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When grilling isn’t an option but you’re still craving juicy, flavorful chicken on a stick, these baked chicken skewers are the perfect solution. Made entirely in the oven, they deliver tender, well-seasoned chicken with lightly caramelized edges, no grill required.
This is one of those dependable recipes I turn to again and again. It’s simple, versatile, and works for everything from busy weeknights to casual entertaining. Whether you’re serving them with rice, salad, or tucking them into wraps, these oven baked chicken skewers are always a hit.
If you are looking for more skewer recipes, try my Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers or Bang Bang Chicken Skewers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No grill needed: Perfect year-round using just your oven
- Juicy and flavorful: Simple marinade keeps chicken tender
- Easy prep: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps
- Meal-prep friendly: Great for lunches and leftovers
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken thighs: The more tender, dark meat portion of the chicken is called for here but feel free to substitute chicken breast if desired.
- Marinade: Plain yogurt, olive oil, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, garlic powder and parsley create a creamy marinade. Feel free to sub spices in or out!
Ingredient Tips & Substitutions
- Yogurt: Can be replaced with mayonnaise or omitted
- Seasoning: Swap paprika for smoked paprika for deeper flavor
- Vegetables: Keep pieces similar in size for even cooking
Parmesan Butter Sauce:
Unsalted butter, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, parsley, salt and pepper make a flavorful finish for the oven chicken skewers.
How To Make Baked Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Prepare the Skewers If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Pro Tips, Variations & Common Mistakes
Pro Tips
- Use a wire rack for even airflow and better browning
- Cut chicken evenly to avoid over- or undercooking
- Let skewers rest 5 minutes before serving
Flavor Variations
- Mediterranean: Add lemon zest and dried thyme
- Spicy: Add chili flakes or cayenne
- Honey garlic: Brush with honey during last 5 minutes
- Middle Eastern: Add cumin, coriander, and sumac
Optional Add-Ins
- Bell peppers, onion chunks, button mushrooms or zucchini
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Baking at too low a temperature
- Overcrowding the skewers
- Skipping the marinade time
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze cooked chicken (off the skewers) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or in a skillet over medium heat.
Serving Suggestions
These oven baked chicken skewers are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides, making them perfect for any occasion.
- Serve over Vermicelli Rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice for a complete meal
- Pair with a House Salad like cucumber tomato salad, Greek salad, or chopped romaine
- Wrap in warm pita or flatbread with garlic sauce or tzatziki
- Serve alongside Easy Roasted Vegetables or oven-baked potatoes
- Add to meal prep bowls with quinoa, hummus, and grilled vegetables
For extra flavor, drizzle with lemon juice or serve with dipping sauces like garlic yogurt sauce, tahini, or honey mustard.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Grilling: Oven chicken skewers can also be grilled as regular skewers. Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pan-Searing: Preheat a skillet on medium-high heat, add a bit of oil, and cook the skewers, turning them to achieve a golden-brown sear.
Air Frying: If you have an air fryer, place the skewers in the basket, and air-fry until the chicken is cooked through. This method provides a crispy exterior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Marinate properly and avoid overbaking.
Thighs stay juicier, but breasts work well when marinated.
Yes. Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
They’re likely overcooked or baked at too low a temperature.
Absolutely. Just cut them evenly for even cooking.
More Skewer Recipes
- Tandoori Chicken Skewers
- Grilled Oven Shrimp Skewers
- Grilled Garlic Shrimp Skewers
- Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
- Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
This easy Baked Chicken Skewers recipe proves you don’t need a grill to enjoy juicy, flavorful chicken on a stick. It’s one of my go-to oven recipes when I want something simple but satisfying.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment and rate the recipe! Also follow me at Cookin’ With Mima on Facebook |Instagram |Pinterest for all of my latest social posts and recipes.
Baked Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
For Chicken
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 ½ lb skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
For Parmesan Butter Sauce
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking tray with aluminum foil and place a rack above the tray. Set it aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the ingredients for marinating the chicken: yogurt, oil, paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and parsley.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Allow the chicken pieces to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto wooden or metal skewers, pushing them to the end of the skewers. Ensure that the chicken pieces are evenly distributed.
- Place the chicken skewers on the rack in the baking tray, making sure they are evenly spaced.
- Roast the chicken skewers for 20-22 minutes, turning the skewers halfway through to ensure even cooking and achieve a nice char on the chicken.
- Meanwhile, prepare the parmesan butter sauce. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl until it is completely melted.
- Add the parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper to the melted butter and mix well.
- Once the chicken skewers are out of the oven, brush the prepared parmesan butter sauce over the chicken skewers.
- Garnish the chicken skewers with freshly chopped parsley and serve them over rice to enjoy.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent them from burning in the oven.
- Storing: Store oven chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 450 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through.
- Freezing: Allow them to cool completely before freezing in an airtight container. They will last 1-2 months.
