Let me tell you—I used to think chicken skewers were just bland party food until I discovered this foolproof garlic herb grilled chicken skewers recipe. Now my family requests these Mediterranean chicken skewers every time we fire up the grill, and I’m pretty sure my barbecue guests think I’m some kind of grilling genius (if only they knew how simple these herb-marinated chicken kabobs really are to make with ingredients from any kitchen).
Here’s the Thing About These Mediterranean Chicken Skewers
The secret to authentic garlic herb grilled chicken skewers is all about getting that perfect balance of fresh herbs and garlic that penetrates the chicken while creating those gorgeous grill marks that lock in all the juices. What makes these herb-marinated chicken kabobs work is the combination of olive oil that keeps everything moist, fresh garlic that infuses incredible flavor, and the mix of Mediterranean herbs that creates complexity without being overwhelming. I learned the hard way that you can’t skip the marinating time—even 30 minutes makes a huge difference, and soaking those wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill. Around here, we’ve figured out that the key to perfect grilled chicken kabobs is cutting the chicken into uniform cubes so everything cooks evenly.
The Lineup – Let’s Talk Ingredients
Good boneless, skinless chicken breasts are absolutely crucial for these garlic herb grilled chicken skewers—look for chicken that’s firm and pale pink with no gray spots, because you’ll taste the difference in your Mediterranean chicken skewers. I always buy a bit extra chicken because someone inevitably wants more of these incredible herb-marinated chicken kabobs (happens more than I’d like to admit). The chicken should be fresh and cut into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
Fresh garlic makes such a difference here—don’t use pre-minced garlic from a jar because you’ll miss that sharp, aromatic flavor that makes these skewers so special. The olive oil should be good quality since it’s such a key component of the marinade. Fresh parsley adds brightness and color, while the combination of dried oregano and thyme creates that classic Mediterranean flavor profile.
Don’t forget to soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using—this prevents them from burning on the grill and ruining your beautiful grilled chicken kabobs. The salt and pepper might seem basic, but they’re crucial for bringing out all those herb flavors. For authentic Mediterranean grilling techniques and herb combinations, understanding how simple seasonings can transform basic ingredients helps create complex flavors that rival your favorite Greek restaurant.
Here’s How We Do This (Step by Step)
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch cubes—this is where I used to mess up by cutting them different sizes and ending up with some overcooked and others undercooked. Consistent sizing ensures everything cooks at the same rate on your Mediterranean chicken skewers.
In a large bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, olive oil, chopped fresh parsley, dried oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined. The mixture should smell absolutely incredible—like you’re standing in a Greek herb garden.
Here’s my secret technique—add the chicken cubes to the marinade and use your hands to make sure every piece gets completely coated. This hands-on approach ensures even coverage that you can’t get with just stirring. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though 2-4 hours is even better for maximum flavor penetration.
While the chicken marinates, soak your wooden skewers in water. When you’re ready to grill, thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces for even cooking. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the skewers for 8-10 minutes total, turning every 2-3 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F internally and has gorgeous grill marks. Try this Greek village salad recipe for the perfect Mediterranean side that complements these herb-marinated chicken kabobs beautifully.
If This Happens, Don’t Panic
Chicken sticking to the grill grates? You probably didn’t oil the grates well enough or tried to turn the skewers too early, and it happens to everyone. In reality, I’ve learned that well-oiled grates and patience are your best friends for perfect garlic herb grilled chicken skewers. Let them develop good grill marks before turning.
Skewers burning but chicken still raw? Your grill was probably too hot, or you placed them directly over the flames. This is totally fixable by moving them to a cooler part of the grill or reducing the heat. Even if the skewers char a bit, the chicken will still taste amazing.
If your Mediterranean chicken skewers seem bland, you probably didn’t marinate long enough or didn’t season the marinade well enough. Every piece of chicken absorbs marinades differently, so trust your taste buds. The beauty of these grilled chicken kabobs is that you can always serve them with extra herbs or a squeeze of lemon to brighten everything up.
When I’m Feeling Creative
When I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add some lemon zest to the marinade for extra Mediterranean brightness that makes everyone ask for the recipe. Around summer entertaining, I’ll alternate the chicken with cherry tomatoes and red onion pieces for a complete meal on a stick.
