Go Back
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 large lemons (zest and juice) - 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup olive oil - 1 teaspoon honey - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Skewers (wooden or metal) The key to my Lemon Basil Chicken Skewers is in the ingredients. I use one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. This keeps the dish light and tender. The chicken should be cut into one-inch cubes. Next, I grab two large lemons. I use both the juice and zest for a bright, fresh flavor. The zest adds a punch, while the juice helps marinate the chicken. I also include a quarter cup of fresh basil. This herb brings an aromatic touch to the dish. Finely chop it for the best flavor release. Now, let’s talk about the marinade. I use four cloves of minced garlic. Garlic adds depth and flavor. I also mix in a quarter cup of olive oil. This oil helps keep the chicken moist. To balance the flavors, I add one teaspoon of honey. This gives a hint of sweetness. I season with one teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of black pepper. These spices enhance the taste. If you like heat, one teaspoon of red pepper flakes is optional. Finally, don’t forget the skewers! Wooden or metal skewers work well. If you choose wooden ones, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. To start, grab a large mixing bowl. Combine the following ingredients: - Lemon juice from 2 large lemons - Zest from those same lemons - 1/4 cup of fresh basil, finely chopped - 4 cloves of minced garlic - 1/4 cup of olive oil - 1 teaspoon of honey - 1 teaspoon of salt - 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper - 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional) Mix these well to create a bright and flavorful marinade. The lemon and basil will shine here, bringing fresh taste to the chicken. Next, add your chicken pieces to the bowl. The chicken should be cut into 1-inch cubes. Make sure to coat the chicken thoroughly with the marinade. This step helps the chicken absorb all those tasty flavors. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but up to 2 hours gives the best results. While your chicken marinates, it’s time to prep for grilling. If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This step stops them from burning on the grill. If you're using metal skewers, you can skip this step. Also, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. A little oil on the grill grates prevents sticking. Now comes the fun part! Thread your marinated chicken onto the skewers. Leave a little space between each piece. This helps them cook evenly. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes. Turn them occasionally to get nice grill marks. You know they are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Once cooked, take them off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To get the best taste, marinate your chicken longer. I suggest at least two hours. This allows the flavors to soak in deeply. The lemon juice brightens the dish, while the basil adds freshness. If you have the time, let it marinate overnight. Your taste buds will thank you! Grilling can be tricky, but I have some tips. First, make sure your grill is hot. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking. Use a pair of tongs to turn the skewers regularly. This way, the chicken gets nice grill marks without burning. How you present your food matters. Serve the skewers on a big platter. Add some fresh basil leaves and lemon wedges for color. You can also pair them with tzatziki sauce or a cucumber salad. This adds a cool contrast to the warm chicken. For the full recipe, check back for easy steps! {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for other proteins. Shrimp works well and cooks fast. Tofu is a great option for a vegetarian twist. Just remember to add more marinade time for tofu. You can also use beef or pork if you prefer. Adjust cook times based on the protein you choose. To make your skewers more exciting, try adding different herbs. Fresh parsley or cilantro can change the taste. You can also mix in spices like paprika or cumin for warmth. Try using lime juice instead of lemon for a zesty twist. Each change can make your meal unique and fun. Mix and match ingredients on your skewers. Add bell peppers, onions, or cherry tomatoes for color. Fruits like pineapple or peach can bring a sweet touch. These combinations not only add flavor but also make your dish look great. Explore different pairings to find your favorite! For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe. After you enjoy your Lemon Basil Chicken Skewers, store any leftovers right away. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can refrigerate the skewers for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the skewers. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When freezing, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This prevents freezer burn. To reheat your chicken skewers, the oven works best. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the skewers on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat. Just add a splash of water to keep them juicy. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally. Leftover Lemon Basil Chicken Skewers stay safe to eat for three days in the fridge. If you freeze them, they are good for about three months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. If you notice anything odd, it's best to toss them. Enjoy your skewers with confidence! You should marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, I recommend two hours. This time allows the chicken to soak up all the tasty lemon and basil flavors. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the chicken will be. No, you should soak wooden skewers before using them. Soaking helps prevent burning on the grill. I suggest soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes. This keeps your skewers intact while cooking and lets the chicken shine. These skewers taste great with a variety of sides. Here are some delicious options: - Cucumber salad - Tzatziki sauce - Grilled vegetables - Rice or quinoa - Garlic bread These sides add freshness and balance to your meal. No, it is not safe. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If you see pink, use a meat thermometer to check. Eating undercooked chicken can lead to foodborne illness, so always check the temp. To prep these skewers in advance, marinate the chicken one day before. Keep it in the fridge until you are ready to grill. You can also thread the chicken onto skewers a few hours in advance. Just cover them and keep them cool until grilling. This makes your cookout stress-free! Lemon Basil Chicken Skewers are simple and tasty. We discussed the main ingredients and marinade, as well as easy steps to prepare and grill. Tips for flavor and presentation can make your dish stand out. You can use different proteins or flavors to mix things up. Proper storage and reheating keeps leftovers tasty. Remember to have fun with it. Enjoy making this meal for family and friends. Your next cookout will be a hit. Get ready for smiles and compliments!

Lemon Basil Chicken Skewers

Elevate your grilling game with these Lemon Basil Chicken Skewers, a fresh and zesty delight that your friends and family will love! This simple recipe combines juicy chicken, bright lemon, and fragrant basil for a flavor explosion. Perfect for summer BBQs, these skewers are easy to make and incredibly delicious. Click through to discover the complete recipe and tips for an unforgettable cookout! Your taste buds will thank you!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

2 large lemons (zest and juice)

1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup olive oil

1 teaspoon honey

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Skewers (wooden or metal)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped basil, minced garlic, olive oil, honey, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to create a marinade.

    Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss until the chicken is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for maximum flavor).

      While the chicken marinates, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning (if using wooden skewers).

        Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using a grill, lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

          Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.

            Grill the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

              Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

                Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the skewers on a large platter garnished with fresh basil leaves and lemon wedges for a vibrant touch. You can also pair with a side of tzatziki sauce or a refreshing cucumber salad for a complete meal.