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Everyone loves these moist, super delicious Lemon, Garlic and Rosemary Chicken Skewers. They're great for entertaining, as all of the prep can be done ahead!
A few weeks ago, I was asked to come up with a party menu that would be popular with both kids and adults alike. It didn't take me long to come up with a decision for the main entree. I knew these Lemon, Garlic and Rosemary Chicken Skewers would be perfect!
It seems that most everyone likes chicken; and when it's moist, juicy and full of bright flavor, it's a pleaser at any party, picnic or family get-together.
I've been working on a recipe for grilled boneless chicken breasts that would have a similar flavor profile to my Roasted Chicken Breasts with Lemon Garlic and Rosemary, a super popular Café recipe with bone-in, skin-on breasts, roasted in the oven. I decided to skewer my chicken for a fun presentation and an easy way to serve them.
An opportunity came to test my idea a few days ago. We were planning to spend a day with my daughter and her family, and I texted her early in the day to ask what she wanted me to bring for dinner. My daughter is a wonderful cook, but with four little ones, I know she appreciates a break.
"Something the kids will like." It seemed the children had had too many meals-on-the-go and needed some "real" food and a sit-down dinner. I had been thinking about bringing a summery salmon salad (another new recipe I'm working on - coming soon!) but quickly changed my mind, knowing the little ones wouldn't be thrilled about that.
I texted back, "How about chicken skewers with pitas and hummus?". She loved the idea and I loved having willing (and extremely honest) volunteers to try out my recipe. She had chicken and hummus. I knew there was a beautiful rosemary bush growing right out her back door, so I just threw pitas and lemons in a sack. I also pulled a tray of my Chocolate Cherry Zucchini Cakes out of the freezer for a sweet dessert treat. We were good to go.
I love that the prep work on these Lemon, Garlic and Rosemary Chicken Skewers can be done early in the day, and that it's really not much prep at all! Simply cut up boneless chicken breasts and place them in a ziplock bag. Mix up a simple marinade of olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, rosemary, kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place both the chicken and the marinade in the refrigerator and combine them about an hour before grilling time. Then all you have left to do is thread the chicken on skewers. This can be done just before guests arrive, if you're entertaining.
I really love these stainless steel barbecue skewers. There's no soaking, no burning and they can be thrown in the dishwasher for super easy cleanup. They're inexpensive and yet nicely made. It doesn't show up really great in the picture, but I love that they have a flat surface to thread the meat or veggies onto, which holds everything really well. The little ring on the end makes them easy to turn on the grill.
So what was the verdict on the chicken? Everyone, adults and kids, were crazy over the moist, delicious skewers. The kids ate them on warm pitas with a bit of hummus. We ate ours with hummus, sliced tomatoes, slivered cucumbers, fresh corn, Feta cheese and a drizzle of the Café's copycat Zoey's dressing. We all said "schmakalaka" (so... good)!
The chicken would also be fantastic with a simple salad and a loaf of warm, crusty bread. It would also be great on a Greek salad or any green salad with seasonal veggies. Zoey's dressing and this Lemon Herb Vinaigrette both pair nicely with the flavorful chicken.
I actually have another fabulous menu planned to go along with these skewers. A menu to celebrate a special occasion - but I'm sworn to secrecy right now. Don't worry, I'll be sharing it soon in a really fun post we have planned. I'm super excited about it and think you're going to love this new adventure The Café's got in the making!
Don't wait till then to whip up a batch of these yummy chicken skewers. Just be sure to make enough, as they'll be gobbled up by the youngsters, the oldsters and everyone in between!
P.S. One word of caution, be careful not to overcook these chicken skewers. I like to use a medium grill setting versus a high temp which is more appropriate for steaks and cuts of meat that need to be seared.
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Lemon, Garlic and Rosemary Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
- For the marinade:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 medium cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon finely minced fresh rosemary
- finely grated lemon zest from 1 medium size lemon
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- For the chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut in ¾-inch pieces
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, for basting
Instructions
- Combine olive oil, garlic, rosemary, lemon zest, salt and pepper in a medium size bowl. Stir well to combine.
- Cut up chicken and place in a ziplock bag. Add the marinade and massage bag with your hand to work the marinade into the chicken. Refrigerate for one hour. (If prepping in advance, cut the chicken and place in a ziplock bag. Make the marinade and keep in a separate bowl, covered in refrigerator. Combine one hour before grilling and proceed with directions.)
