If you’re craving something juicy, vibrant, and full of Mediterranean sunshine, Chicken Skewers in the Oven deliver all that joyful, grilled flavor—without ever firing up the grill! These skewers are the perfect answer for busy weeknights or a crowd-pleasing dinner with friends. Each bite combines tender, marinated chicken with sweet bell peppers and caramelized onions, kissed with a tangy, smoky glaze. The best part? You can get them on the table in less than an hour, and the clean-up is a breeze. Chicken Skewers in the Oven bring everyone together around the dinner table, no matter the season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s your lineup of flavorful and fresh picks! Each ingredient for Chicken Skewers in the Oven plays an important role—layering savory, sweet, and smoky notes while creating irresistible texture and gorgeous color. Let’s get familiar with our all-star players.
- Chicken breasts: The foundation—lean, juicy, and protein-packed for perfect, tender bites.
- Olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the marinade cling, keeping the chicken succulent during baking.
- Soy sauce: Delivers umami depth, balancing sweetness and bringing out the chicken’s natural richness.
- Lemon juice: Brightens up the marinade and gives the chicken a gentle tang.
- Honey: Adds just enough sweetness to help everything caramelize beautifully in the oven.
- Garlic: Packs a fragrant punch—because is any savory dish complete without garlic?
- Smoked paprika: Adds smoky depth and a splash of color for that almost-off-the-grill vibe.
- Dried oregano: For herbaceous Mediterranean flair—simple but essential.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor and seasons the chicken through and through.
- Black pepper: Gives just the right amount of gentle heat.
- Red bell pepper: Sweet, colorful, and loaded with crunch!
- Green bell pepper: Adds slightly grassy undertones and vibrant contrast.
- Red onion: For beautiful purple color and a subtle, sweet bite once roasted.
- Wooden skewers: Essential for threading—and make sure to soak them so they don’t char in the oven.
How to Make Chicken Skewers in the Oven
Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes—just right for juicy, even cooking. In a big bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in this marinade and make sure every cube gets coated. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours if you want deeper flavor). This step is where all the magic happens, infusing the chicken with a punchy, savory taste that sings.
Step 2: Prep the Veggies and Skewers
While the chicken soaks up all that flavor, get your bell peppers and red onion ready—chop them into chunky, skewer-friendly pieces. Don’t forget to soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before assembling so they don’t burn in the oven. This little trick ensures your Chicken Skewers in the Oven roast to perfection, not ash!
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
Thread the marinated chicken, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and red onion pieces onto the soaked skewers, alternating for a rainbow of colors and flavors on each stick. A pretty skewer means more excitement at the dinner table! Place the finished skewers in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper for easy clean-up.
Step 4: Roast in the Oven
Now, it’s oven time! Bake the skewers at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, turning them once halfway through so every side gets golden and delicious. This step fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas that’ll have everyone circling. If you’re after that irresistible, slightly charred finish, switch your oven to broil for the last 2–3 minutes. Keep an eye out so you catch the sweet spot between caramelized and crispy.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Once your Chicken Skewers in the Oven are cooked through and just a bit browned, take them out and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve them warm on a platter with your favorite sides, and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Chicken Skewers in the Oven
Garnishes
A fresh shower of chopped parsley or cilantro over your Chicken Skewers in the Oven makes the colors pop and adds a lovely herbaceous lift. You can also squeeze a wedge of lemon over the top just before serving for an extra zing. A sprinkle of flaked sea salt right after baking is a final chef’s kiss!
Side Dishes
These skewers pair beautifully with fluffy rice, warm pita, or a big, crisp Mediterranean salad tossed with cucumber, tomatoes, and feta. You can also tuck them into flatbreads with a drizzle of tzatziki, or serve alongside roasted potatoes for something hearty. The possibilities really are endless with Chicken Skewers in the Oven—mix and match to suit your mood!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn dinner into a fun DIY affair by serving Chicken Skewers in the Oven platter-style with bowls of dips and spreads—think garlicky hummus, creamy yogurt sauce, or spicy harissa. For parties, try mini-skewers as colorful appetizers, or set out a build-your-own bowl bar with grains, veggies, and sauces. Presentation is half the fun here!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Chicken Skewers in the Oven stay moist and flavorful when stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Remove the chicken and veggies from the skewers for easier packing, and let them cool before sealing.
Freezing
To freeze, simply slide everything off the skewers and lay the chicken and veggies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months—perfect for a quick future meal! Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, arrange the chicken and veggies on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 8-10 minutes). You can also pop them in the microwave for a minute or two, but the oven helps maintain that slightly crispy edge. Try not to overheat to keep the chicken juicy!
FAQs
Do I have to marinate the chicken, or can I bake it right away?
While you technically could bake without marinating, even 30 minutes in the marinade transforms the chicken, infusing it with flavor and helping it stay juicy. For the ultimate Chicken Skewers in the Oven, don’t skip this tasty step!
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a little richer and even more forgiving in the oven. Just cut them into even-sized pieces and marinate as usual—the result is extra juicy skewers.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
No worries! You can swap in regular paprika or even chili powder for gentle heat. Smoked paprika adds subtle barbecue flair, but the recipe will still shine with whatever you have on hand.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
Chicken is done when it’s nicely browned and the juices run clear, or you can use a meat thermometer—look for 165°F in the thickest piece. Since the pieces are small, they cook quickly, so check near the end.
Can I grill these instead of baking?
Definitely! Chicken Skewers in the Oven are designed for the easy, year-round convenience of the oven, but they also work wonderfully on a grill. Just preheat your grill and cook over medium-high heat, turning until cooked through and slightly charred.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a simple dinner that tastes like a celebration, don’t miss your chance to try these Chicken Skewers in the Oven. They’re truly a crowd-pleaser—vivid, healthy, and bursting with flavor. Gather your favorite people, whip up a batch, and see how quickly they become a new go-to favorite!
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Chicken Skewers in the Oven Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Tender and flavorful chicken skewers baked in the oven with a Mediterranean flair. These juicy skewers are marinated in a savory blend of spices and served with colorful peppers and onions for a delicious and healthy meal.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Skewers:
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
- wooden skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Marinate: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
- Assemble skewers: Thread the marinated chicken, bell peppers, and onion pieces alternately onto soaked skewers.
- Bake: Place skewers on the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until chicken is cooked through and slightly browned.
- Broil: For a charred finish, broil for the last 2–3 minutes. Serve warm with sides.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes before baking to prevent burning.
- Add zucchini or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Serve with rice, pita, or a fresh salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
