Preserved Lemon Chicken Skewers

There’s something magical about cooking food on skewers. The sizzling sound as they hit the grill, the smoky aroma that fills the air, and the vibrant flavors that develop when meat is cooked over high heat — it all creates an experience that feels festive and comforting at the same time.

These Preserved Lemon Chicken Skewers take inspiration from Mediterranean and North African flavors. The star ingredient, preserved lemon, adds an unmistakable tangy-salty punch that transforms simple chicken into something extraordinary. Combined with garlic, olive oil, and warm spices, the marinade creates tender, juicy skewers bursting with citrusy brightness.

Perfect for summer barbecues, weeknight dinners, or meal-prep lunches, these skewers can be grilled outdoors, cooked on a stovetop grill pan, or roasted in the oven. Pair them with rice, couscous, flatbread, or a crisp salad for a complete meal. Once you taste that unique preserved lemon flavor mingling with smoky char, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright & Zesty: Preserved lemons bring a depth of citrus flavor you can’t get from fresh lemons alone.

• Juicy & Tender: The marinade keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.

• Easy to Prepare: Just marinate, skewer, and cook.

• Versatile Cooking: Grill, oven-roast, or stovetop pan — it all works.

• Perfect for Entertaining: Skewers are fun, shareable, and visually appealing.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Marinade

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes)

• 2 tablespoons preserved lemon rind, finely chopped (discard the flesh if too salty)

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tablespoon preserved lemon juice (optional, for extra tang)

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon turmeric

• ½ teaspoon ground coriander

• Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Skewers

• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks

• 1 red onion, cut into wedges

• Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before use)

Optional Garnishes & Sides

• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

• Yogurt sauce or tzatziki

• Warm pita or flatbread

• Couscous or rice pilaf

• Lemon wedges for serving

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine preserved lemon rind, olive oil, garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, salt, and pepper.

2. Add chicken cubes and toss well to coat.

3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight for maximum flavor).

Step 2: Assemble the Skewers

1. Thread marinated chicken, bell pepper, and red onion alternately onto skewers.

2. Leave a little space between pieces for even cooking.

Step 3: Cook the Skewers

Grill Method:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

2. Cook skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.

Oven Method:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.

2. Place skewers on a lined baking sheet. Roast for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Stovetop Grill Pan Method:

1. Heat a lightly oiled grill pan over medium-high heat.

2. Cook skewers for 4–5 minutes per side until chicken is fully cooked.

Step 4: Serve

Plate the skewers and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve with yogurt sauce, couscous, or warm pita bread for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.

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Tips for Success

• Use chicken thighs: They stay juicier than breasts during high-heat cooking.

• Don’t skip soaking wooden skewers: Prevents them from burning on the grill.

• Adjust salt: Preserved lemons are salty, so taste the marinade before adding extra salt.

• Marinate longer: At least an hour, but overnight for best results.

• Add a smoky element: Charcoal grilling intensifies the flavors beautifully.

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Variations You Can Try

1. Vegetarian Skewers – Use halloumi cheese or tofu with the same marinade.

2. Spicy Kick – Add harissa paste or chili flakes to the marinade.

3. Moroccan Twist – Add cinnamon and ginger for a warmer spice profile.

4. Low-Carb Version – Serve over cauliflower rice or with a simple green salad.

5. Mediterranean Feast – Pair skewers with hummus, baba ganoush, and tabbouleh.

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Serving Suggestions

These skewers shine when served with:

• Couscous with raisins and almonds

• Rice pilaf with toasted pine nuts

• Mediterranean salads like fattoush or Greek salad

• Flatbreads with yogurt or tahini drizzle

• Grilled vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or tomatoes

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Storage & Meal Prep

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Freeze raw marinated chicken (without veggies) for up to 2 months. Thaw before cooking.

• Reheating: Warm gently in the oven at 350°F or reheat skewers on a skillet for best results.

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Nutrition (Per Serving, Approximate for 4 Servings)

• Calories: 390

• Protein: 34g

• Carbohydrates: 8g

• Fat: 25g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sodium: 640mg

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FAQs

1. What are preserved lemons?
Preserved lemons are lemons that have been pickled in salt and their own juices, often used in Moroccan and Middle Eastern cooking.

2. Can I make this without preserved lemons?
Yes, substitute fresh lemon zest and juice, though the flavor won’t be as complex.

3. Can I use vegetables other than peppers and onions?
Absolutely! Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms work well.

4. Can I bake the chicken without skewers?
Yes, simply spread marinated chicken and vegetables on a baking sheet and roast until done.

5. Are preserved lemons very salty?
Yes, which is why you should taste your marinade before adding more salt.

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Conclusion

The Preserved Lemon Chicken Skewers are a celebration of bold Mediterranean flavors — tangy, smoky, and irresistibly zesty. They’re simple enough for weeknight cooking yet elegant enough for entertaining. Whether grilled outdoors in the summer or roasted in the oven year-round, these skewers deliver unforgettable flavor in every bite.

Serve them with couscous, flatbread, or a crisp salad, and you’ll have a complete meal that’s both nourishing and impressive. Once you experience the magic of preserved lemons, you’ll want to use them in everything from salads to sauces.

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