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water while the chicken is marinating. I prefer stainless steel skewers, but if I'm using the wooden ones, I like to put them in a large zippered bag and add enough water to cover.
- Remove chicken from refrigerator after one hour. Thread the chicken onto 6-8 10-inch skewers, leaving space for holding at the ends of each skewer. Discard the marinade. Sprinkle the chicken lightly with kosher salt and a bit of freshly ground black pepper.
- Preheat the grill to medium, about 350˚F.
- Oil the grill grates well. Grill skewers for 15 to 20 minutes at 350 degrees, or until chicken is firm to the touch, no longer pink in the center and beginning to turn golden and have grill marks. The internal temperature should be 160˚F. Turn skewers occasionally and baste lightly with olive oil. If chicken seems to be sticking when you try to turn it, it's not ready to turn yet. Just wait a little longer and it should release freely.
- Garnish with more finely chopped fresh rosemary and parsley, if desired.
Notes
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Had these for dinner yesterday and they turned out grat. I added a bit of oregano to the marinade and served them over lemon rice, with a horiatiki salad and grilled zucchini. Yummy!
Sounds fabulous! Thanks so much, for sharing your review, Victoria!
Hi Chris-
I really like the digital sticker you used on this recipe. It will help me quickly identify which recipe is which. I'm sorry it conflicts with Scott's beautiful photography, but I find the sticker very helpful. Can't wait to try these Lemon & Rosemary Skewers.
Thanks, Bonny! I used to do that but now just do it on the Pinterest pin. Hope you enjoy the skewers!
This was a very easy and very yummy main dish. I cut the chicken up the night before and let it marinate until we are ready for it the next day around dinner time. It’s so flavorful! I served it with some steamed broccoli and rice pilaf.
Yum, sounds like a wonderful dinner, Christine! Thanks so much for sharing your results!
Can you suggest a replacement for the rosemary since husband not a fan. Thank you
Fresh thyme or even oregano would be delicious!
Just to let you know, the link for the thermometer that you bought connects to a phone case. 🤷🏼♀️
Thanks so much, Becky! I will change it.
fyi- phone link is still there (may 12). btw, these skewers look good-I'll have to try them. love your site
I have made this marinade for skewers many times and love it! Has anyone done it for just regular chicken breasts? If so, did you still just marinade for 1 hour?
I made this yesterday - so good, so easy. We had thunderstorms predicted for grilling time, so I decided to try grilling them earlier in the day and reheating. I was very nervous about them drying out, but decided I needed to try it. I grilled them until they were just done, 160-165 on the thermometer. Right away, I wrapped them in several layers of foil and put them in the refrigerator. Later, I put them in the oven at 350 just as they were, for I would guess 20 minutes (it may have been longer) and they came out perfectly, moist, tender, and flavorful. Loved having the grilled flavor instead of just baking them. Great marinade!
That's so good to know that you can make these skewers in advance. Even if the weather was good, it would save a lot of last minute hassle. Thanks so much for sharing your method!
Did you keep the chicken covered in the foil when baking/reheating?
Yes! Or you can gently warm in the microwave at 40% power, covered with a damp paper towel.
Made theses with boneless, skinless thighs. I was surprised at the amount of flavor even with just the one hour of marinating. These were excellent. Served with grilled veggies with a small bowl of pesto (on the side for the picky eaters) and a black bean, corn and tomato salad.
Chris: This looks yummy and easy enough for a person like myself that does not enjoy cooking. I have given up beef and don't miss it. LOVE chicken, especially on the grill.
Hello Frances!! Miss you! Yes this is definitely easy and so good. Hope you enjoy it. Let's get together and have lunch one day!
Can I bake the skewers in the oven?
I wouldn't bake them, but you could put them under the broiler. Just watch out! The skewers can get very hot!
This sounds really nice. gonna make this for tea tonight. Thanks. Simon
Thanks Simon! Hope it works well for you! We have loved making them!
I made this last night with thin sliced chicken breasts. I used a grill pan on the stove and they came out beautifully! Thanks for an easy, delicious recipe. I especially appreciated the grilling tips you included. I will be making them again soon!
That's awesome Melissa! We're so glad they worked for you too!
Didn't have skewers so just marinated chicken breasts and bbq'd them - absolutely delicious! Thank you for a great recipe!
Thanks for your feedback Kim! So happy you enjoyed them!
