Grilled Chicken On A Stick Recipe
on May 02, 2022, Updated Oct 21, 2023
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When the weather is warm, it’s always fun to have a meal outside on the backyard deck. One dish that’s easy to make and always gets rave reviews is Grilled Chicken on a Stick. It’s quick, tasty, and pairs well with salads, rice, or potatoes!
Make a plan to serve this tasty dish at your next backyard barbeque!
Easy Grilled Chicken on A Stick
You can use wooden or metal skewers for this recipe and it’s incredibly easy to make. Marinate the chicken to add more flavor, and cut the veggies into similar sized pieces so everything is cooked and ready to eat at the same time.
Best Chicken for Chicken on A Stick
Chicken breasts are used in this recipe but use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat. Zucchini, bell pepper, and onions are classic choices but feel free to switch up the veggies with your favorites!
The Best Chicken Marinade
A marinade injects the chicken with flavor and helps to keep it moist. The marinade below is made with basic ingredients you probably have in your pantry.
- Olive Oil. Adds flavor and helps to prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Vinegar. Adds bright flavor and tenderizes the chicken.
- Honey. Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
- Dried Herbs. Adds savory flavor. The recipe calls for thyme and oregano but feel free to use your favorite herbs instead.
- Garlic. Adds incredible savory flavor.
- Salt and Pepper. Enhances the flavor of the chicken.
How to Make Chicken on a Stick
- Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, honey, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken and stir to coat. Marinate for 30 minutes or up to 3 hours in the fridge.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F). Brush or spray the grill grates with oil.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off the excess marinade. Discard the marinade. Thread the chicken and the veggies onto the skewers, alternating between a piece of chicken followed by a piece of vegetable and so on, ending with a piece of chicken.
- Grill the chicken for about 10-15 minutes until it reaches 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. Turn the skewers as they cook so the chicken and veggies are nicely caramelized and have grill marks.
- Transfer the cooked skewers to a platter and serve with lemon wedges and your favorite sides.
Tips for Skewering with Success
- If using wooden skewers, let them soak in water for about 20 minutes before adding the chicken and veggies. This will prevent the skewers from scorching or catching fire on the grill.
- Metal skewers will become very hot on the grill. Use tongs or BBQ mitts to handle the skewers to prevent burns.
- Allow a bit of space between the chicken and veggies on the skewers. This will also the heat to circulate ensuring that everything cooks through.
How Long Does it Take to Cook Chicken on A Stick?
The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken pieces. Chicken thighs will take longer to cook than chicken breasts. It’s a good idea to check the chicken after 10-15 minutes and be sure to turn the skewers so the chicken cooks evenly and develops a nice crust. The best way to check for doneness is to use an instant-read thermometer. Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F.
Other Vegetables That You Can Add
My favorite is bell peppers, but you can also use zucchini, red onions, and summer squash which are classic choices. Add broccoli, mushrooms, or your favorite veggies, as long as they’re sturdy enough to thread on the skewers and will cook at the same time as the other ingredients.
How to Store Chicken On A Stick
- Leftovers should be removed from the skewers and refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- You can also freeze the leftovers. Remove the food from the skewers and place into resealable freezer bags or freezer-safe containers. If using freezer bags, remove as much air as possible before sealing. Properly stored leftovers can remain in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to use, place the leftovers in the fridge to defrost.
- Place the leftovers on a baking sheet and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Leftovers can also be reheated in a microwave oven.
What to Serve with Chicken On A Stick
Grilled chicken on a stick can be enjoyed with a variety of dishes. Serve it with a crisp green salad, steamed rice, or pita bread! Choose your favorite sides – the choice is up to you!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Make Chicken on A Stick in the Oven?
Instead of cooking the skewers on a grill, you can bake them in an oven. Preheat the oven to 450°F and place the skewers on a baking sheet. Cook for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through. The chicken is ready to eat when it reaches 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
How Long to Marinate Chicken?
Because the chicken is cut into smaller pieces, it won’t need too much marinating time. One to two hours would be ideal but even 20 minutes will help to tenderize and enhance the flavor.
Best Grilled Chicken On A Stick Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for grilling
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- salt and pepper, to taste
- vegetables like bell pepper or zucchini, cut into 1-inch pieces
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, honey, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken and stir to coat. Place in the fridge and marinate for 30 minutes or up to 3 hours. Chicken marinated for longer than 3 hours will begin to break down. If using wooden skewers, let them soak in water for at least 20 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F). Brush or spray the grill grates with oil.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off the excess marinade. Discard the marinade. Thread the chicken and the veggies onto the skewers, alternating between a piece of chicken followed by a piece of vegetable and so on, ending with a piece of chicken.
- Grill the chicken for about 10-15 minutes until it reaches 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. Turn the skewers as they cook so the chicken and veggies are nicely caramelized and have grill marks.
- Transfer the cooked skewers to a platter and serve with lemon wedges and your favorite sides.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
