Grilled Lemon Dijon Chicken Skewers
These lemon Dijon chicken skewers are a quick, flavorful option for busy weeknights and make a great crowd-pleasing entree for casual dinners. The marinade combines bright fresh lemon juice, tangy Dijon, garlic and oregano to infuse boneless chicken breast with lots of flavor. Marinate the chicken for at least an hour or refrigerate overnight for best results — you can even freeze the marinated chicken to use another day. Grill the skewers on an outdoor grill or an indoor grill pan for a juicy, charred finish. Serve with a big chopped salad, orzo, or grilled vegetables for a satisfying, balanced meal.
Lemon Dijon Marinade Ingredients
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh oregano (or 2 teaspoons dried)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste
- 16 ounces skinless boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 red onion, quartered and layers separated (optional, for skewering)
- 4 lemon wedges for serving
- 4 metal skewers (or soaked wooden skewers)
More Chicken Breast Recipes You Will Love
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Yield: 4 servings — Serving size: 1 skewer
Cook time: about 15 minutes. Marinate time: 1 hour or overnight for best flavor.
Ingredients (with amounts)
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh oregano, or 2 teaspoons dried
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste
- 16 oz skinless boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 red onion, quartered and layers separated
- 4 lemon wedges, for serving
- 4 metal skewers (or soaked wooden skewers)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the crushed garlic, olive oil, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, oregano, salt and pepper until well combined.
- Place the cubed chicken in a large resealable bag or airtight container and pour the marinade over the chicken. Press out excess air, seal, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. If you plan to freeze, place the sealed bag flat in the freezer to use another day; thaw in the fridge before grilling.
- When ready to cook, thread the marinated chicken cubes and separated red onion layers onto skewers, alternating pieces for even cooking.
- Preheat an outdoor grill or an indoor grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or pan to prevent sticking.
- Grill the skewers about 4–6 minutes per side, rotating once, until the chicken is nicely charred on the outside and no longer pink in the center. For food safety, cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the grill and let the skewers rest a couple of minutes. Serve with fresh lemon wedges to squeeze over the chicken.
Tips and Variations
- Marinating time: While 1 hour imparts flavor, refrigerating overnight gives the best depth. Avoid marinating more than 24 hours to prevent texture changes from too much acid.
- Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Vegetables: Add bell peppers, zucchini rounds or cherry tomatoes to the skewers for a complete one-pan meal.
- Herb swaps: Substitute fresh thyme or rosemary for oregano for a different herbal profile. If using dried herbs, use about 1/3 the amount of fresh.
- Make-ahead and freezing: Marinated, uncooked chicken skewers can be frozen on a tray and then transferred to a freezer bag. Thaw fully in the refrigerator before grilling.
- Cooking method: If weather or equipment limits grilling, cook skewers on a hot grill pan or broil on a sheet pan, turning once, until cooked through.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 164 kcal • Protein: 26 g • Carbohydrates: 4 g • Fat: 4 g • Fiber: 1 g • Cholesterol: 83 mg • Sodium: 452 mg
Serving Suggestions
These skewers pair beautifully with a crisp chopped salad, a Greek-style cucumber salad, or a side of orzo tossed with herbs and lemon. Grilled vegetables and warm pita or rice pilaf also complement the tangy Dijon and lemon flavors.
Final note
If you try this recipe, please leave a rating or comment to share how it turned out. Feedback helps refine the recipe and helps others find reliable, delicious ideas for their next meal.