Made this last night and it was delicious. I added the juice from half of the zested lemon to the marinade, and served the skewers on a bed of arugula and spinach tossed with EVOO, lemon juice (from the other half a lemon) and salt & pepper. Very flavorful and fresh! Now I have to search all your other recipes.
do not have any fresh rosemary on hand. Can dried be substituted? if yes, how much should i use?
Is there a reason you specifically say to only marinate for an hour? Just wondering if it's okay to do for 4-5 hours before.
Thanks 🙂
Hi Melanie, chicken breasts can get a kind of weird texture if they marinate with lemon too long. The meat actually gets macerated by the acid in the lemon juice.
I made this last night it was wonderful! I made it with a mediterranean salsa that we put into the pittas. The salsa I made had diced tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, onions, parsley, and your zoe's dressing. I let it all marinate in the fridge for a few hours. thanks for the awesome recipes!
Sounds delicious Kristina! I'm glad you enjoyed them.
Being a grandmother also, I know the importance of kid-friendly yet adult-appealing menus. Your chicken skewers would please both! They look scrumptious!
Looks tasty and great for summer!
I live in a senior apartment complex, no grills allowed. This recipe looks so delicious, I really want to try to make it; which do you suggest? grill pan or broiler? Thanks!
Hi Shirley, a grill pan would work great.
Oh, these are grilled to perfection, Chris! You can just tell how moist they are from your beautiful photos. Perfect summer meal---with the bonus that they're kid approved!!!
Lemon and garlic and rosemary are great combos! I am sure that ALL loved this.
This sounds absolutely amazing!! Lemon + garlic + rosemary must be one of the best combos ever! :DDD
My son is home from college, and for the first time ever he's taking an interest in cooking. Grilling to be exact. I taught him to make basic chicken breasts on the grill with a similar marinade recipe, but I think this would be great for him to do when he's back at school!! He'll be in a house this year, so this is the perfect frat recipe!! I'm printing to put in his bag!
Tonight I made your delicious lemon chicken skewers. My husband and I loved them. I also served ia Greek salad of tomatoes, cucumbers and capers with Zoey's lovely dressing. On the side we had pita with red pepper hummus. My family is going to love this dinner! Thank you for yor wonderful recipes!
What mouthwatering skewers, I love these flavors!
Thanks Laura!
I dont have access to those lemons - so i purchase bottled lemon juice - can i substitute the lemon zest?
I would just add about 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to the marinade in lieu of the zest. Just don’t let it sit too long as the lemon juice can macerate the chicken. An hour should be fine.
Enjoy!
These are perfect and definitely something everyone will love! Love lemon and chicken 🙂
I love that combination too Jennifer, it seems the lemon makes the chicken flavor shine!
I made the Roasted Chicken Breasts with Rosemary Garlic and Lemon this weekend, my brother in law said it was the best chicken he has ever eaten! Can't wait to try the grilled skewers!
I think you'll enjoy these just as much, Thanks for reporting back! 🙂
Those chicken skewers look really moist and tender! I love particularly the first shot...an absolutely divine recipe, Chris.
What beautiful chicken skewers. NOBODY can resist food on sticks. 🙂
I agree Maureen, there's something really special about skewers.
My mouth is watering just looking at the photos! I will be trying these soon and report back...
Yes, please let us know how you like them!
These look so moist and tender Chris - I believe everyone must have been super happy with this meal. Sharing and pinning!
Thanks so much Tricia! They do stay super moist as long as you don't cook them too long.
It looks like there is parsley or something else - flat leafed - on the chicken skewers besides rosemary. Maybe Parsley? Just curious.
Hi Jane, you’re very observant. I did garnish these skewers with a bit of fresh parsley and more rosemary. I added that as an option to the recipe. Thanks!
I know I've said it before, but you've got the luckiest grandkids in the world! I love simple meals like this that you can get ready in advance, this is a winner!
Thanks Sue, I'm thinking I'm the lucky (blessed) one!
How did you do this since she lives in London, right??? The chicken looks wonderful.
That's a great question Charlotte. She does live in London but since they are here for 6 weeks during the summer and a few weeks, usually around Christmas time,, they have a home here in North Carolina as well. We love that as thery're only a little over an hour away from us for a short part of the year. A lot better than 8 hours away by air!
Welll, now that I can understand. I just thought they stayed with you all. Never dreamed they stayed 6 weeks and had a home. NICE!!