Summer Chicken Skewers with Zesty Garlic Marinade
These Summer Chicken Skewers with Zesty Garlic Marinade are made for warm nights and backyard grilling. Cubed chicken soaks in a bright marinade of lemon, Dijon, honey, garlic, paprika, and cumin.
Then it gets threaded onto skewers with bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, red onion, and mushrooms and grilled until golden and charred. It is a colorful, healthy dinner that the whole family loves.
Why You’ll Love These Summer Chicken Skewers
- Zesty marinade: lemon, garlic, and Dijon.
- Veggie packed: a full meal on a stick.
- Grill or skillet: works indoors or out.
- Healthy and colorful: perfect for summer.
Summer Chicken Skewers Ingredients
Chicken
Breasts or thighs, cubed evenly.
Veggies
Orange bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, red onion, and mushrooms.
Zesty Garlic Marinade
Lemon juice, Dijon, honey, garlic, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
Skewers
Wooden or metal.
Good to Know: These skewers are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.
How to Make Summer Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Make the Marinade
Whisk the marinade ingredients together.
Step 2: Marinate
Toss the chicken in the marinade and let it sit at least 30 minutes or overnight.
Step 3: Chop and Thread
Chop the veggies into similar-size pieces and thread them onto skewers with the chicken.
Step 4: Grill
Grill or pan-sear over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, about 10 to 12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Carly’s Expert Tips
- Soak wooden skewers. Thirty minutes keeps them from burning.
- Cut evenly. Everything cooks at the same rate.
- Don’t pack too tight. Leave a little space for even cooking.
- Reserve some marinade. Before adding chicken, for basting.
Make It Your Own
- Shrimp: Use shrimp skewers.
- Steak: Swap for sirloin cubes.
- Pineapple: Add pineapple chunks.
- Halloumi: Add halloumi cubes.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep: Marinate the chicken overnight and chop the veggies the day before. Grill when ready.
What to Serve With Summer Chicken Skewers
Serve with rice, couscous, Greek salad, tzatziki, or warm pita.
Storing and Reheating
Fridge: Store for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet or air fryer.
Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months.
What People Ask About Summer Chicken Skewers
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 30 minutes or overnight.
Can I bake chicken skewers?
Yes. Bake at 425°F for 15 to 20 minutes.
Chicken breasts or thighs?
Both work. Thighs stay juicier.
Can I use a grill pan?
Yes.
Summer Chicken Skewers with Zesty Garlic Marinade
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk together the marinade ingredients in a bowl.
- Add the cubed chicken to the marinade and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for better flavor.
- Chop all the vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Thread the marinated chicken and vegetables alternately onto the skewers.
- Grill or pan-sear the skewers on medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden and fully cooked, about 10–12 minutes.
Nutrition
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- For extra smoky flavor, grill the skewers over charcoal.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or regular skillet works just as well.
- Cut the vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Double the marinade recipe if you want extra sauce for drizzling over the skewers.
