Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, but watch them carefully as they cook faster and can dry out more easily than thighs. I recommend reducing the cooking time by about a minute per side and making sure not to marinate longer than 2 hours since the lemon juice can make breast meat mushy.

What if I don't have a grill? Can I make these indoors?

You can definitely make these indoors! Use a grill pan on high heat for similar results, or broil the skewers in your oven. Place them on a foil-lined baking sheet about 6 inches from the broiler, turning halfway through cooking. They should take about 8-10 minutes total under the broiler.

Can the marinade be used as a sauce after cooking?

For food safety, never use the marinade that had raw chicken in it as a sauce. However, you can make a double batch of the marinade before adding the chicken, and reserve half to use as a dipping sauce or drizzle after cooking.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The most reliable method is using an instant-read thermometer, which should register 165°F when inserted into the thickest piece. If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the largest piece - the meat should be opaque with no pink remaining, and the juices should run clear.

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Thigh Skewers Recipe

Name: Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Thigh Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup lemon juice (about 2 lemons); 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 4 cloves minced garlic; 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs, cubed

These Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Thigh Skewers are a game-changer for your dinner rotation! Juicy chicken thighs marinated in bright lemon and aromatic herbs, then grilled to perfection – they’re incredibly flavorful while being ridiculously simple to prepare. The marinade does all the heavy lifting, infusing the meat with mouthwatering flavor while you relax. Perfect for summer cookouts, quick weeknight dinners, or meal prep – these skewers deliver restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Flavor: The simple marinade transforms ordinary chicken thighs into something spectacular with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Versatile: These skewers work as an entrée, appetizer, or protein addition to salads and grain bowls. Make them for dinner tonight and repurpose leftovers tomorrow!
Foolproof Grilling: Even novice grillers can master this recipe – the chicken thighs stay tender and the marinade ensures they’re packed with flavor.
Budget-Friendly: Chicken thighs are more affordable than breasts while offering richer flavor and better moisture retention when grilled.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Lemon juice: Provides brightness and acidity that tenderizes the chicken while adding that fresh, zippy flavor that makes these skewers sing.
Olive oil: Helps transfer flavor into the meat and prevents sticking on the grill. Use a good quality oil for best flavor.
Dried basil and oregano: The Mediterranean herb duo that gives these skewers their signature flavor profile. They stand up well to grilling without burning.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning elements that enhance all the other flavors. Don’t skimp here!
Minced garlic: Adds that unmistakable savory depth. Fresh is absolutely worth the little extra effort over pre-minced or powdered.
Chicken thighs: The star of the show! Thighs have more flavor and stay juicier than breast meat, making them perfect for the grill.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Mediterranean Twist

Add a tablespoon of crumbled feta cheese on top after grilling and serve with tzatziki sauce for dipping.

Spicy Version

Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or 1 teaspoon of harissa paste to the marinade for a pleasant heat.

Vegetable Skewers

Alternate chicken with chunks of bell pepper, red onion, and zucchini for a complete meal on a stick.

Herb Upgrade

Substitute fresh herbs for dried (use three times the amount) when available for a more vibrant flavor profile.

How to Make Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Thigh Skewers

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Combine lemon juice, olive oil, dried basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and minced garlic in a large ziplock bag. Shake the bag gently to mix all ingredients thoroughly until they form a cohesive marinade.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the cubed chicken thighs to the bag with the marinade. Seal it tightly, removing as much air as possible, then massage the bag to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Place in the refrigerator and let marinate for 1 to 4 hours (the longer, the more flavorful).

Step 3: Prepare for Grilling

Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Clean the grates thoroughly and oil them well to prevent sticking. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.

Step 4: Assemble the Skewers

Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto your skewers, placing 3-4 pieces on each with small spaces between to ensure even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the skewers.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, rotating once, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The chicken should have nice grill marks and be slightly charred on the edges.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the skewers rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute through the meat.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Uniform Cubes: Cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces (about 1.5 inches) so they cook evenly.
Don’t Over-Marinate: While the chicken needs at least an hour to absorb flavors, leaving it for more than 8 hours can make the meat mushy due to the acidity of the lemon juice.
Temperature Control: Maintain a medium-high heat on your grill – too hot and the outside will burn before the inside cooks; too low and you’ll miss out on those beautiful char marks.
Double the Marinade: Make extra to brush on the skewers during the last minute of grilling for an extra flavor boost.
Use a Thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken, use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

How to Serve

Main Course Pairings

Serve these skewers with a side of fluffy lemon herb rice or a Greek-style salad with tomatoes, cucumber, and feta for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Wrap It Up

Slide the chicken off the skewers and wrap in warm pita bread with tzatziki sauce, sliced tomatoes, and crisp lettuce for a delicious handheld meal.

Appetizer Presentation

For a party starter, serve on smaller skewers with a bowl of hummus or tahini sauce for dipping.

Grain Bowl Base

Use these flavorful chicken chunks as the protein in a grain bowl with quinoa, roasted vegetables, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

You can prepare and marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, keeping it refrigerated. Thread onto skewers just before grilling.

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, remove the meat from the skewers before storing.

Freezing

You can freeze the raw chicken in the marinade for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before threading onto skewers and grilling.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the chicken rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, but watch them carefully as they cook faster and can dry out more easily than thighs. I recommend reducing the cooking time by about a minute per side and making sure not to marinate longer than 2 hours since the lemon juice can make breast meat mushy.
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I make these indoors?

You can definitely make these indoors! Use a grill pan on high heat for similar results, or broil the skewers in your oven. Place them on a foil-lined baking sheet about 6 inches from the broiler, turning halfway through cooking. They should take about 8-10 minutes total under the broiler.
Can the marinade be used as a sauce after cooking?

For food safety, never use the marinade that had raw chicken in it as a sauce. However, you can make a double batch of the marinade before adding the chicken, and reserve half to use as a dipping sauce or drizzle after cooking.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The most reliable method is using an instant-read thermometer, which should register 165°F when inserted into the thickest piece. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the largest piece – the meat should be opaque with no pink remaining, and the juices should run clear.

Final Thoughts

These Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Thigh Skewers are truly one of those magical recipes that deliver incredible flavor with minimal effort. The bright lemon and herb marinade transforms ordinary chicken thighs into something extraordinary that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether for a casual family dinner or entertaining friends, these skewers are guaranteed to impress. Give them a try tonight – I’m confident they’ll become a regular in your cooking rotation!