Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers

These Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers are tender, juicy, and full of bright Mediterranean flavor. Baked in the oven and topped with lemon herb butter, they make the perfect quick and delicious dinner!

If you're looking for a fresh, zesty, and flavorful way to enjoy chicken, you're going to love these Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers. They're juicy, savory, and infused with citrusy garlic flavor—plus that finishing touch of lemon herb butter makes them downright irresistible. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, backyard cookouts, or meal prep. Let's dive into why this dish is going to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love These Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers

These skewers bring together everything you crave in a well-seasoned grilled dish: brightness from lemon zest and juice, warmth from paprika, earthiness from oregano, and a deep, mouthwatering umami from the garlic and butter.

They’re incredibly easy to prepare and cook quickly, which makes them ideal for busy families or a low-effort weekend meal that still impresses. Serve them with rice, over a salad, in pita wraps, or even on their own with a side of grilled veggies.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Chicken:

• Zest of a Lemon – Adds an intense citrusy aroma and flavor without the acidity.

• 2 tsp Lemon Juice – Brightens the marinade and tenderizes the meat.

• 1 tbsp Sour Cream – Helps tenderize the chicken and gives it a slightly creamy, tangy flavor.

• 1 tbsp Olive Oil – Helps carry flavors and keeps the chicken moist.

• 3–4 cloves Garlic, finely grated – Fresh garlic gives the chicken its deep, savory backbone.

• 1 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano – Adds herbaceous warmth with a hint of earthiness.

• 3/4 tsp EACH: Paprika, Salt – The paprika offers subtle heat and color, while salt enhances all the flavors.

• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper – Gives a mild spicy bite.

• 1.4 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs – Juicier and more flavorful than breast meat; perfect for skewering.

For the Lemon Herb Butter:

• 75g / 5 tbsp Butter, softened – Richness and flavor carrier.

• 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley, finely chopped – Adds a fresh herb finish.

• 2 tsp Lemon Juice – Adds tang and brightness.

• 1/4 tsp EACH: Paprika, Black Pepper – Echoes the flavors in the marinade.

• 1/8 tsp Salt – Rounds out the butter flavor.

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, sour cream, olive oil, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add in the sliced chicken and stir until all pieces are evenly coated.
   Cover and let it marinate for 30 minutes. If the chicken is just out of the fridge, you can let it marinate at room temperature.

2. Prepare the Skewers Thread the marinated chicken onto 4 skewers. Leave a small gap at both ends for easy handling. Pack the chicken pieces tightly to keep them juicy during baking.

3. Bake the Skewers Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers on a parchment-lined baking tray or oven-safe wire rack.
   Bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred on the edges.

4. Make the Lemon Herb Butter While the chicken is baking, mix together the softened butter, parsley, lemon juice, paprika, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl.

5. Finish and Serve When the skewers are done, brush them generously with the lemon herb butter. For an extra citrus kick, squeeze more fresh lemon juice on top.

Tips for Success

• Soak wooden skewers for 20–30 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent burning in the oven.

• Use an oven-safe rack for more even cooking and browning.

• Don’t overcook the chicken; thigh meat stays juicier than breast but still benefits from gentle heat.

• Make ahead: The chicken can marinate up to 24 hours in advance.

• Leftovers are great in wraps, on salads, or served cold as a quick protein snack.

Variations & Add-Ons

• Spicy Skewers: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.

• Vegetable Option: Add bell peppers or red onions on the skewers between chicken pieces.

• Grill Option: These skewers are grill-friendly! Just grill on medium heat for about 6–8 minutes per side.

What to Serve With Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers

• Greek salad or orzo salad

• Hummus and pita bread

• Grilled corn or zucchini

• Rice pilaf with herbs and lemon

If you try this recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment and rate it below! Share your photos on Instagram and tag @CookSnapBake—I love seeing what you’re cooking! For more easy and flavorful recipes like this, subscribe to my email list so you never miss a meal.

Yield: 4

Author: CookSnapBake.com

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Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers

These Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers are tender, juicy, and full of bright Mediterranean flavor. Baked in the oven and topped with lemon herb butter, they make the perfect quick and delicious dinner!

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 15 MinTotal time: 25 Min

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• Zest of a Lemon
• 2 tsp Lemon Juice
• 1 tbsp Sour Cream
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 3–4 cloves Garlic, finely grated –
• 1 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
• 3/4 tsp Paprika
• 3/4 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
• 1.4 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs

For the Lemon Herb Butter

• 5 tbsp Butter, softened
• 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tsp Lemon Juice
• 1/4 tsp EACH: Paprika, Black Pepper
• 1/8 tsp Salt

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, sour cream, olive oil, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add in the sliced chicken and stir until all pieces are evenly coated.
2. Cover and let it marinate for 30 minutes. If the chicken is just out of the fridge, you can let it marinate at room temperature.
3. Prepare the Skewers Thread the marinated chicken onto 4 skewers. Leave a small gap at both ends for easy handling. Pack the chicken pieces tightly to keep them juicy during baking.
4. Bake the Skewers Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers on a parchment-lined baking tray or oven-safe wire rack.
5. Bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred on the edges.
6. Make the Lemon Herb Butter While the chicken is baking, mix together the softened butter, parsley, lemon juice, paprika, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl.
7. Finish and Serve When the skewers are done, brush them generously with the lemon herb butter. For an extra citrus kick, squeeze more fresh lemon juice on top.

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Whether you're hosting a summer get-together, meal prepping for the week, or just trying to get dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, these Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers deliver on all fronts. They're simple, full of flavor, and so satisfying.

Now get those skewers ready and enjoy every zesty, buttery, garlic-packed bite!