Ina Garten Chicken Skewers Recipe

Ina Garten’s Chicken Skewers are flavorful, tender, and perfect for easy dinners, BBQ parties, or make-ahead meals. Marinated in a bright, herb-filled mixture with lemon, garlic, and olive oil, the chicken becomes incredibly juicy and aromatic. Whether you grill them outdoors or cook them indoors on a grill pan, these skewers bring classic Ina-style simplicity and elegance to your table.

What are Ina Garten’s Chicken Skewers?

Ina Garten’s Chicken Skewers are marinated chicken pieces threaded onto wooden or metal skewers and grilled until golden and juicy. The marinade typically includes olive oil, lemon, garlic, herbs, and seasonings — a fresh and simple flavor profile that makes these skewers a versatile and delicious dish.

Other Popular Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
• Ina Garten Caesar Salad
• Ina Garten Best Chicken Recipes

Reasons to Try Ina Garten Chicken Skewers

• Juicy and tender – The marinade deeply flavors and softens the chicken.
• Quick cooking – Grill-ready in minutes once marinated.
• Perfect for gatherings – Easy to serve as appetizers or mains.
• Healthy and light – Fresh ingredients with no heavy sauces.
• Great for meal prep – Cooked skewers store well for several days.
• Endless pairing options – Serve with salads, rice, dips, or grilled veggies.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Chicken Skewers

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into 1-inch cubes
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or oregano, chopped
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Wooden or metal skewers
• Optional: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or chili flakes for extra flavor

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Chicken Skewers

Step 1 – Prepare the chicken

Cut the chicken into evenly sized 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.

Step 2 – Make the marinade

In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, thyme (or oregano), salt, pepper, and optional paprika.

Step 3 – Marinate the chicken

Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 4 – Soak wooden skewers (if using)

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20–30 minutes to prevent burning.

Step 5 – Thread the chicken

Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a tiny bit of space between each piece for even cooking.

Step 6 – Grill the skewers

Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 8–10 minutes total, turning occasionally until golden and fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).

Step 7 – Serve warm

Serve immediately with your favorite sides, dips, or salads.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Chicken Skewers

• Tzatziki sauce – Cool and creamy contrast.
• Greek salad – Fresh veggies and feta pair beautifully.
• Rice pilaf – Light, fluffy base for the skewers.
• Roasted potatoes – A hearty side option.
• Grilled vegetables – Completes the Mediterranean vibe.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Chicken Skewers

• Marinate longer – More time equals deeper flavor.
• Cut evenly – Ensures every piece cooks at the same rate.
• Preheat the grill – Prevents sticking and helps searing.
• Oil the grates – Keeps chicken tender and intact.
• Don’t overcook – Use a thermometer for juiciness.
• Rest before serving – Keeps juices inside the meat.
• Add herbs at the end – Fresh herbs brighten the final dish.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Chicken Skewers

• Mediterranean skewers – Add bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes.
• Spicy version – Add chili flakes, harissa, or cayenne.
• Honey-lemon glaze – Brush during final minutes of grilling.
• Yogurt-marinated – Add Greek yogurt for extra tenderness.
• Herb and garlic – Increase herbs for a strong aromatic profile.
• BBQ style – Brush with BBQ sauce before serving.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Chicken Skewers

• Refrigerator – Store cooked skewers for 3–4 days in an airtight container.
• Freezer – Freeze cooked chicken pieces (off the skewers) for up to 2 months.
• Marinated raw chicken – Can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Chicken Skewers

• Oven method – Reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
• Stovetop – Warm in a covered pan with a splash of water.
• Microwave – Heat in short bursts to avoid drying out.
• Air fryer – 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes for crisp edges.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 240
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sodium: 380mg

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FAQs

How long should I marinate chicken for Ina Garten’s chicken skewers?

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour. If you have more time, marinating for 4–8 hours helps the lemon, garlic, and herbs penetrate deeply, making the chicken even juicier and more flavorful.

How do I keep chicken skewers from drying out on the grill?

Use medium-high heat, avoid overcooking, and grill the skewers for just 8–10 minutes total. Cutting the chicken into even-sized pieces and brushing them lightly with oil before grilling also helps lock in moisture.

Should I soak wooden skewers before grilling chicken?

Yes. Wooden skewers should be soaked in water for 20–30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step.

What cut of chicken works best for Ina Garten chicken skewers?

Boneless chicken breasts work well for a lean option, but chicken thighs are ideal if you want extra juiciness and more forgiving cooking. Thighs stay moist even if slightly overcooked.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Chicken Skewers are simple, delicious, and full of bright, fresh flavors. They’re easy to prepare, perfect for grilling, and pair well with a variety of sides and sauces.