Name: Lemon Herb Beef Skewers - Easy Grilled Flavor
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 2 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste; Fresh lemon wedges for serving

Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers are an absolute game-changer for any weeknight meal or outdoor gathering. There’s something undeniably joyful about food served on a stick, and these particular skewers elevate the humble concept with bright, zesty flavors and aromatic herbs. What makes Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers so universally loved? It’s the perfect balance of tender, juicy chicken infused with the sharp tang of lemon and a fragrant medley of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley. They’re incredibly versatile – fantastic grilled, baked, or even pan-seared. Plus, the vibrant marinade not only imbues the chicken with incredible flavor but also creates a beautiful golden-brown crust when cooked, making them as visually appealing as they are delicious. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your guests with this simple yet utterly satisfying recipe.

Ingredients:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Fresh lemon wedges for serving

Preparing the Marinade

The foundation of truly delicious Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers lies in a vibrant and flavorful marinade. This is where all the magic begin extracts, infusing the chicken with bright citrus notes and aromatic herbs. In a medium-sized bowl, we’ll combine our core marinade ingredients. Start by adding the 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Olive oil not only helps distribute the flavors evenly but also contributes to keeping the chicken moist during the cooking process. Next, pour in the 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Ensure it’s fresh; the zest from bottled lemon juice can sometimes have a slightly metallic taste that we want to avoid here.

Now, it’s time for the aromatics. Finely mince your 2 cloves of garlic. The smaller the pieces, the more effectively the garlic flavor will meld into the marinade and permeate the chicken. Add this minced garlic to the bowl. For our herb component, we’ll be using dried oregano and dried thyme. Measure out 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. These two herbs are classic partners with chicken and lemon, offering a warm, earthy, and slightly floral aroma. Finally, season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your personal preference. Don’t be shy with the pepper; it adds a subtle warmth that complements the other flavors beautifully. Whisk all these ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined, creating a fragrant and inviting marinade.

Marinating the Chicken

Once your marinade is ready, it’s time to introduce the chicken. Take your 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which you’ve already prepared by cutting them into uniform 1-inch cubes. Uniformity is key here, as it ensures that all pieces of chicken will cook at roughly the same rate, preventing some from becoming dry while others remain undercooked. Place the chicken cubes directly into the bowl with the prepared marinade.

Using a spoon or a spatula, gently toss the chicken pieces until each cube is well-coated with the marinade. Ensure that every surface of the chicken has come into contact with the flavorful mixture. This coating action is crucial for maximum flavor infusion. Now, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and marinade to a resealable plastic bag. We want to keep the marinade from leaking out and also prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors from the refrigerator.

For the best results, let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. However, if you have the time, marinating for 1 to 4 hours will yield an even more intense and delicious flavor. Any longer than 4 hours might start to make the chicken texture a bit too soft due to the acidity of the lemon juice, so aim for that sweet spot. While the chicken is marinating, you can prepare your grilling station or preheat your oven. If you are using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This prevents them from burning on the grill or in the oven.

Assembling the Skewers

After the marinating time is complete, remove the chicken from the refrigerator. If you’ve used wooden skewers, drain them of any excess water. Take your marinated chicken cubegin extractnd begin threading them onto the skewers. Aim for about 4-5 cubes per skewer, leaving a small space between each piece. This spacing allows the heat to circulate around the chicken, ensuring even cooking and a nice char on all sides. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; it can lead to uneven cooking and steaming rather than grilling.

If you have any leftover marinade, you can reserve it to baste the chicken while it cooks, but be sure to bring it to a boil first for food safety reasons. Alternatively, you can discard the marinade and create a fresh basting liquid if desired. For this recipe, since we are keeping it simple, we will focus on the infused flavor from the initial marination. The uniform size of the chicken pieces and the spacing on the skewers are important steps for achieving perfectly cooked skewers.

Cooking the Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers

Now comes the exciting part – cooking! You have a couple of excellent options for cooking these delicious Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers: grilling or baking.

Grilling:

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Once the grill is hot, carefully place the assembled chicken skewers onto the grates. Grill for approximately 3-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has developed beautiful grill marks. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). Rotate the skewers every few minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. Keep an eye on them, as chicken can go from perfectly cooked to overcooked very quickly.

Baking:

If you prefer to bake your skewers, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Arrange the chicken skewers on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through the cooking time. Again, you’re looking for the chicken to be cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). You can also broil them for the last minute or two to get a nice char, but watch them very closely to avoid burning.

Regardless of the cooking method you choose, the goal is tender, juicy chicken with a lovely herb and lemon infused flavor. The aroma that will fill your kitchen or backyard as these cook is simply incredible!

Resting and Serving

Once your Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers are cooked to perfection, it’s crucial to let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Remove them from the grill or oven and place them on a clean plate or cutting board. Tent loosely with aluminum foil. This resting period allows the juices within the chicken to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more succulent and flavorful bite. Skipping this step can lead to dry chicken as the juices run out when you cut into it. Aim for about 5 minutes of resting time.

Finally, serve your beautiful Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers hot off the grill or out of the oven. They are wonderfully complemented by the fresh lemon wedges that were included in the ingredients. Squeeze a little extra fresh lemon juice over the skewers just before eating to brighten up all the flavors even further. These skewers are incredibly versatile and can be served as an appetizer, a light lunch, or as part of a larger meal with your favorite sides, such as a fresh salad, rice, or roasted vegetables. Enjoy the vibrant taste of summer in every bite!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – a wonderfully simple and incredibly delicious recipe for Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers! We’ve walked through each step, from marinating the tender chicken pieces in a zesty blend of lemon juice and fresh herbs to grilling them to juicy perfection. These Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers are a fantastic choice for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner that needs a little brightening or a backyard barbecue with friends and family. They’re light, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser.

For serving, these skewers shine alongside a fresh green salad, fluffy rice pilaf, or some grilled vegetables. You can even serve them as a delightful appetizer at your next gathering. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding some colorful bell peppers and red onions to the skewers before grilling for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite fresh herbs too – rosemary, thyme, and parsley are all wonderful additions. We encourage you to give these Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers a try and enjoy the vibrant taste they bring to your table!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can marinate the chicken for these Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers up to 4 hours in advance. Grilling them a bit earlier and serving them at room temperature is also a great option if you’re preparing for a party.

What if I don’t have a grill? Can I still make these Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers?

Certainly! If you don’t have access to a grill, you can easily pan-sear the marinated chicken in a hot skillet with a little olive oil until cooked through and nicely browned. Alternatively, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked.