Elevate your weeknight dinner with these Mediterranean Diet Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Skewers, a deliciously healthy and flavorful entree that's perfect for grilling season. Marinated in a vibrant blend of zesty lemon juice, aromatic garlic, and fresh herbs like oregano and parsley, these tender chicken bites are infused with Mediterranean-inspired goodness. A touch of olive oil enhances the juicy texture, while the grilled char adds a smoky depth to each skewer. Quick to prepare and packed with lean protein, this recipe pairs beautifully with sides like a crisp Greek salad or wholesome quinoa, making it perfect for those seeking a balanced, heart-healthy meal. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a wholesome family dinner, these skewers are a crowd-pleaser that seamlessly fits into Mediterranean diet principles.
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. This allows for even cooking and makes it easy to skewer.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh oregano, fresh parsley, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest to create the marinade.
Add the cubed chicken pieces to the marinade. Toss to ensure they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more intense flavor.
Before grilling, soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent them from burning while grilling.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, preheat over medium-high heat.
Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the soaked skewers, dividing the chicken evenly among them.
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks.
Once cooked, remove from the grill and let rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute through the chicken.
Serve the grilled chicken skewers with your choice of sides such as a fresh Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of quinoa to keep it within the Mediterranean dietary guidelines.
Calories |
1670 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 81.0 g | 104% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.5 g | 78% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 578 mg | 193% | |
| Sodium | 2873 mg | 125% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 11.1 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.6 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.7 g | ||
| Protein | 212.4 g | 425% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 170 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 8.0 mg | 44% | |
| Potassium | 1970 mg | 42% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.