Lemon Herb Chicken Kabobs

Lemon Herb Chicken Kabobs tantalize your taste buds with zesty lemon, fragrant fresh herbs and garlic. A healthy grilled chicken recipe with a Mediterranean-inspired marinade.

Two skewers of chicken, lemon slices and red onion kabobs on bed parsley.

The lemon herb marinade transforms ordinary chicken into a tender chicken that is bursting with flavor! But don’t just save this marinade for chicken, it tastes great for making pork kabobs, shrimp kabobs and salmon kabobs! Serve with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce and Watermelon Mint Salad for a meal that is perfect for summertime barbecues!

Two skewers of chicken, lemon slices and red onion kebobs on bed parsley.

What you will need to make the kabobs.

The marinade is all about fragrant, fresh and aromatic flavor, so fresh lemon and herbs are the secret to making the best ever Lemon Herb Chicken Kabobs!

  • Chicken – I use skinless chicken breasts, but skinless chicken thighs would also work.
  • Lemons – thin slices for the skewers and freshly squeezed lemon juice  for the marinade.
  • Red Onion – chunks for the skewers and finely minced for the marinade.
  • Garlic – finely minced
  • Thyme- 2-3 fresh sprigs
  • Rosemary 2 fresh sprigs
  • Olive oil
  • Chives – chopped
  • Salt and Pepper

Place the chicken and marinade in a large bowl, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, turning occasionally. (A large freezer bag also works well)

How long should you marinate the chicken?

Ideally the chicken should marinate at least 1-2 hours, but longer is great, as the chicken with soak up all that extra flavor. Marinating overnight also works.

Can I use whole chicken breasts?

Yes, simply marinade chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks and the grill.

Can I bake in the oven instead of grilling?

Yes, this recipe also works well in the oven. Bake 350º F until internal temperature reaches 165ºF

Optional vegetables to add to kabobs.

  • Bell peppers – yellow, orange or red peppers add a colorful presentation and delicious taste.
  • Cherry Tomatoes
  • Zucchine wedges
  • Mushrooms

This post was originally published on May 26, 2016. I occasionally update with fresh tips, content, and photos. Current update June 27, 2023.

Two skewers of chicken, lemon slices and red onion kabobs on bed parsley.

Lemon Herb Chicken Kebabs

Laureen King
Lemon Herb Chicken Kabobs tantalize your taste buds with zesty lemon, fragrant fresh herbs and garlic. A healthy grilled chicken recipe with a Mediterranean-inspired marinade.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Marinating Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Course barbecue, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 389 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the marinade

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice fresh squeezed
  • 2 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 1/2 cup red onion finely diced
  • 3 tablespoons chives chopped
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

for the kabobs

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 8 slices fresh lemon
  • 1/2 red onion cut into bite sized pieces

Instructions
 

Marinade Instructions

  • In a large bowl or freezer bag stir together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, rosemary, red onion, chives, salt and pepper.
  • Add the chicken breasts, toss to coat, cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, turning occasionally. 

To make the Kabobs

  • Cut the marinated chicken into bite-sized pieces. Place onto wooden or metal skewers alternating with lemon slices and chunks of red onion. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling.
  • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. 
  • Grill about 5-6 minutes per side. The chicken should be cooked through and have a charred, caramelized sear.

Notes

Nutrition

Calories: 389kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 25gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 21gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 72mgSodium: 715mgPotassium: 505mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 160IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 23mgIron: 1mg
Keyword lemon herb chicken kabobs, chicken kabobs
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Two skewers of chicken, lemon slices and red onion kabobs on bed parsley.

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