Chicken Skewers Recipe

Prepare chicken

Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut into 1 to 1 1/2-inch bite-size pieces so they will thread easily on skewers and cook evenly.

Mix marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, salt, black pepper, and honey (if using) until smooth and combined.

Marinate chicken

Add the cut chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours. If short on time, 15–30 minutes will still add flavor.

Prepare vegetables and skewers

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20–30 minutes to prevent burning. Meanwhile core and cut the red bell pepper into roughly 1-inch squares and cut the red onion into similar 1-inch pieces. Rinse cherry tomatoes and pat dry.

Thread skewers

Preheat grill or broiler to medium-high (about 400°F / 200°C). Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking. Alternate with pieces of red pepper, red onion, and cherry tomatoes as desired. Aim for 3–4 chicken pieces per skewer depending on size, making about 8 skewers total.

Brush and season

Brush skewers lightly with extra olive oil and season any exposed vegetables with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Grill or broil

Place skewers on the preheated grill grates or on a foil-lined baking sheet under the broiler. Grill for 3–4 minutes per side, turning once or twice, until char marks appear and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Total cook time is typically 10–12 minutes depending on piece size and heat. If using a stovetop grill pan, cook similarly over medium-high heat.

When cooked through, transfer skewers to a plate and let rest for 3–5 minutes so juices redistribute.

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the skewers and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the chicken.

Optional serving suggestions: serve with warm pita, rice, or a simple salad and a yogurt-based sauce (tzatziki) if desired.