The sun is shining, the days are long, and the grill is calling! Nothing quite says “easy summer meals” like the sizzle of food on the barbecue, and these Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken and Veggie Skewers are about to become your new seasonal obsession. Forget heavy, complicated dinners; this recipe is all about vibrant flavors, simple prep, and minimal cleanup, making it a true champion of the “ProTips for Easy Life” philosophy.
Imagine tender, juicy chunks of chicken, marinated in a bright, zesty lemon-herb blend, nestled alongside colorful, crisp-tender vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion. Threaded onto skewers, they cook up quickly on the grill, absorbing that irresistible smoky char while remaining moist and succulent. It’s a complete meal on a stick, offering a perfect balance of lean protein and wholesome veggies. Whether you’re planning a casual backyard barbecue, a healthy weeknight dinner for two, or need easy summer meals for a crowd, these skewers are effortlessly chic and universally loved. Get ready to enjoy the taste of summer without the fuss!
Table of Contents:
- Why You’ll Love These Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggie Skewers
- Ingredients
- How to Cook
- Pro Tips for Easy Life
- Serving Suggestions
- Storage and Reheating
Why You’ll Love These Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken and Veggie Skewers:
- Effortlessly Easy: Simple assembly and quick grilling mean less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying summer.
- Flavor Explosion: The lemon-herb marinade infuses every bite with a refreshing, aromatic zest.
- Healthy & Balanced: A complete meal packed with lean protein and an abundance of fresh vegetables.
- Customizable Fun: Easily swap out veggies or even add different proteins to suit your taste or what’s in season.
- Grill Perfect: Achieves that sought-after smoky char and tender finish that only grilling can provide.
- Minimal Cleanup: Cooking on skewers means less mess on the grill grates and quicker dish duty.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for entertaining, potlucks, or just a fun family dinner.
Ready to light up the grill and savor the taste of summer? Let’s get skewering!
- Yields: 4 servings (approx. 8-10 skewers)
- Prep time: 20 minutes (plus 30 mins marinating)
- Cook time: 10-15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs (about 680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 large bell peppers (any color), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch thick half-moons or 1-inch chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (optional)
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes beforehand)
For the Lemon Herb Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3-4 tbsp)
- 01 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 01 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 02 cloves garlic, minced
- 01 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick
How to Cook:
- Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients: olive oil, lemon juice, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, tossing until evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prep Veggies: While the chicken marinates, prepare your vegetables by cutting them into uniform pieces. This ensures they cook evenly on the grill.
- Assemble Skewers: If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken and prepared vegetables onto the skewers, alternating chicken pieces with different vegetables for a colorful and even cook. Try to fit 4-5 pieces of chicken and an equal amount of veggies per skewer. A reusable metal skewers can be a great investment for easy summer meals!
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. A good set of silicone basting brushes is handy for this and applying extra marinade.
- Grill Skewers: Place the assembled skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C) and the vegetables are tender-crisp with nice grill marks.
- Serve: Remove skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh herbs or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, if desired. Enjoy your vibrant and easy summer meal!
Pro Tips for Easy Life:
- Uniform Cutting is Key: Ensuring your chicken and vegetable pieces are roughly the same size will guarantee they cook evenly. No one wants undercooked chicken or burnt veggies!
- Don’t Overcrowd Skewers: Leave a little space between each piece on the skewer. This allows for better airflow and ensures everything cooks through and gets those lovely grill marks instead of steaming.
- Marinate Smarter, Not Longer: While 30 minutes is great, a few hours in the marinade will deepen the flavor. Don’t marinate chicken in lemon juice for too long (over 4-6 hours) as the acidity can start to break down the proteins, making the chicken mushy.
- Batch Prep for a Crowd: If you’re making easy summer meals for a crowd, prepare the chicken and chop veggies a day ahead. Marinate the chicken overnight, and then assemble the skewers right before grilling. This seriously cuts down on day-of stress.
- Indoor Option: No grill? No problem! You can easily make these in the oven on a sheet pan (like our previous recipe!). Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through. A reliable instant-read meat thermometer is essential for perfectly cooked chicken every time, whether grilling or roasting!
Serving Suggestions:
These Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggie Skewers are a complete meal on their own, but if you’re looking to round out your easy summer meal, consider serving them with:
- A side of fluffy couscous or quinoa.
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- A dollop of tzatziki or a cooling cucumber-dill yogurt sauce.
- Fresh, crusty bread to soak up any juices.
- Brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthy, low-carb option.
Storage and Reheating:
- Storage: Store leftover cooked chicken and veggie skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can remove the ingredients from the skewers for easier storage.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. For best results (and to re-crisp veggies slightly), you can also reheat them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
These Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggie Skewers are a testament to how effortlessly delicious and healthy easy summer meals can be. They’re perfect for grilling season, offering a fresh, vibrant, and satisfying option that keeps cleanup to a minimum. Enjoy the sunshine and these fantastic flavors!
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