Chicken & Olive Skewers
These Mediterranean-inspired Chicken & Olive Skewers are a protein-packed, flavorful meal, featuring tender chicken, sweet bell peppers, and briny olives, all marinated and grilled to perfection.
For 4 servings
Prepare Chicken & Marinade: Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes. In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken cubes, toss to coat thoroughly, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Prepare Vegetables: While the chicken marinates, core and deseed the bell peppers, then cut them into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces, similar in size to the chicken. Drain the pitted Kalamata olives.
Assemble Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken, bell pepper pieces, and olives onto the soaked skewers, alternating the ingredients for even cooking and visual appeal. Aim for 4-5 pieces of chicken per skewer.
Preheat Grill or Oven: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C) or preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) with a rack positioned in the upper-middle. If baking, line a baking sheet with foil for easier cleanup.
Cook Skewers (Grill): Place the skewers directly on the preheated grill grates. Grill for 12-18 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Cook Skewers (Oven): Arrange the skewers on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For extra char, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully.
Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the skewers from the heat and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken tender. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Soak Wooden Skewers: Always soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning and breaking.
- 2Don't Overcrowd: Leave a little space between the ingredients on the skewer to ensure even cooking and better charring.
- 3Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- 4Marinade Time: While 30 minutes is sufficient, marinating the chicken for 1-2 hours will yield more flavorful and tender results. Avoid marinating for too long (over 4 hours) with lemon juice, as it can start to 'cook' the chicken.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Use lamb leg cubes instead of chicken, marinating with rosemary and garlic for a richer flavor.
Vegetable MedleyVegetable Medley
Add cherry tomatoes, zucchini, red onion, or mushrooms to the skewers for more variety and color.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Incorporate 1-2 teaspoons of harissa paste into the marinade for a smoky, spicy flavor profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Lean Protein
Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and satiety, helping to keep you full longer.
Packed with Antioxidants
Bell peppers and olives provide a good source of vitamins (especially Vitamin C in bell peppers) and antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage.
Contains Healthy Fats
Olive oil and olives contribute monounsaturated fats, known to support cardiovascular health and help reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and assemble the skewers up to 4 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
