Chicken Skewers Recipe

Trim and cube chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Trim off excess fat and cut into 1 to 1 1/4-inch cubes so pieces are uniform for even cooking.

Make the marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, sweet paprika, dried oregano, kosher salt, black pepper, and honey (if using) until combined.

Marinate the chicken

Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to coat completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours. If short on time, 15–30 minutes still adds flavor.

Prepare skewers and vegetables

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Meanwhile, cut the red bell pepper into 1-inch squares and separate the red onion into similar-sized wedges so vegetables and chicken cook at the same rate.

Preheat and arrange

Preheat a grill to medium-high (about 400°F / 200°C) or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or pan with a paper towel dipped in oil.

Thread the skewers

Thread chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for heat circulation. Alternate with red bell pepper pieces and red onion wedges so each skewer has a mix (aim for 4–6 chicken pieces per skewer depending on size).

Grill the skewers

Place skewers on the preheated grill or grill pan. Cook for 10–12 minutes total, turning every 2–3 minutes so all sides get good sear marks. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) measured in the thickest piece and juices run clear. If using a broiler, position 6 inches from heat and broil 8–10 minutes, turning once.

Finish and rest

If desired, brush a little additional olive oil or a thin smear of honey during the last minute of cooking for a glossy finish. Remove skewers from heat and let rest for 3–5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.

Transfer the skewers to a platter. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing. Serve immediately with rice, salad, or flatbreads.