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Grilled chicken skewers with peppers and onions on wooden board showing perfect grill marks

Perfect Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe

Juicy grilled chicken skewers marinated in Mediterranean herbs and spices, threaded with colorful vegetables and grilled to perfection. These easy chicken kabobs are perfect for summer barbecues and weeknight dinners alike.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken and Marinade
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1.5-inch pieces
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice about 2 lemons
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
For the Skewers
  • 1 large red bell pepper cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large yellow bell pepper cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 medium red onion cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 8-10 wooden skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes
Optional Add-ins
  • cherry tomatoes adds color and sweetness
  • zucchini chunks for extra vegetables
  • fresh rosemary sprigs for aromatic garnish
  • crumbled feta cheese for serving

Equipment

  • 1 Gas or Charcoal Grill
  • 1 Large mixing bowl for marinating
  • 1 Wooden Skewers 8-10 skewers, soaked in water
  • 1 Tongs for turning skewers
  • 1 Instant-Read Thermometer to check doneness

Method
 

Prepare the Marinade
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined. Pro tip: Let the marinade sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor. Pro tip: Don't marinate longer than 4 hours as the acid can start to break down the meat texture.
Prepare the Vegetables and Skewers
  1. While the chicken marinates, cut the bell peppers and red onion into 1-inch pieces. If using cherry tomatoes or zucchini, prepare those as well. Pro tip: Keep vegetable pieces similar in size to ensure even cooking.
  2. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
Assemble the Skewers
  1. Remove chicken from marinade, reserving any excess marinade for basting. Thread chicken and vegetables alternately onto skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces for even cooking. Pro tip: Don't pack the ingredients too tightly – air circulation helps everything cook evenly.
  2. Arrange completed skewers on a large plate or baking sheet, ready for grilling.
Preheat and Prepare the Grill
  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Pro tip: Use tongs and a paper towel dipped in oil to safely grease the grates.
Grill the Skewers
  1. Place skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 12-15 minutes total, turning every 3-4 minutes to ensure even cooking on all sides. Pro tip: Baste with reserved marinade during the first half of cooking for extra flavor.
  2. Check for doneness using an instant-read thermometer – chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Pro tip: If some pieces are cooking faster than others, move them to a cooler part of the grill.
  3. Remove from grill and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Pro tip: This resting time allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Notes

  • Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning
  • Don't marinate chicken longer than 4 hours to avoid mushy texture
  • Internal temperature should reach 165°F for food safety