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

Description

Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly grilled, these lemon herb chicken thigh skewers are a delicious and healthy option for a barbecue or weeknight dinner. Tender pieces of marinated chicken are infused with zesty lemon, aromatic herbs, and garlic, then grilled to perfection for a dish that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Marinade

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

Chicken

6 boneless skinless chicken thighs, cubed

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade:
In a large zip-top bag, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Seal the bag and shake it well to mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken thighs to the marinade. Seal the bag once again, ensuring all pieces are coated in the marinade. Place the bag in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours, for the chicken to soak up all the flavors.
Prepare the Grill:
Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grill is clean and well-oiled to prevent the chicken from sticking during cooking.
Assemble the Skewers:
Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto metal skewers, placing 3 to 4 cubes on each skewer and leaving a small amount of space between each piece. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning on the grill.
Grill the Skewers:
Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 3 to 5 minutes on one side. Rotate the skewers and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Cooking time may vary based on the thickness of the chicken pieces and the grill’s temperature.
Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skewers from the grill and serve immediately while hot. Pair with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.

Notes

If using wooden skewers, soaking them for at least 30 minutes will help prevent them from catching fire on the grill.
To ensure the chicken is evenly cooked, try to cut the cubes into similar sizes.
For an extra burst of flavor, reserve some marinade (before adding the raw chicken) to brush onto the skewers while grilling.
Serve these skewers with tzatziki sauce, a fresh green salad, or grilled vegetables for a balanced meal.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 skewer
Calories: 250
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 90mg