Lemon Chicken Skewers with Red Onion
Updated Aug 31, 2025, Published on Jun 27, 2025
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If you're looking for a fresh, flavorful summer dinner that feels perfect for warm weather, these Lemon Chicken Skewers with Red Onion are a must-try! The skewers are cooked until slightly charred, but remain super juicy. They're easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to serve at your next backyard cookout. You can grill the chicken outdoors or roast in the oven.
Looking for more tasty chicken recipes? Try my Thai Peanut Chicken or Chipotle Copycat Chicken recipes!
Watch how to make it here!
Why You'll Love these Lemon Chicken Skewers with Red Onion
- Bright, fresh flavor: The lemony marinade is simple and only takes a couple of minutes to prepare, but makes the chicken incredibly vibrant and juicy.
- Minimal prep, big payoff: Just marinate, skewer, and cook!
- Grill or oven-friendly: Perfect for outdoor grilling, but just as tasty roasted indoors.
- Great for meal prep: The leftovers taste great cold or reheat well in the microwave or oven, making this a great option for easy lunches.
- Customizable: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or switch up the herbs to make it your own.
Recipe Ingredients
See the recipe card below for the complete list of ingredients with exact quantities.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: I highly recommend using chicken thighs rather than chicken breasts for this recipe. Chicken thighs are nearly impossible to overcook and will remain juicy after cooking over high heat on the grill.
Lemon Chicken Skewers (Step-by-Step Instructions)
See the recipe card below for the full list of instructions.
- Measure out ingredients and prepare the marinade.
- Marinate the chicken and onion pieces in the fridge for at least 1 hour or up to 6 hours.
- Thread the chicken thighs and red onions onto the skewers.
- Grill or cook the skewers in the oven.
Ready to try it? Scroll to the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and full instructions.
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Lemon Chicken Skewers with Red Onion
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, cut into 1 ½ inch pieces
- 1 Red Onion, cut into 1 ½ inch pieces
Marinade
- 2 teaspoons Kosher Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest, or the zest of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons Lemon Juice, or the juice of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients until well combined.
- Add the chicken and red onion pieces to the bowl. Toss until everything is evenly coated in the marinade. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or up to 6 hours.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning. Thread marinated chicken and onion pieces onto the skewers, alternating between the two. You may not need all the onions. Stack a few onion pieces together if you'd like to use more.
Grilling Instructions
- Preheat the grill to high heat. Grill the skewers for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken and onions develop nice char marks. Chicken thighs should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F. Don’t be afraid to cook a little longer - chicken thighs stay juicy and benefit from more char for better flavor and texture.
Oven Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top (if you have one) for better airflow. Arrange the skewers on the rack and roast for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and develops a golden color. For extra char, broil the skewers for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
Video
Notes
- Skewers: You can use either metal or wooden skewers for this recipe. Metal skewers are reusable, conduct heat well, and don’t require soaking. If you’re using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 20–30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
- Serving Suggestions: These lemon chicken skewers are extremely versatile! Add to this Hummus Bowl with Pearl Couscous and Vegetables for a nutritious meal. Or try pairing with rice or warm pita bread and a side of tzatziki, hummus, or whipped feta dip. They’re also great served over a big salad or tucked into wraps for easy lunches.
- Storage: Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
