How to Cook Juicy Chicken Skewers in the Oven to Perfection

Chicken skewers are a classic crowd-pleaser that can be made easily at home. With a simple marinade and by following a few tips, you can achieve delicious, juicy oven-baked chicken skewers right in your own kitchen.

Why Make Chicken Skewers?

There are many great reasons to cook up chicken skewers at home

• They are an easy and healthy dinner, lunch, or appetizer option. Chicken is a lean source of protein.

• You can customize the flavor with endless marinade possibilities.

• Skewering the chicken makes it easy to cook evenly.

• Chicken skewers are budget-friendly and feed a crowd.

• Cooking them in the oven is convenient and requires minimal cleanup.

• Kids love these fun “picks” and will gobble them up.

• You can add veggies to the skewers for a full and colorful meal.

Step-by-Step Guide to Oven-Baked Chicken Skewers

Follow these simple steps for foolproof chicken skewers every time:

Ingredients

• 1-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-2 inch pieces
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
• Marinade ingredients:
  • 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Make the marinade: Whisk together the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.

2. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a shallow dish or ziplock. Coat with the marinade. Refrigerate for 30 minutes up to overnight.

3. Soak the skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.

4. Thread the chicken: Thread the chicken pieces evenly onto the skewers, leaving a tiny space between pieces.

5. Prepare baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease with oil.

6. Bake the skewers: Place skewers on the baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes. Flip and bake 5 more minutes until done.

7. Rest and serve: Allow to rest 3-5 minutes before serving with desired sauces.

Tips for Best Results

• Use metal or pre-soaked wooden skewers to prevent burning.

• Alternate chicken with veggies like peppers, onion, zucchini.

• Arrange skewers so they are not touching on the baking sheet.

• Brush with extra marinade halfway through baking.

• Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.

• Let skewers rest before serving so juices redistribute.

• Garnish with chopped parsley, sesame seeds, or green onion.

Delicious Marinade Ideas

The marinade is key to infusing the chicken with lots of flavor. Here are some tasty marinade options to try:

• Greek: Olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic

• Mediterranean: Olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder

• Asian: Soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, ginger

• Jerk: Brown sugar, jerk seasoning, lime juice, thyme

• Tandoori: Plain yogurt, tandoori paste, cumin, garlic

• Fajita: Lime juice, chili powder, cumin, coriander

• Italian: Balsamic vinegar, basil, garlic, parsley

• BBQ: Ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, chili powder

Get creative and make your own signature marinade! Allow the chicken to marinate for 30 minutes to overnight.

What to Serve with Chicken Skewers

Chicken skewers pair well with many sides, sauces, and dips:

• Rice or couscous
• Roasted vegetables
• Greens or Greek salad
• Pita bread or naan
• Tzatziki, chimichurri or hummus
• BBQ sauce, teriyaki, or peanut sauce

A simple meal of chicken skewers with rice and veggies makes an easy, healthy dinner. For a Mediterranean feast, serve with hummus, pita, and Greek salad. For an Asian flair, try them with fried rice and a peanut or teriyaki dipping sauce.

Grilled vs. Oven-Baked Chicken Skewers

While grilling imparts a delicious smoky char, oven baking chicken skewers is an excellent alternative when you don’t have access to a grill. The hot, dry heat of the oven will cook the chicken all the way through and add light browning to the outside.

Oven baking requires no charcoal or propane and can be done year-round. It also frees up your stovetop for cooking sides. Just be sure to use a baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup.

While they won’t have quite the same charred flavor, oven-baked chicken skewers come out juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. With a flavorful marinade, you may not even be able to tell the difference!

Cooking Chicken Skewers on the Stovetop

If you want to cook chicken skewers indoors without heating up the oven, the stovetop is another quick and convenient option.

To pan-fry chicken skewers:

• Preheat a skillet over medium heat and add 1-2 Tbsp oil.

• Working in batches, add the skewers and cook turning occasionally until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes total.

You can also prepare chicken skewers in a grill pan to get those coveted grill marks. Cook over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side.

For optimal flavor and texture, sear the skewers first on the stovetop to get crispy exterior and finish cooking in a 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes until the interior cooks through.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips

For easy entertaining, chicken skewers can be prepped ahead:

• Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance.

• Assemble the skewers and refrigerate for several hours before cooking.

• Par-cook the skewers in the oven then finish on the grill.

You can also freeze assembled raw chicken skewers:

• Place in a single layer on a sheet pan and freeze until solid.

• Transfer to ziplock freezer bags.

• Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking as directed.

The marinade can be made 4-5 days in advance. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

With a little planning, you can whip up these crowd-pleasing chicken skewers anytime and enjoy them right away or save them for later!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best cut of chicken for skewers?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts work well. Thighs stay juicier, while breasts cook quickly. Chicken tenders are also a good option.

How long should I marinate chicken for skewers?

For the best flavor, marinate for at least 30 minutes up to 8 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

What temperature should chicken skewers be cooked to?

Cook chicken skewers until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The juices will run clear when pricked with a fork.

Can you use wooden skewers without soaking?

It’s best to soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes first. This prevents them from burning and makes them sturdier for handling.

How do I get char marks on oven baked skewers?

Broil the skewers for just 1-2 minutes at the end to add char. You can also sear them first in a hot skillet before baking.

How long do baked chicken skewers last in the fridge?

Cooked chicken skewers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Time to Get Skewering!

Now you’re ready to make your own crowd-pleasing chicken skewers at home. With flavorful marinades and by following these helpful oven-baking tips, you can enjoy this versatile dish any night of the week. Impress your family and friends with your own signature chicken skewers and savor the delicious, juicy results.