Grilled Chicken and Zucchini Kebabs with Lemon Herb Marinade
Tender chicken breast chunks and fresh zucchini rounds are marinated in a bright lemon-herb mixture with garlic, thyme, and rosemary before being threaded onto skewers with red onion. The citrus marinade keeps the chicken juicy while adding Mediterranean flavors that complement the smoky char from the grill. Perfect for summer barbecues, weeknight dinners, or outdoor entertaining when you want something healthy yet satisfying. The colorful presentation and fresh herb aromatics make these kebabs as appealing to look at as they are to eat.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 large red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 large lemons
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Instructions
- 1
Place chicken pieces in a large bag or bowl and zucchini with red onion in a separate bag or bowl
- 2
Zest one lemon and juice both lemons into a medium bowl
- 3
Add minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, olive oil, salt and pepper to lemon mixture
- 4
Whisk marinade together and divide between chicken and vegetable containers
- 5
Marinate for 30 minutes or up to 4 hours in refrigerator
- 6
Thread chicken, zucchini, and onion alternately onto skewers
- 7
Discard remaining marinade
- 8
Brush grill with olive oil and preheat to medium heat
- 9
Grill kebabs turning often until chicken is cooked through and each side has light grill marks
Tips
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning on the grill.
Cut all ingredients to similar sizes to ensure even cooking and easy threading onto skewers.
Don't overcrowd skewers - leave small gaps between pieces for better heat circulation and more even cooking.
Good to Know
Cooked kebabs keep in refrigerator for 3 days. Raw marinated ingredients keep up to 2 days refrigerated.
Marinate chicken and vegetables up to 4 hours ahead. Thread skewers up to 2 hours before grilling.
Serve immediately after grilling while hot. Pair with rice, pita bread, or Greek salad.
Common Mistakes
Don't reuse marinade that touched raw chicken to avoid foodborne illness.
Avoid overcooking chicken or it will become dry and tough.
Don't skip preheating grill or kebabs may stick and cook unevenly.
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use metal skewers instead of wooden ones?
Yes, metal skewers work great and don't require soaking. Just be careful handling them as they get very hot during grilling.
What if I don't have a grill?
You can cook these kebabs under the broiler or in a grill pan on the stovetop. Cooking time will be similar.
How long will the marinated chicken keep?
Marinated chicken stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Don't marinate longer as the acid can break down the meat texture.