Easy Grilled Moroccan Chicken Skewers
These Grilled Moroccan Chicken Skewers are bursting with warm spices, fresh herbs, bright lemon, and just the right amount of heat. The marinade is simple to make but transforms ordinary chicken into juicy, flavour-packed skewers that are perfect for summer barbecues or an easy weeknight dinner. Serve them with rice, grilled vegetables, warm pita, or a fresh salad for a meal that's both vibrant and satisfying.
Prep time
15 min
Cook time
10 min
Serves
Ingredients
▼
- 3 clovesgarlic, crushed
- 2 tbspfresh parsley, finely minced
- 2 tbspfresh cilantro, finely minced
- 1 tspground cumin
- 1 tspground turmeric
- 1 tspground ginger
- pinchsaffron threads
- pinchfreshly cracked black pepper
- ½–1 tbspchili flakes
- juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 4 tbspolive oil
- 2 largeboneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds), cut into bite-sized pieces
Ingredients
- 3 clovesgarlic, crushed
- 2 tbspfresh parsley, finely minced
- 2 tbspfresh cilantro, finely minced
- 1 tspground cumin
- 1 tspground turmeric
- 1 tspground ginger
- pinchsaffron threads
- pinchfreshly cracked black pepper
- ½–1 tbspchili flakes
- juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 4 tbspolive oil
- 2 largeboneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds), cut into bite-sized pieces
Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, turmeric, ginger, saffron, black pepper, chili flakes, lemon juice, lemon zest, and olive oil.
- 2
Add the chicken and toss until every piece is well coated in the marinade.
- 3
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to 8 hours for the best flavour.
- 4
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
- 5
Preheat your barbecue to approximately 400°F (205°C).
- 6
Place the skewers on the grill and reduce the heat to medium.
- 7
Grill for 3–4 minutes per side, turning regularly to prevent burning and to ensure even cooking.
- 8
Continue grilling until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer.
- 9
Remove from the grill and let the skewers rest for a few minutes before serving.
Melissa's Notes
Adjust the chili flakes to suit your taste. Use ½ tablespoon for a mild kick or 1 tablespoon if you enjoy extra heat.
Fresh lemon zest adds incredible brightness, so don't skip it — it really brings the flavours together.
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to help prevent burning.
These skewers pair beautifully with fluffy rice, couscous, grilled vegetables, or a simple salad.
Leftovers are delicious tucked into warm pita with tzatziki or sliced over a fresh salad for lunch the next day.
Nutrition Information
Per serving — based on 4 servings
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.
Join the Nest
Get 10 free recipes — sign up for The Cozy Weeknight Dinner Plan.
Want to save this recipe? Print it out, share with a friend, or follow along on social.