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Mini Chicken Skewers

These juicy mini chicken skewers are marinated with lemon, garlic, herbs, and smoky seasoning, then cooked until browned and tender. Serve them as a party appetizer or pair them with rice, salad, or vegetables for an easy dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Marinating 30 minutes
Total Time 59 minutes
Servings: 12 mini skewers
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-Inspired
Calories: 135
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast or chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley optional
  • Lemon wedges for serving
  • 12 short wooden or metal skewers
  • Cooking spray or additional oil as needed

Method
 

  1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 to 30 minutes.
  2. Trim the chicken and cut it into evenly sized one-inch pieces.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Add the chicken and toss until every piece is evenly coated.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to four hours.
  6. Thread approximately three pieces of chicken onto each mini skewer, leaving a small space between the pieces.
  7. Choose one of the cooking methods below and cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  8. Rest the cooked skewers for three to five minutes.
  9. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges and your preferred dipping sauce.
Oven Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
  2. Arrange the skewers on a lightly greased, foil-lined baking sheet or on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet.
  3. Bake for 14 to 18 minutes, turning once halfway through.
  4. Broil for one to two minutes at the end if additional browning is desired.
Grill Instructions
  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
  2. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 14 minutes.
  3. Turn every few minutes until browned on several sides and fully cooked.
Air Fryer Instructions
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F if required by your model.
  2. Arrange the skewers in a single layer without overlapping.
  3. Air fry for 8 to 11 minutes, turning halfway through.
  4. Cook in batches when necessary.
Grill Pan Instructions
  1. Heat a lightly oiled grill pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the skewers in a single layer.
  3. Cook for 10 to 14 minutes, turning every few minutes until browned and cooked through.

Notes

  • Chicken thighs produce the juiciest skewers, while chicken breast is leaner and cooks slightly faster.
  • Cut every chicken piece to a similar size for even cooking.
  • Do not marinate the chicken for more than four hours because the lemon juice can affect its texture.
  • Leave a little space between the pieces so the chicken browns instead of steaming.
  • Cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken pieces and the appliance used.

Nutrition Per Serving

Estimated nutrition for one mini skewer:
  • Calories: 135
  • Protein: 19 g
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g