These Grilled Chicken & Zucchini Skewers are the embodiment of summer dining light, zesty, and infused with the bold flavors of fresh herbs. The marinade of rosemary, thyme, parsley, and garlic brings out the juiciness of the chicken while the zucchini adds a delicate, charred sweetness that pairs beautifully. Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, a weeknight family dinner, or a healthy weekend meal prep, these skewers deliver with both simplicity and taste. They’re naturally gluten-free, low in carbs, and ideal for anyone craving a clean, satisfying dish straight off the grill. Pair with a side salad or couscous and a chilled glass of white wine for a complete meal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1½-inch pieces
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2 medium zucchini, sliced into ½-inch rounds
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tablespoon lemon zest
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1½ teaspoons kosher salt
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½ teaspoon ground black pepper
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8–10 wooden or metal skewers
Directions:
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If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
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In a large bowl, combine olive oil, rosemary, thyme, parsley, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
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Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
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Thread chicken and zucchini onto skewers, alternating pieces.
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Preheat grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates.
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Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and grill marks appear.
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Remove from grill and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal
Servings: 4 servings
Grilled Chicken & Zucchini Skewers: A Summer Grilling Favorite
Grilled Chicken & Zucchini Skewers are a celebration of simple ingredients transformed by the magic of grilling. Featuring juicy, herb-marinated chicken paired with tender rounds of zucchini, this recipe delivers a flavorful, healthy meal that’s perfect for warm weather dining. It’s easy to prepare, naturally gluten-free, low in carbohydrates, and deeply satisfying without being heavy.
This recipe is inspired by Mediterranean flavors and rustic grilling traditions. Using a blend of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley, along with lemon zest and garlic, the marinade deeply infuses the chicken with flavor. When grilled, the chicken caramelizes beautifully while staying moist and tender, and the zucchini takes on smoky notes and slight char a contrast that’s both colorful and mouthwatering.
Why This Dish Works
1. Simplicity with Sophistication
One of the standout features of this recipe is its simplicity. You only need a handful of ingredients, but the result tastes like something from a gourmet grill restaurant. The herbs and lemon zest elevate the flavor of the chicken without requiring heavy sauces or complex seasonings.
The skewers are visually stunning, especially when served on a rustic platter with fresh garnishes like lemon wedges and chopped herbs. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this dish always looks and feels like a special occasion.
2. Perfect for Meal Prep or Gatherings
These skewers are as versatile as they are delicious. You can marinate the chicken a few hours in advance or even overnight, making it an ideal choice for meal prepping or planning ahead for a barbecue. Once skewered, they take under 15 minutes to grill, making them quick to prepare and serve.
Because they’re portable and can be served hot or at room temperature, they’re also perfect for picnics, potlucks, or tailgates. You can double or triple the recipe to feed a crowd, or simply enjoy it with your family for a no-fuss weekday dinner.
Flavor Profile
This dish leans heavily on the fresh, green notes of herbs and the brightness of lemon, balanced by the savoriness of grilled meat. The olive oil in the marinade helps the herbs adhere to the chicken while also sealing in moisture during the grilling process. Garlic adds a pungent backbone to the flavor profile, while lemon zest cuts through the richness with a burst of citrus.
Zucchini, often underrated, serves as the perfect companion here. When grilled, it becomes slightly sweet and smoky, enhancing the overall taste and texture of each skewer. Together, the chicken and zucchini offer a balanced bite every time.
Health Benefits
1. Lean Protein Source
Chicken thighs are slightly richer in fat than chicken breast, which makes them more flavorful and juicy on the grill. Despite the fat content, they’re still an excellent source of lean protein and essential nutrients like niacin, selenium, and vitamin B6.
2. Low-Carb & Gluten-Free
These skewers are naturally gluten-free and low in carbohydrates, making them ideal for people following ketogenic, paleo, or gluten-sensitive diets. The use of fresh, whole ingredients ensures that the dish fits within many healthy eating frameworks without compromising taste.
3. Vegetable-Packed
Zucchini is low in calories but high in water content and vitamins such as vitamin C and potassium. It’s a fantastic vegetable for grilling because of its firm texture and ability to absorb surrounding flavors while maintaining structural integrity.
Tips for Perfect Skewers
1. Cut Evenly
Ensure your chicken pieces and zucchini slices are cut evenly so they cook at the same rate. Uneven cuts can lead to some ingredients being undercooked while others become overdone.
2. Don’t Skip the Marinating Time
Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors penetrate the meat. For deeper flavor, consider marinating overnight. However, avoid marinating longer than 24 hours, as the acids in the lemon juice can start to break down the chicken and affect its texture.
3. Use the Right Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling is essential to prevent them from burning. Metal skewers, on the other hand, are reusable and tend to conduct heat, which can help cook the chicken more evenly from the inside out.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Grill
Give your skewers enough space on the grill to ensure they cook evenly and develop that beautiful char. Overcrowding traps heat and moisture, which can steam rather than sear the chicken.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a light, Mediterranean-style meal, consider serving it with:
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A lemony couscous or quinoa salad
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Grilled corn on the cob with herbed butter
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Tzatziki or a yogurt-based dipping sauce
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Fresh tomato and cucumber salad
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Warm pita or flatbread
If you’re looking to keep it low-carb, you could opt for cauliflower rice, grilled eggplant, or a simple green salad with vinaigrette.
For beverages, chilled white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the herbs and lemon beautifully. Iced herbal tea or sparkling water with citrus also makes for a refreshing non-alcoholic option.
Variations and Add-Ons
This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Here are a few ways to switch things up:
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Add Red Onion or Bell Peppers: For more color and variety, alternate zucchini with chunks of red onion or sweet bell peppers.
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Swap Herbs: Use basil, oregano, or cilantro for a different herbaceous twist.
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Use Chicken Breast: If you prefer leaner meat, chicken breast works just as well—just be careful not to overcook it.
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Make it Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne to the marinade for a spicy kick.
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Try it with Tofu: For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with firm tofu. Just press it thoroughly to remove moisture before marinating.
Why You’ll Love It
Whether you’re cooking for two or a crowd, these Grilled Chicken & Zucchini Skewers are sure to become a staple in your rotation. They’re bursting with flavor, customizable, and require minimal cleanup especially if you grill them outdoors.
These skewers strike a rare balance between healthy and indulgent, simple and sophisticated. They’re ideal for busy weeknights but elegant enough for summer soirées. The fresh herbs and lemon provide a brightness that enhances the smoky char of the grill, making every bite satisfying and refreshing.
Conclusion:
Grilled Chicken & Zucchini Skewers are more than just another grilled dish they’re a go-to recipe for warm weather cooking, health-conscious eating, and effortless entertaining. With bold flavors from fresh herbs and citrus, a wholesome balance of protein and veggies, and beautiful presentation, this dish checks every box.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or grilling for friends and family, this recipe delivers consistent results that are always crowd-pleasers. Bookmark this one you’ll be coming back to it all summer long.