Name: Rosemary Lemon Chicken Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced; 25 fresh mint leaves, chopped; 6 Navel oranges, peeled and sliced into rounds; 1 pinch kosher salt; 1 pinch sweet paprika; 1 pinch ground cinnamon; 1 pomegranate, seeded (about 1 to 1 1/4 cups seeds); 1 lime, juiced; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 1/2 teaspoons orange blossom water (optional)

There’s something downright refreshing about bright citrus paired with fresh herbs—and that’s exactly why this Rosemary Lemon Chicken Skewers Recipe stands out. It’s juicy, zesty, and perfectly fragrant, making it a real crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.

The dish shows a white plate filled with three visible layers of thin, round orange slices arranged neatly in a slightly overlapping pattern covering the plate. On top of the orange slices are thin, curved slices of red onion scattered in between. Bright green mint leaves are spread over the salad, mixed with shiny red pomegranate seeds that add a jewel-like texture. A light dusting of reddish-orange spice powder is sprinkled evenly over the oranges and onions. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a faint piece of burlap fabric and wooden rustic table visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Rosemary Lemon Chicken Skewers Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Rosemary Lemon Chicken Skewers Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Rosemary Lemon Chicken Skewers Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made plenty of chicken skewers, but the rosemary and lemon combo in this recipe just brings everything up a notch. It’s fresh but still savory, and the balance is so satisfying. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to put together, which means less time fussing and more time enjoying.

Bright and zesty flavor: The lemon juice and fresh rosemary make every bite lively without overpowering the chicken.
Perfectly juicy chicken: Marinating just the right amount of time keeps the meat tender and flavorful.
Quick and easy prep: You can have these skewers ready in under 30 minutes—a weeknight dinner winner!
Versatile for any occasion: Whether grilling outside or broiling inside, this recipe adapts well and tastes fantastic.

The dish shows multiple layers starting with thin circular slices of bright orange oranges, stacked closely together, creating a vibrant orange base. Over this are thin, curved strips of light purple red onions scattered unevenly over the oranges. Bright green fresh mint leaves are sprinkled throughout the dish, adding contrast and texture, with some leaves torn into smaller pieces. Small, shiny deep red pomegranate seeds are scattered all over, providing a jewel-like effect. A light dusting of reddish-orange spice powder lightly covers the fruit and onions, adding texture and color contrast. The entire arrangement sits on a white marbled surface, with soft natural light enhancing the fresh and colorful ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in creating those amazing bright, herbaceous flavors that stick with you. When you pick quality fresh rosemary and lemons, your skewers will shine—trust me, it makes all the difference.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of thinly sliced small red onion, a small white ceramic bowl with bright chopped fresh mint leaves, peeled and sliced rounds of vibrant Navel oranges arranged neatly on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl filled with shiny ruby-red pomegranate seeds, a whole lime cut in half showing its juicy green interior, a small white ceramic bowl with golden extra virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with amber honey, a small white ceramic bowl with clear orange blossom water, and three small piles of kosher salt, sweet paprika, and ground cinnamon neatly spaced on the white marble surface, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Lean and quick-cooking, chicken breasts are perfect for skewers that stay tender when marinated properly.
Fresh rosemary: Its piney aroma gives the chicken that signature herby kick that pairs beautifully with citrus.
Lemon juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken during marination.
Garlic: Just enough pungency to deepen the flavor without stealing the show.
Olive oil: Keeps everything juicy, helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly, and is heart-healthy.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the other ingredients’ natural flavors.
Wooden or metal skewers: Soak wooden skewers beforehand to avoid burning, or use metal for convenience.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love keeping things simple, but I also enjoy experimenting a bit with this Rosemary Lemon Chicken Skewers Recipe. Feel free to tailor it to your taste and what you have on hand—homemade is always better when it suits you.

