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A close-up shot of several grilled chicken skewers with colorful bell peppers, garnished with herbs and spices on a plate.

Zesty Garlic Herb Chicken Skewers

Succulent chicken pieces marinated in a vibrant lemon-garlic-herb blend, threaded with colorful vegetables, and grilled or air-fried to perfection. A delicious and healthy option for any meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Grill, Mediterranean
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Thyme
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
For the Skewers
  • 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 large Red Bell Pepper cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large Green Bell Pepper cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 medium Red Onion cut into 1-inch pieces

Equipment

  • Wooden or metal skewers
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Grill (outdoor or indoor griddle)
  • Air Fryer
  • Tongs

Method
 

Prepare Skewers
  1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Make Marinade
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Marinate Chicken
  1. Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for best flavor. Do not marinate longer than 2 hours due to lemon juice tenderizing the chicken too much.
Prepare Vegetables
  1. While the chicken marinates, cut the bell peppers and red onion into 1-inch pieces.
Assemble Skewers
  1. Thread the chicken and vegetables onto the soaked skewers, alternating between chicken, red bell pepper, onion, and green bell pepper until all ingredients are used. Aim for 4-5 pieces of chicken per skewer.
Grill Instructions (Option 1)
  1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates. Place skewers on the grill and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and lightly charred (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C).
Air Fryer Instructions (Option 2)
  1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Place 3-4 skewers in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Air fry for 10-14 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken is cooked through and golden brown (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C). Cook in batches if necessary.
Serve
  1. Remove skewers from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For best results, do not overcrowd the grill or air fryer to ensure even cooking and browning. The chicken skewers are excellent served with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.