Chicken Skewers
Tender, juicy chunks of marinated chicken grilled to perfection with colorful, crisp vegetables. These vibrant skewers are a backyard BBQ favorite, perfect for a light and healthy summer meal ready in under an hour.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Skewers and Vegetables: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Meanwhile, cut the chicken breast into uniform 1.5-inch cubes. Chop the red onion, bell peppers, and zucchini into similar-sized 1-inch pieces. Keep the cherry tomatoes whole.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Make Marinade and Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Add the cubed chicken to the bowl and toss thoroughly to coat. Let it marinate for at least 15-30 minutes at room temperature.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating them to create a colorful pattern (e.g., chicken, bell pepper, onion, zucchini, tomato). Leave about 1 inch of space at both ends for easy handling. Do not overcrowd the skewers.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Grill the Skewers: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F or 200-230°C). Clean and lightly oil the grates. Place the skewers on the grill, ensuring they are not touching. Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp with light char marks.
- b.Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature of the chicken should be 165°F (74°C).
- 5
Step 5
- a.Rest and Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and transfer them to a platter. Let them rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the juiciest chicken, use chicken thighs instead of breast.
- 2Ensure chicken and vegetable pieces are cut to a similar size for even cooking.
- 3Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for good flavor, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for the best results. Avoid marinating for more than 4 hours as the lemon juice can affect the texture.
- 4If you don't have a grill, you can cook these on a stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat or bake them in an oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
- 5Double-skewer the ingredients (using two parallel skewers) to make them easier to flip on the grill.
- 6Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Substitute the chicken with cubed sirloin steak, shrimp (reduce grilling time to 4-6 minutes), or firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
Vegetable VarietyVegetable Variety
Use other grill-friendly vegetables like mushrooms, yellow squash, or pineapple chunks for a sweet and savory twist.
Marinade MagicMarinade Magic
Try a different marinade, such as a Greek-style with yogurt and dill, an Asian-inspired teriyaki, or a spicy chipotle-lime.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Powerhouse
Chicken breast is an excellent source of high-quality lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, supporting immune function, and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Rich in Vitamins & Antioxidants
The colorful array of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and tomatoes provides a wealth of essential vitamins (like A and C), minerals, and antioxidants that help fight inflammation and protect cells from damage.
Supports Heart Health
The use of extra virgin olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Frequently asked questions
One serving, which is approximately two skewers, contains around 450-500 calories. The exact number can vary based on the size of the chicken and vegetable pieces.