Juicy chicken marinated in a bright lemon-garlic sauce, cooked to perfection on skewers for a smoky, flavorful dish.
Author:Carol
Prep Time:30 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Grilling
Cuisine:Mediterranean
Diet:Gluten-Free
Ingredients
Scale
800 g (about 1.75 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 3–4 cm / 1¼–1½ in pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, plus 1 teaspoon zest
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1–1¼ teaspoons kosher salt (to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional, for caramelization)
Chunks of red onion and capsicum/bell pepper (optional for threading)
Lemon wedges, for serving
Chopped parsley, for serving
Flatbreads or rice, for serving
Instructions
Make the marinade by mixing olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, oregano, salt, pepper, and honey (if using) in a bowl.
Prep the chicken by cutting thighs into even pieces so they cook at the same rate.
Marinate by adding chicken to the bowl, tossing well, covering, and chilling for at least 30 minutes (2–12 hours is best).
Thread chicken (and optional veggies) onto skewers without packing too tight.
Preheat a charcoal or gas grill to medium-high (about 200–230°C / 400–450°F) or set the oven to 220°C / 425°F if cooking indoors.
Cook on the grill for 8–10 minutes total, turning every 2–3 minutes until lightly charred and the center reaches 74°C / 165°F, or bake 12–15 minutes in the oven then broil for 1–2 minutes to char.
Rest for 3–5 minutes, then sprinkle with parsley, add lemon wedges, and serve with flatbread, salad, or rice.
Notes
For extra smoky flavor, add a chunk of wood to your charcoal grill. Brush with a little oil before cooking for better browning.