These grilled lemon chicken kebabs are packed with flavor, easy to make, and paleo/Whole30 compliant. They’ll be a huge hit at summer BBQs!
Who’s ready for spring? I certainly am! After a tease of gorgeous spring weather here in Chattanooga at the end of February, it’s been downright dismal for most of March. Despite the gloomy weather, I lugged the grill out of the garage and made these grilled lemon chicken kebabs. Perhaps by grilling, I can encourage spring to make a true and lasting appearance soon!
These lemon chicken kebabs are the ready-to-party, warm-weather version of Lebanese lemon chicken, one of my most popular recipes. A reader asked about modifying that recipe for the grill last summer, and I’ve had it simmering in the back of my mind ever since. I’m happy to say that the grilled version works perfectly, and I may like it even better than the original.
A simple mix of lemon juice, olive oil, turmeric, thyme, and rosemary gives these chicken skewers wonderful color and flavor. Using chicken thighs instead of breasts provides a bit of insurance against dry results. Adding little slices of lemon to the skewers means extra lemony flavor. I eat the grilled lemon slices–they’re perfect with the chicken–but some of my dining companions have chosen to leave them on the sides of their plates. Either way, they make these kebabs more beautiful and more delicious!
I love to serve these kebabs with a grilled vegetable, like asparagus, paleo flatbread, and some sort of sauce. Today for lunch we had them with the salsa verde mágica from Latin American Paleo Cooking, which goes with everything. They would also be great with paleo raita, tzatziki, or toum. Happy grilling!
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 1-2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1½ teaspoons ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground dried rosemary*
- 1½ teaspoons sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, excess fat trimmed, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 lemons, sliced into rounds and then halved or quartered, seeds removed
- Equipment: Metal or wooden skewers
- ***NOTE: Prep time listed is hands-on time and does not include at least one hour for the chicken to marinate.
- Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, thyme, turmeric, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour. If you are planning to grill using wooden skewers, soak them in warm water while the chicken marinates.
- Thread the chicken and lemon slices onto metal or soaked wood skewers, packing the pieces together tightly. Add a lemon slice between every three or four pieces of chicken.
- Preheat a grill to medium-high or preheat the broiler. Grill for 5-6 minutes per side or broil for 10-12 minutes, until the chicken is just cooked through (a meat thermometer should read 165°F). Transfer to a platter and rest for five minutes before serving.
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase on Amazon after clicking one of my links, I receive a small commission (the price you pay is not affected). Thank you so much for supporting my site!
Hi Becky,
Can I use bite sized boneless chicken breasts, rather than thighs. I don’t like the thigh meat.
Thanks!
Hi Diane! You definitely can, but I’d be very careful not to overcook because breasts can dry out so easily. I definitely prefer thighs for this recipe and bet you might not mind them cut into such small pieces with such a flavorful marinade!
MAn, I need more meat on a stick! These look great
Me too! Perfect for this time of year!
These look perfect! I love easy kebab recipes. And I love that you added turmeric.
Thanks so much, Katja!
I’m totally craving these now! They look so dang good!
Thank you so much, Stacey!
Mmmmmm love me some good grilled meat!
Me too, Tina!
Totally drooling after seeing these – perfect for BBQ season coming up too! Something about chicken and lemon – I love it. Will pin and make – thanks for a great recipe 🙂
Thanks, Jo! Hope you love these!
Beautiful! My mouth is watering thinking of all that lemon with the chicken! Yum!
Thank you so much, Renee!
I’m trying to eat more chicken. The look perfect especially as the weather warms up!
This is a great way to get more chicken! Sometimes chicken can be boring but this recipe is anything but.
WE’ve been grilling for the past month- I’m totally ready for spring! These look so delicious and I’m saving them to try soon! Yum!
Thank you, Jessica! Yay for spring!
totally digging the addition of the turmeric!! The flavor with the lemon…yum!!
Thank you, Tessa! Almost everything is better and more vibrant with a bit of turmeric!
I love grilled chicken, and the spices on this sound fabulous! So excited to about the weather warming so I can try this.
Thanks, Jean! Let me know what you think if you have a chance to try these!