Variation: Try swapping out rosemary for thyme or oregano for a different herbal twist—I've done that on busy evenings when run out of fresh rosemary, and it’s still delicious.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika to the marinade if you want some heat—just a little goes a long way!
Vegetarian option: Use firm tofu or thick slices of halloumi cheese on skewers with the same marinade for an equally tasty meat-free version.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Rosemary Lemon Chicken Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by finely chopping fresh rosemary needles—avoid the woody stems, which can be tough. In a bowl, whisk together chopped rosemary, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. The acidity from the lemon really helps infuse flavor and tenderize the chicken while the oil keeps it moist.

Step 2: Cube and Marinate the Chicken

Cut chicken breasts into even bite-sized pieces—this helps everything cook evenly. Toss them in the marinade and cover. I usually let mine sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but if you're short on time, even 15 minutes will work. Just don’t rush the marinating too much; the flavors need time to soak in!

Step 3: Thread the Chicken onto Skewers

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning. Then carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space so heat circulates evenly during cooking.

Step 4: Cook the Skewers

Whether using a grill, grill pan, or broiler, cook the skewers over medium-high heat. I like about 3-4 minutes per side, flipping once, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks. Avoid overcooking by keeping an eye on them — juicy chicken beats dry every time!

Top Tip

From my experience, following these tips will really help you nail this Rosemary Lemon Chicken Skewers Recipe and enjoy every bite.

Marinate for flavor: Giving the chicken at least 30 minutes lets the lemon and rosemary really penetrate, making it juicy and flavorful.
Don’t overcrowd skewers: Leaving a bit of space between pieces ensures even cooking and those perfect grill marks.
Watch your heat: Medium-high heat cooks chicken through without burning the outside before the center’s done.
Rest before serving: Let the cooked skewers rest a few minutes to keep the juices locked in—it’s worth the wait!

How to Serve Rosemary Lemon Chicken Skewers Recipe

Rosemary Lemon Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually finish off my skewers with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or additional fresh rosemary sprigs to amplify that herbaceous vibe. A light drizzle of extra fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens everything up beautifully.

Side Dishes

I love pairing these skewers with a vibrant Mediterranean orange salad or a simple couscous tossed with herbs and pine nuts. Grilled vegetables or a light quinoa salad also complement the flavors without overwhelming them.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I sometimes serve the skewers on a large platter garnished with lemon wedges and fresh rosemary sprigs, letting guests grab as they please. Another favorite trick is placing the skewers atop grilled pita bread with tzatziki sauce for an easy, festive finger-food setup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? I pop any cooked skewers into an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. The flavors actually mellow and deepen a bit overnight which can be kind of nice!

Freezing

You can freeze the marinated chicken cubes before threading and cooking—just portion them into freezer bags. When you’re ready, thaw completely in the fridge before threading and grilling. I don’t recommend freezing cooked skewers as they can dry out.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep things moist. Microwave works too, but low and slow on the stove keeps that fresh-off-the-grill texture better.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit fattier and tend to stay juicier. Just adjust cooking time slightly—they might take a minute longer on the grill due to thickness.

How long should I marinate the chicken for?

I recommend at least 30 minutes to allow the lemon and rosemary to infuse the chicken nicely. If you can, a couple of hours or overnight in the fridge is even better for deeper flavor.

Can I cook these skewers indoors if I don’t have a grill?

Yes, you can use a grill pan on the stove or broil them in your oven. Just keep an eye so the chicken doesn’t dry out, turning the skewers as needed to get even cooking and nice color.

What can I serve with Rosemary Lemon Chicken Skewers?

Mediterranean salads, grilled veggies, couscous, quinoa salad, or even some warm pita with tzatziki are all fantastic sides. They complement the fresh flavors of the chicken without overpowering them.

Final Thoughts

This Rosemary Lemon Chicken Skewers Recipe feels like a little celebration every time I make it. It’s approachable, bursting with flavor, and always invites compliments from family and friends. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone looking to lift their weeknight meals or impress without stress. Give it a try—you’ll be glad you did!