My spicy version gets a pinch of red pepper flakes in the marinade, and the wine country twist includes a splash of white wine for extra depth. Sometimes I make Greek-Style Chicken Skewers by adding some dried basil and serving with tzatziki sauce. The Lemon Herb version includes fresh lemon juice in the marinade for bright, citrusy flavors.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Garlic herb grilled chicken skewers represent the perfect fusion of Mediterranean simplicity with American grilling techniques, creating a dish that’s both familiar and exciting. This style of herb-marinated chicken has roots in Greek and Italian cuisine, where fresh herbs and olive oil are used to enhance rather than mask the natural flavors of quality ingredients. What sets these apart from other chicken skewers is the way the garlic and herbs create a aromatic crust during grilling while keeping the interior incredibly moist and flavorful. The technique of proper marinating and uniform cutting ensures that every bite delivers the same perfect balance of herbs, garlic, and juicy chicken. For more background on Mediterranean cooking traditions and grilling, this style of simple ingredient preparation over high heat has been perfected over generations to create maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
Things People Ask Me About This Recipe
Can I make these garlic herb grilled chicken skewers indoors? Absolutely! A grill pan, cast iron skillet, or even the broiler works beautifully. You might miss some smoky flavor, but the herbs and garlic make up for it.
How long can I marinate the Mediterranean chicken skewers? Minimum 30 minutes, maximum 24 hours. Longer marinating develops more flavor, but don’t go beyond 24 hours or the acid in the marinade can affect the texture.
What if I can’t find fresh parsley for these herb-marinated chicken kabobs? Fresh parsley really makes a difference, but you could substitute with fresh cilantro or increase the dried herbs slightly. Avoid dried parsley—it has no flavor.
Can I prep these grilled chicken kabobs ahead of time? You can marinate the chicken and assemble the skewers up to 24 hours ahead. Just keep them covered and refrigerated until ready to grill.
Are these garlic herb grilled chicken skewers suitable for meal prep? Perfect for meal prep! They keep well for 3-4 days refrigerated and are delicious hot or cold. Great for lunch salads or grain bowls.
What’s the best way to tell when the chicken is perfectly cooked? Use a meat thermometer—165°F is the magic number. The juices should run clear, and the meat should feel firm but not hard when pressed.
Before You Head to the Grill
I couldn’t resist sharing this because the best grilling moments are when you create something that looks impressive but was actually simple to make, and everyone’s asking how you got so much flavor into basic chicken. These garlic herb grilled chicken skewers turn any regular barbecue into something that feels Mediterranean and special, and honestly, isn’t that exactly what we want from our grilling repertoire—recipes that make ordinary ingredients taste extraordinary? You’ve got this—go make some aromatic, perfectly grilled, herb-infused magic happen.
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Garlic Herb Grilled Chicken Skewers
Description
These Mediterranean chicken skewers feature tender chicken marinated in garlic and herbs for garlic herb grilled chicken skewers that are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for any barbecue.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Marinate Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 8–10 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Cut chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Pat dry with paper towels for better marinade adhesion.
- Create the magical marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together minced garlic, olive oil, fresh parsley, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined and aromatic.
- Marinate for flavor: Add chicken cubes to marinade, using your hands to ensure every piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
- Prep for grilling: Remove chicken from refrigerator 15 minutes before grilling. Thread marinated chicken onto soaked skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces for even cooking.
- Grill to perfection: Preheat grill to medium-high heat and oil grates well. Grill skewers 8-10 minutes total, turning every 2-3 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally and has beautiful grill marks.
- Rest and serve: Let skewers rest 3-4 minutes after grilling. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and serve hot with your favorite Mediterranean sides.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 185
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 37g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: 285mg
- High-quality lean protein with Mediterranean herbs
- Rich in B vitamins and selenium
Notes:
Don’t skip soaking the skewers—it prevents burning. Cut chicken uniformly for even cooking. Don’t move skewers too early—let grill marks develop naturally for best flavor and appearance.
Storage Tips:
Cooked skewers keep for 3-4 days refrigerated and are delicious hot or cold. Great for meal prep bowls, salads, or quick lunches. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.
Serving Suggestions:
- Mediterranean feast: Serve with tzatziki, pita bread, and Greek salad
- Simple sides: Perfect with rice pilaf and grilled vegetables
- Party food: Great for casual entertaining with various dipping sauces
- Healthy meals: Slice over salads or grain bowls for nutritious lunches
Mix It Up (Recipe Variations):
- Greek-Style Skewers: Add lemon zest and serve with tzatziki sauce
- Spicy Herb Chicken: Include red pepper flakes for gentle heat
Lemon Herb Version: Add fresh lemon juice to marinade for bright citrus notes - Veggie-Loaded Kabobs: Alternate chicken with cherry tomatoes and red onion
What Makes This Recipe Special:
The combination of fresh garlic, herbs, and olive oil creates an aromatic crust during grilling while keeping the chicken incredibly moist. The Mediterranean marinade penetrates the meat for flavor in every bite, while proper technique ensures restaurant-quality grill marks and juicy texture.
