Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Skewers with Lemonherb Marinade

Recipe Introduction

Fancy some Mediterranean appetizers ?

Ever feel like chucking some meat on a stick and getting your grill on? I’ve got you covered! We’re diving headfirst into these utterly addictive skewer appetizers - particularly, Chicken Skewers ! Honestly, these Grilled Appetizers are my go-to for a quick bit of something delicious.

Flavour Vacation on a Stick

These aren't just any BBQ Skewers . This recipe is packed with Mediterranean sunshine. We are talking zingy lemon, fragrant herbs, and perfectly charred chicken.

I always think about my holiday to Greece. It's the perfect bite.

Quick & Easy Mediterranean Magic

Originating from the heart of the Mediterranean cuisine, skewers represent simplicity and vibrant flavors. This is a simple, tasty recipe that takes less than an hour to make.

The recipe serves 6 as a starter, or 3 as a main meal.

Sunshine on a Plate

These healthy bites are perfect for Summer Grilling Recipes ! They're packed with protein, plus you are getting the goodness from the veggies! They are the perfect Party Skewers .

These healthy appetizer skewers are always a hit. Oh my gosh, they are good. Chicken kebab appetizers , and that Lemon Herb Marinade , just give your palate a boost.

Now, let's get this show on the road. What you will need.

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Skewers Sppetizers

So, fancy making some amazing skewer sppetizers ? I've got you covered! These Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Skewers with Lemon Herb Marinade are proper tasty.

They're perfect BBQ skewers for a summer party! Plus, they are easy appetizer recipes that anyone can make. Let's get down to what you'll need.

Main Ingredients

For the Lemon Herb Marinade:

• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil: Go for a good quality one! The better the oil, the better the flavor.
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is a MUST. You know? The stuff in the bottle just doesn't cut it.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 6g): Don't be shy with the garlic! It's what makes these skewers sing.
• 1 tablespoon (7ml) fresh oregano, chopped: If you don’t have fresh, 1 teaspoon dried oregano works too.
• 1 tablespoon (7ml) fresh thyme, chopped: Same as the oregano, dried is fine, just use 1 teaspoon.
• 1 teaspoon (approx. 2g) lemon zest: Adds a lovely zing! Make sure to zest before you juice the lemon.
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) sea salt: Sea salt just tastes better, doesn't it?
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.2 ml) black pepper: Freshly ground is always best!

For the Chicken Skewers:

• 1.5 lbs (approx. 680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes: Don't go too big with the cubes. They'll take ages to cook! This is the star of our chicken skewers .
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces: Adds a bit of sweetness and colour!
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces: More colour is always good.
• 1 red onion, cut into 1 inch wedges: Adds a nice bit of bite.
• 12 cherry tomatoes: Adds sweetness that complements the savoury elements.

I love making these healthy appetizer skewers . Honestly, once you start, you can't stop. They're the perfect grilled appetizers and definitely a crowd pleaser.

Seasoning Notes

This Lemon herb marinade is the foundation of these Mediterranean appetizers . If you want a bit of a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Honestly, it is fantastic! No oregano or thyme? A good quality Italian herb mix will do the trick. It is a pretty good and easy way to substitute that.

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl: For the marinade.
• Whisk: To mix the marinade properly.
• Cutting board & Chef's knife: To chop everything up.
• Grill (gas or charcoal) or grill pan: For cooking, of course! It depends if you are using it indoor or outdoors.
• Metal or bamboo skewers: If you use bamboo, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
• Instant read thermometer: Just to be sure the chicken is cooked through.
• Basting Brush or Spray bottle: To make sure you are basting it properly.

You don't need anything fancy. The most important thing is a good grill and some decent party skewers . These chicken kebab appetizers are ridiculously easy, and I'm sure you'll nail it! Have fun making these delicious summer grilling recipes !

Get Your Grill On: Mediterranean Chicken Skewers for Days

Okay, right then! Let's get skewered... in a delicious way, of course! Honestly, skewer appetizers are my go-to for BBQs and parties.

They are easy, crowd pleasing, and taste like sunshine. I’ve been fiddling about with some ideas and I reckon a classic Mediterranean inspired chicken kebab appetizers would be just the ticket.

These grilled appetizers are all about that fresh, herby vibe. Plus, who can resist anything on a stick? I remember one time trying to make these for a potluck.

I forgot to soak the bamboo skewers. Let's just say, we ended up with some smoky...flavored appetizers! Lesson learned.

