Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers Recipe

Chicken breast: Cut into cubes, this lean protein is the base of the skewers.

Olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the marinade adhere to the chicken.

Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed, it provides a tangy and bright flavor.

Dried oregano: A key herb that adds a Mediterranean touch to the dish.

Garlic powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of garlic.

Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the marinade.

When marinating the chicken cubes, ensure they are evenly coated by using a ziplock bag. This allows the marinade to surround each piece of chicken more effectively, resulting in a more flavorful and tender outcome. Additionally, if you have the time, let the chicken marinate for a few hours or even overnight in the refrigerator to enhance the flavors even further.

• Chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast is lean and has a similar texture to chicken breast, making it a good alternative.

• Olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it suitable for grilling.

• Freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidic and citrusy flavor profile.

• Dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme offers a slightly different but complementary herbal note.

• Garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder provides a similar depth of flavor, though it is less pungent.

• Salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with a bit of umami flavor.

• Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor profile, often used in lighter-colored dishes.

• Allow the chicken skewers to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the chicken soggy.
• Transfer the cooled chicken skewers to an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This will help maintain their flavor and moisture.
• Store the chicken skewers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume them within 3-4 days. This keeps the chicken fresh and safe to eat.
• For longer storage, place the chicken skewers in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of their freshness.
• When freezing, ensure the chicken skewers are laid out in a single layer to prevent them from sticking together. Once frozen, you can stack them to save space.
• To reheat refrigerated chicken skewers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet and cover them with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
• For frozen chicken skewers, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This ensures even heating and maintains the texture of the chicken.
• If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave to defrost the chicken skewers. Use the defrost setting and check frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Once thawed, reheat the chicken skewers on a grill or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are heated through and have a slight crispiness.
• Avoid refreezing previously frozen chicken skewers as this can affect the texture and flavor of the chicken.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken skewers on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Cover the skewers with another piece of foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is warmed through.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil to the pan. Place the chicken skewers in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is heated through.

• Microwave Method: Place the chicken skewers on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep the chicken moist. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking and turning the skewers halfway through. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until the chicken is warmed through.

• Grill Method: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the chicken skewers back on the grill and heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is warmed through. This method will help retain the original grilled flavor.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is warmed through.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper with the chicken cubes.

• Measuring spoons: These are essential for accurately measuring the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

• Tongs: Handy for turning the skewers on the grill to ensure even cooking.

• Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto these for grilling. You can use either metal or wooden skewers (if using wooden, soak them in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent burning).

• Grill: Preheat this to medium-high heat for cooking the chicken skewers.

• Grill brush: Use this to clean the grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking.

• Cutting board: A surface for cutting the chicken breast into cubes.

• Chef's knife: Essential for cutting the chicken breast into cubes.

Prepare the marinade in advance: Mix the olive oil, lemon juice, and spices the night before to save time.

Use pre-cut chicken: Buy chicken breast already cut into cubes to skip the cutting step.

Quick marination: If you're short on time, marinate the chicken in a resealable bag for faster absorption.

Preheat the grill early: Start preheating your grill while you thread the chicken onto skewers.

Batch grilling: Grill multiple skewers at once to cook everything in one go.