These easy oven chicken skewers are super simple and packed with flavor! Just marinate the chicken, thread it onto skewers, and bake until golden. It’s a tasty hit for any meal!
Who doesn’t love chicken on a stick? I like to serve them with a side of veggies or dip. It’s a fun way to make dinner feel special without a lot of work. Give it a try! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness, but chicken breasts work too. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey can be a good substitute.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds great flavor, but you can use vegetable oil or avocado oil if you prefer. These oils can handle the high heat of baking.
Spices: Turmeric, cumin, and smoked paprika are key to this recipe’s flavor. If you lack any, for turmeric, try curry powder. For cumin, consider coriander. You can skip smoked paprika for regular paprika, but the smoky flavor adds extra depth.
Herbs: Fresh cilantro or parsley is best, but dried herbs can work in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs since they’re more concentrated.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice is fine, but fresh is always more vibrant.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken is Juicy and Flavorful?
The secret to juicy chicken skewers lies in two main steps: marinating and cooking. Marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes; the longer, the better. This breaks down the proteins, making the chicken tender and allowing the flavors to soak in.
- Use a resealable plastic bag or bowl for marinating. This helps the chicken get fully coated.
- Check the internal temperature after baking; it should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety and juiciness.
- Turning the skewers halfway during baking helps them cook more evenly and get nice char marks.
Easy Oven Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro or parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- Juice of 1 lemon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time, plus at least 20 minutes for marinating, and around 25 minutes for baking. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour for a delicious and easy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking tray with foil to make cleanup easy. Place a wire rack on top of it to let the heat circulate around the skewers.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together olive oil, turmeric, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, chopped cilantro or parsley, and lemon juice. This flavorful mixture will be the key to tasty chicken.
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces into the marinade. Toss them gently until all pieces are well coated. For the best flavor, let them marinate for at least 20 minutes. If you have more time, feel free to let them sit in the fridge for up to 2 hours!
4. Thread the Chicken:
Once marinated, it’s time to thread the chicken onto skewers. You can use either wooden or metal skewers. Make sure the chicken pieces are snug but not too tight, so they can cook evenly.
5. Bake the Skewers:
Place your skewers on the wire rack over the prepared baking tray. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. Remember to turn them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and get nice char marks!
6. Optional Broiling:
If you want that extra browned texture, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once cooked, take the skewers out of the oven. Sprinkle some extra chopped cilantro or parsley over the top for a fresh finish. Serve warm with your favorite sides, like rice, salad, or a tasty yogurt dip.
Enjoy your flavorful, juicy oven-baked chicken skewers!
FAQ for Easy Oven Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs, but they may be a bit drier since they have less fat. Just be careful not to overcook them; they should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What If I Don’t Have Any Wooden Skewers?
No worries! Metal skewers work perfectly fine for this recipe. If you only have wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning in the oven.
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Yes! Marinating the chicken overnight in the fridge can enhance the flavors even more. Just be cautious not to exceed 24 hours, as the acid from the lemon juice can start to break down the chicken too much.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave until heated through.