Name: Chicken Skewers in the Oven Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes); 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp honey; 2 garlic cloves (minced); 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 red bell pepper (cut into chunks); 1 yellow bell pepper (cut into chunks); 1 red onion (cut into chunks); wooden or metal skewers

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You know those recipes that instantly rocket straight into your weeknight dinner rotation? That’s how I feel about these Chicken Skewers in the Oven. With simple pantry ingredients, a bright Mediterranean-inspired marinade, and colorful veggies, they’re juicy, flavorful, and look absolutely gorgeous on a platter. Best of all, everything is oven-baked, so you can enjoy that irresistible smoky-char flavor even if it’s too chilly to grill. If you’re craving a versatile, crowd-pleasing main that comes together with minimal fuss, Chicken Skewers in the Oven are about to become your new go-to.

Chicken Skewers in the Oven Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe really is how the simplest ingredients can transform chicken into something vibrant and irresistible. Each item in the lineup brings its own character, whether it’s richness, sweetness, a punch of color, or a burst of citrusy brightness.

Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless for lean yet tender bites—thighs can also work for extra juiciness!
Olive oil: Adds moisture and helps marry the marinade flavors beautifully.
Soy sauce: Brings a subtle umami depth and helps the chicken brown perfectly.
Lemon juice: Fresh, tangy citrus that brightens up every bite.
Honey: Just a touch for balanced sweetness and gorgeous caramelization.
Garlic cloves: Minced for a savory, robust backbone.
Smoked paprika: This is the secret for smoky, earthy flavor without a grill.
Dried oregano: Lends a Mediterranean herbal aroma that feels like summer.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, especially the chicken and veggies.
Black pepper: For a gentle kick of spice and warmth.
Red bell pepper: Adds juicy sweetness and a pop of vibrant color.
Yellow bell pepper: Even more color plus a slightly milder, sunny flavor.
Red onion: Gives a subtly sweet, savory hint and looks beautiful on the skewers.
Wooden or metal skewers: Wooden ones need a soak—don’t skip it!—while metal are reusable and sturdy.

How to Make Chicken Skewers in the Oven

Step 1: Soak Your Skewers

If you’re using wooden skewers, this is a non-negotiable: soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before you even think about threading anything. It’s a simple trick that keeps them from scorching in the hot oven, ensuring everything cooks evenly. Get this started right at the beginning, and you’ll save yourself any charred surprises later!

Step 2: Preheat and Prep the Pan

Before you get your hands messy, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with either foil or parchment paper. This not only makes for easy cleanup but also helps with even cooking and preventing sticky messes. Lining the pan is one of those little steps that makes a big difference.

Step 3: Mix Up the Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This powerhouse marinade is what transforms plain chicken into something truly next-level. Be generous and make sure everything gets whisked until it’s smooth and beautifully fragrant.

Step 4: Marinate the Chicken

Add your chicken cubes straight into that bowl of marinade, tossing them gently until each piece is thoroughly coated. Let them rest for at least 20 minutes—longer if you have the time, up to two hours in the fridge. The marinade infuses tenderness and deep, layered flavor, ensuring every bite is delicious all the way through.

Step 5: Thread the Skewers

Now the fun part: assemble your Chicken Skewers in the Oven! Alternate chunks of chicken with the red and yellow bell peppers and wedges of red onion on each skewer, playing with the colors for maximum visual appeal. Not only does this make the skewers beautiful, but each bite gets a mix of juicy chicken and caramelized veggies.

Step 6: Arrange and Bake

Lay your loaded skewers in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure there’s a little space between each one so the heat circulates nicely. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked and the veggies are lightly browned. The oven does all the hard work for you here!

Step 7: Broil for Charred Perfection

For that irresistible grilled look and a hint of smoky flavor, switch your oven to broil on high for the last 2–3 minutes. Watch closely! That final blast will give your Chicken Skewers in the Oven those beautiful char marks, bringing everything together with a touch of crispiness.

How to Serve Chicken Skewers in the Oven

Garnishes

If you want to take these skewers over the top, sprinkle them with freshly chopped parsley, a few squeezes of fresh lemon, or even a dusting of crumbled feta for a tangy, creamy finish. A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil just before serving can add gorgeous shine and extra flavor, too.

Side Dishes

Chicken Skewers in the Oven are endlessly versatile on the dinner table. Serve them over fluffy rice, alongside warm pita bread, or with a big spoonful of creamy tzatziki for a complete meal. A crisp green salad tossed with cucumbers and tomatoes makes a fresh, colorful, and crunchy pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your imagination run wild! For parties, slide individual skewers into mini glasses with dipping sauce at the bottom for a fun, interactive appetizer. Or build vibrant skewer “bowls” by removing the meat and veggies and layering them over grains with your favorite toppings. Chicken Skewers in the Oven always look festive arranged on a big platter, surrounded by extra veggies, salads, or dips.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, carefully slide any remaining chicken and veggies off the skewers and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Leftover Chicken Skewers in the Oven are best enjoyed within three days, and they taste just as good the next day for lunch or tucked into a wrap.

Freezing

Planning ahead? You absolutely can freeze the cooked chicken and veggies from your skewers. Let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months, making them a great option for future quick meals.

Reheating

To reheat, simply spread the pieces out on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them into a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes, until warmed through. You can also microwave them in short bursts, but the oven helps keep the chicken juicy and brings back some of that roasted flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a wonderful alternative in Chicken Skewers in the Oven. They’re extra juicy and forgiving if you’re worried about overcooking, and they soak up the marinade beautifully. Just cube them the same size as directed for even cooking.

What can I use instead of skewers?

If you don’t have skewers, you can bake the marinated chicken and veggies together on a sheet pan, spreading them in a single layer. While you’ll miss out on some of the presentation fun, you’ll get all the same great flavors in every bite.

Can I prepare the skewers in advance?

Definitely! You can assemble the Chicken Skewers in the Oven up to a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge until ready to bake. This makes them perfect for entertaining or for getting a jump start on busy weeknights.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes! To keep these skewers gluten-free, just be sure to use a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in the marinade. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so your whole crew can enjoy them worry-free.

Do I need to turn the skewers while baking?

Yes, turning the Chicken Skewers in the Oven halfway through baking is essential for even browning and cooking. This step gives every side a chance to caramelize and helps prevent any pieces from drying out.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so rewarding about pulling a tray of Chicken Skewers in the Oven from the oven, golden and sizzling, ready to gather everyone around the table. I hope you’ll give them a try and make them your own—simple, colorful, and packed with flavor, these skewers are sure to become a dinnertime favorite in your home too!

Chicken Skewers in the Oven Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Chicken Skewers in the Oven are a quick and flavorful way to enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired meal. Tender chicken marinated in a savory blend of spices, paired with colorful bell peppers and onions, all baked to perfection. A simple and delicious dish perfect for any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp honey
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

For the Skewers:

1 red bell pepper (cut into chunks)
1 yellow bell pepper (cut into chunks)
1 red onion (cut into chunks)
wooden or metal skewers

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Instructions

Prepare the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken cubes and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 20 minutes.
Assemble the Skewers: Thread marinated chicken, bell peppers, and onion onto skewers, alternating pieces for color and flavor.
Bake the Skewers: Arrange skewers on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken is fully cooked and browned.
Broil for Char: For a charred effect, broil on high for 2–3 minutes. Let rest before serving.