When I was a kid, summer meant two things: long evenings outside and the smell of something sizzling on the grill. My dad was the king of grilling, but his secret?
Keeping it simple.
No fancy rubs, no complicated marinades—just fresh ingredients, a few seasonings, and a hot grill. One of his best meals was always skewers.
He’d grab whatever veggies were in the fridge, cube up some chicken, and let the flames do their magic.
Now, I carry on that tradition with these grilled chicken and zucchini skewers. They’re fresh, colorful, and ridiculously good. Plus, they’re packed with lean protein, vitamins, and just the right amount of smoky char.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or just need an easy weeknight dinner, these skewers check every box.
Let’s get grilling! 🔥🍢
Tips for Maximum Flavor & Nutrition:
- Don’t skip the marinade! Even 30 minutes makes a big difference in flavor.
- Zucchini can cook fast, so keep an eye on it—you want it tender with a slight char, not mushy.
- If you don’t have a grill, no problem! You can broil these in the oven on a baking sheet for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Short on time? Pre-marinate the chicken the night before so you can grill straight away.
Variations & Substitutions
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for extra-firm tofu or mushrooms.
- Different Protein: Try shrimp or beef instead of chicken.
- More Veggies? Add cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or yellow squash for extra color and flavor.
- Herb Swap: No oregano? Use thyme or rosemary instead.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over a bed of quinoa, rice, or couscous for a complete meal.
- Pair with a fresh Greek salad or grilled corn on the cob.
- Wrap in pita bread with tzatziki for a quick and tasty wrap.
Grilled Chicken and Zucchini Skewers
Juicy grilled chicken and zucchini skewers marinated in a simple lemon-garlic blend. A perfect summer meal that’s healthy and packed with flavor.
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Skewers:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces (optional, for color)
- 1 small red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 8–10 wooden or metal skewers
For the Marinade:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh is best)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- ½ cup tzatziki or plain Greek yogurt (optional)
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the cubed chicken and toss until well-coated. Cover and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor).
Alternate threading the marinated chicken, zucchini slices, red bell pepper, and red onion onto skewers. Make sure not to pack them too tightly so everything cooks evenly.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning every few minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp should reach 165°F).
Remove from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve with tzatziki or Greek yogurt, a squeeze of fresh lemon, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil.
Notes
Soak wooden skewers before grilling. Best served fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (about 2 skewers per person)
- Calories: 220 per skewer
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
