley
• 1 tbsp chopped chives
• 1 tbsp minced dill
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin
• 1/8 tsp black pepper

How to Make Marinated Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl or resealable bag, whisk together all marinade ingredients. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the marinade in a separate small bowl for basting later.

Step 2: Marinate the Vegetables

Place the cut vegetables in a separate bowl or bag with 3 tablespoons of the marinade. Toss to coat thoroughly and refrigerate.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken cubes to the remaining marinade. Stir well to ensure each piece is coated, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Prepare Your Skewers

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. Metal skewers do not require soaking.

Step 5: Assemble the Skewers

Thread the marinated chicken and vegetables tightly onto the skewers, making sure they are snug but not smashed together.

Cooking Your Marinated Chicken Skewers

Grilling Marinated Chicken Skewers

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (425°F). Clean and grease the grill grates. Place the skewers on the grill, cover, and cook for 8-12 minutes. Rotate halfway through cooking and baste with the reserved marinade. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F before serving.

Baking Marinated Chicken Skewers in the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking pan with foil. If using metal skewers, rest them on the rim so the chicken hangs in the middle. Bake for 16-22 minutes, flipping halfway through. Baste with the reserved marinade, and broil for a few minutes if you desire a caramelized finish.

Cooking on an Indoor Grill Pan

Heat your grill pan over medium-high heat and brush with oil. Grill the skewers for 12-18 minutes, flipping halfway through until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

Tips for Perfect Marinated Chicken Skewers

Marinating Best Practices

For the best tenderness, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours. If you’re short on time, marinating for 30-60 minutes works, but reserve some marinade for basting.

Skewer Packing Technique

Pack the chicken and vegetables tightly on the skewers to prevent them from drying out. But remember, don’t smash them together!

Safe Basting with Reserved Marinade

Only use the reserved marinade that never touched the raw chicken, ensuring food safety.

Ensuring Juiciness

Allow the marinated chicken to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly and retain moisture.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

Preparing Components in Advance

You can marinate the chicken and vegetables a day in advance. Just keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Storing Cooked Marinated Chicken Skewers

Remove any leftover chicken and vegetables from the skewers before storing. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freezing Marinated Chicken

You can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Cooked skewers can be frozen for 2-3 months, but avoid freezing raw or cooked vegetables as they may become mushy.

Reheating Leftover Chicken Skewers

The best ways to reheat leftover chicken skewers include using a skillet over medium-low heat with a bit of oil, microwaving in 30-second intervals, or warming in the oven at 350°F for 5-8 minutes.

Serving Suggestions for Marinated Chicken Skewers

Pair your marinated chicken skewers with a crisp green salad, refreshing watermelon, or enjoy with the optional Parmesan yogurt herb dip for a deliciously creamy contrast.

FAQs

Related Recipes to try

• Teriyaki Chicken Bowl 2
• Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
• Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls
• Pesto Chicken Tortellini
• Pesto Chicken
• Chicken Fajita Bowl

Conclusion

These marinated chicken skewers are a delightful addition to your meal repertoire. They are not only easy to make but perfect for any occasion. Don’t forget to check out more inspiration on Pinterest for creative ideas on serving and enjoying your skewers!

Marinated Chicken Skewers: A Deliciously Easy Delight

These marinated chicken skewers are a flavorful and simple dish perfect for grilling or baking. Featuring tender chicken and colorful vegetables coated in a zesty marinade, they’re a crowd-pleasing meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 4 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine American, Mediterranean

Servings 6 servings

Equipment

• large bowl
• bag
• grill
• wooden skewers
• metal skewers
• baking sheet
• grill pan
• Instant-read thermometer

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs chicken breasts cut into 1 1/4-inch cubes
• 3 bell peppers red, yellow, orange; cut into 1 1/4-inch chunks
• 2 zucchini cut into 1/2-inch slices
• 1 large red onion cut into 1 1/4-inch chunks
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp reduced sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1.5 tsp onion powder
• 1.5 tsp garlic powder
• 1.5 tsp salt
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp paprika
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes

Parmesan Yogurt Herb Dip (Optional)

• 1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese finely grated
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp parsley minced
• 1 tbsp chives chopped
• 1 tbsp dill minced
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp ground cumin
• 0.125 tsp black pepper

Instructions

 

• Whisk all marinade ingredients in a large bowl or bag, reserving 2 tablespoons for basting.
• Toss vegetables with 3 tablespoons of the marinade in a separate bowl or bag and refrigerate.
• Add chicken to the remaining marinade, coat well, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (up to 8 hours).
• If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before use.
• Thread chicken and vegetables tightly onto skewers, ensuring they are snug but not smashed together.

Cooking

• For grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high (425°F). Cook skewers for 8-12 minutes, rotating halfway and basting with reserved marinade. Ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let rest for 5 minutes.
• For oven: Preheat oven to 400°F. Bake for 16-22 minutes, flipping halfway and basting with reserved marinade. Broil briefly for caramelization if desired. Ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let rest for 5 minutes.
• For indoor grill pan: Preheat pan to medium-high heat and brush with oil. Grill for 12-18 minutes, flipping halfway. Ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Dip Preparation

• Whisk all dip ingredients together and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 4 hours for best tenderness. Pack ingredients tightly on skewers to prevent drying. Only use reserved marinade that has not touched raw chicken for basting. Remove chicken and vegetables from skewers before storing in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Freeze marinated chicken for up to 3 months; do not freeze vegetables. Reheat in a skillet, microwave, or oven. Transfer marinated chicken to the counter 30 minutes before cooking.

Keyword chicken recipes, easy chicken skewers, grilled chicken, marinated chicken skewers