Prep Steps: The Secret to Skewer Success

• Essential Mise en Place: Chop your 1.5 lbs chicken into 1 inch cubes. Dice 1 red bell pepper , 1 yellow bell pepper , and 1 red onion into similar sized pieces. Halve 12 cherry tomatoes . The prep is truly the most challenging bit, you know?
• Time Saving Organization Tips: Marinate the chicken FIRST. Whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 minced cloves of garlic , 1 tablespoon each of oregano and thyme, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Toss in the chicken and chill for 30 minutes to 2 hours .
• Safety Reminders: Raw chicken is not your friend. Wash everything after handling it! Also, if using bamboo skewers, soak them for at least 30 minutes to avoid incineration on the grill.

step-by-step: From Prep to Plate

1. Make the lemon herb marinade .
2. Marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours .
3. Chop the veggies.
4. Thread the chicken and veg onto skewers.
5. Preheat the grill to medium heat ( 350- 400° F ).
6. Grill for 10- 12 minutes , turning often. Check with a thermometer for 165° F .
7. Rest a few minutes before serving.

These chicken skewers make a super easy appetizer recipe for any occasion!

Pro Tips for Next Level Skewers

• Marinade matters! A longer marinade equals more flavour. Just don't go over 2 hours , or the lemon can make the chicken a bit mushy. These healthy appetizer skewers are a win!
• Don't overcrowd the skewers. Leave a bit of space for even cooking. This is especially important when serving to others!
• Avoid the dreaded dry skewer. Turning frequently is key. This prevents burning and ensure even cooking.

You can even make the marinade ahead of time! Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days , and you will speed up your dinner or party time.

These party skewers are perfect for summer grilling recipes and bring a touch of Mediterranean appetizers to your table. Give these BBQ skewers a go and let me know what you think!

Recipe Notes

Right, let's chat about these Mediterranean grilled chicken skewers . Honestly, they're dead easy, but a few notes can make 'em bangin' .

Serving Up the Sunshine

Think about how you're gonna plate these beauties. For a BBQ vibe, whack 'em straight onto a platter. For something a bit fancier, arrange them on a bed of couscous.

A dollop of tzatziki or some hummus is a must. You know, something cooling. A crispy greek salad works wonders too or even a side of grilled pita bread.

You really can't go wrong with them chicken kebab appetizers !

Storage Savvy

Got leftovers? No worries! Pop the cooked chicken skewers into an airtight container and they’ll be good in the fridge for up to 3 days .

Honestly, they're best reheated on the grill or in a pan, just to keep that lovely char. I wouldn't recommend freezing them, as the chicken can get a bit rubbery.

Switch It Up, Inn It?

Fancy a twist? If you are not feeling like grilled appetizers , want a vegetarian option? Halloumi is amazing on these! Just swap out the chicken for cubes of squeaky cheese.

If you're watching your carbs, ditch the tomatoes and add some courgette chunks. You could also try a different marinade pesto works a treat, and it really sings during those Summer grilling recipes .

Nutrition Nitty Gritty

Okay, so each serving (that’s two skewers) is roughly 250 calories. You're looking at about 30g of protein, which is great for those muscles.

10g of fat, 8g of carbs, and a tiny bit of fiber and sugar. There's about 300mg of sodium. It's also worth remembering that these healthy appetizer skewers are packed with lean protein and fresh veggies.

The lemon herb marinade is your friend!

I reckon these party skewers will be a hit, and that makes it one of my favourite easy appetizer recipes .

Don't be shy give 'em a go! You will be getting on the BBQ skewers in no time. They're ruddy delicious.

I used to be so scared of grilling chicken but honestly once you get the hang of it the taste and joy make it all worth it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare these Mediterranean chicken skewer appetizers ahead of time? Like, a day before a barbie?

Absolutely! You can assemble the skewers ahead of time and store them, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to grill them thoroughly when you're ready to serve. This is a great time saver if you're having a larger gathering makes you the hostess with the mostest!

What's the best way to prevent my bamboo skewers from burning on the grill? I'm always setting them alight!

Ah, the bane of every BBQ enthusiast! The key is to soak your bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading them. This saturates the wood and helps prevent them from catching fire. You can also wrap the exposed ends in foil for extra protection.

I'm not a fan of chicken. Can I use anything else for these skewer appetizers?

Definitely! Halloumi cheese or firm tofu make fantastic vegetarian alternatives. You could also try using chunks of lamb for a richer flavour. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through safety first, eh?

How long should I marinate the chicken for these Mediterranean skewer appetizers?

For the best flavour, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This allows the flavours to really penetrate the meat and keeps it nice and juicy. Any longer than that and the lemon juice can start to break down the chicken, making it a bit mushy.

What's the best way to store leftover skewer appetizers, and how long will they last?

Store any leftover cooked skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll keep for 3-4 days. Reheat them gently in the oven, microwave or in a frying pan over medium heat until heated through. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to make sure no bugs are having a party.

Can I make these Mediterranean grilled chicken skewer appetizers in the oven if the weather is rubbish?

You bet your sweet bippy! If the weather isn't playing ball, you can absolutely bake these skewers in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

While you won’t get the smoky flavour of the grill, they’ll still be delicious and a great substitute when the weather is a little bit pants.