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These grilled lemon herb chicken skewers bring Mediterranean flavors right to your backyard. The bright citrus marinade and fresh herbs create tender, flavorful chicken with perfectly charred edges. It's an effortless dish that delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal prep time.
Key Ingredients
- Chicken: Boneless thighs provide the juiciest results
- Olive Oil: Regular cooking olive oil works perfectly
- Fresh Lemons: Essential for marinade and serving
- Garlic: Fresh cloves add irreplaceable flavor
- Mixed Herbs: Dried herbs for marinade, fresh for garnish
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Essential Steps
- Marinating:
- Combine marinade ingredients with adequate salt. Marinate 30 minutes minimum, ideally overnight for best flavor penetration.
- Assembly:
- Space chicken pieces evenly on pre-soaked wooden skewers for proper heat circulation.
- Grilling Method:
- Preheat grill thoroughly before cooking. Listen for proper searing sound when placing skewers.
Serving Suggestions
Create a complete Mediterranean spread by serving over fragrant rice pilaf. Add a crisp Greek salad with feta, warm pita bread, and cool tzatziki sauce. A side of classic hummus completes the meal perfectly.
Variations
Enhance skewers by adding vegetables between chicken pieces - cherry tomatoes, red onions, or zucchini work wonderfully. Thread caramelizing lemon slices onto skewers for extra citrus notes. For an elevated presentation, use sturdy rosemary branches as natural skewers.
Storage Tips
Leftover chicken maintains quality for 3-4 days refrigerated. Enjoy cold in salads or gently reheat wrapped in foil with a touch of moisture to maintain tenderness.
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Professional Tips
- Cut chicken slightly larger than bite-size to account for shrinkage
- Keep lemon wedges ready while grilling to prevent sticking
- Allow 5-minute rest period after cooking
For extra flavor, reduce unused marinade by boiling until thickened, then brush over cooked chicken. Always boil marinades that contacted raw meat. Monitor grilling times based on chicken thickness and grill temperature, using visual cues and temperature checks for doneness.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I cook these without a grill?
- Totally! Use your oven’s broiler for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, or try a stovetop grill pan for similar results.
- → How long can the chicken marinate safely?
- You can marinate it for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. Any longer, and the lemon juice might overly soften the meat.
- → Is it fine to use chicken thighs instead?
- Absolutely! Boneless thighs are super juicy and work wonderfully. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- → What are good sides for this?
- Pair it up with fluffy rice pilaf, crispy Greek salad, hummus with pita, or some earthy grilled veggies.
- → Can I prep these in advance?
- Feel free to cut up the chicken and mix the marinade the day before, but only combine them about 30 minutes before cooking.