Juicy Italian Chicken Skewers Recipe

This juicy, charred Italian Chicken Skewers is made with boneless chicken, fresh lemon, and garlic, ready in 40 minutes. Pulling the sizzling meat off the hot grill pan releases an incredible aroma of roasted oregano and basil. I always rely on this simple meal for quick summer dinners.

Why This Classic Works

I used to overcook chicken breast until it was completely dry and tasteless. I learned that cutting the meat into even pieces ensures everything finishes cooking at the exact same time.

The acidic lemon marinade acts quickly to tenderize the meat while adding bright flavor. Giving it just a short rest before cooking makes a massive difference in the final texture.

Italian Chicken Skewers Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
• 1 yellow onion, cut into 1-inch squares

How To Make Italian Chicken Skewers

1. 1. Prep the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
2. 2. Coat the chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the bowl and toss well to coat. Let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
3. 3. Assemble the skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto wooden or metal skewers, alternating with the red bell pepper and onion squares.
4. 4. Cook the skewers: Heat a grill or large grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.

Recipe Tips

• Soak wooden skewers: Submerging wooden sticks in water for 30 minutes prevents them from catching fire on the grill.
• Cut uniform pieces: Slicing your chicken and vegetables into the same size ensures even cooking across the whole skewer.
• Do not over-marinate: Leaving the meat in lemon juice for more than two hours can turn the chicken mushy.

What To Serve With Italian Chicken Skewers

These skewers pair wonderfully with a simple creamy parmesan risotto or a light orzo pasta salad. Fresh garlic bread and roasted asparagus also make excellent sides to soak up the leftover herb juices.

How To Store

Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the cooked meat off the sticks for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work brilliantly and are actually more forgiving if slightly overcooked.

Do I have to use a grill?

No, you can bake these on a wire rack at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or use a stovetop grill pan.

Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time?

You can assemble the skewers with the vegetables a day in advance. Leave the acidic marinade off until right before cooking.

Nutrition

• Calories: 280
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 73mg
• Sodium: 620mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 7g
• Protein: 25g

Italian Chicken Skewers

Recipe by Paula

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Total time

40

minutes

Italian Chicken Skewers packed with juicy, charred chicken, bell peppers, and zesty lemon garlic marinade are ready in 40 minutes. This vibrant meal serves as an effortless weeknight dinner option.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares

• 1 yellow onion, cut into 1-inch squares

Directions

• 1. Prep the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
• 2. Coat the chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the bowl and toss well to coat. Let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
• 3. Assemble the skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto wooden or metal skewers, alternating with the red bell pepper and onion squares.
• 4. Cook the skewers: Heat a grill or large grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.