There is pure joy in pulling a hot skewer from the grill and brushing it with bright green herb sauce. These herb marinated chicken skewers are tender, lightly charred, and full of fresh flavor from paprika, spices, and chopped herbs. The simple marinade keeps the chicken juicy while the final brush of green sauce adds a lively finish. They work equally well for a weeknight dinner or a casual backyard gathering. One bite and you will see why this recipe earns a permanent spot in the rotation.
Related favorite: Pão Caprichado: Easy Loaded Brazilian Hot Sandwich
Why you’ll love this recipe
These skewers deliver juicy chicken and bold herb flavor with very little effort.
- Quick marinade coats every piece of chicken evenly
- Light char from the grill or oven adds depth
- Fresh green sauce brightens the finished skewers
- Ready in about thirty minutes including marinating time
Ingredients
A short list of pantry spices and fresh herbs creates these flavorful chicken skewers.
- 1.5 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp green herb sauce for brushing

Chicken thighs can replace breast for extra juiciness. Use only parsley if cilantro is not preferred. Store-bought chimichurri works in place of homemade green sauce if you need a shortcut.
Check this out too:Pollo Adobado al Horno: Juicy Oven-Roasted Chicken
Step-by-step instructions
These eight steps produce juicy, flavorful chicken skewers every time.
Step 1: Cube the chicken
Cut the chicken breast into even one-inch cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl. Uniform pieces ensure the skewers cook evenly from end to end.
Step 2: Season the chicken

Sprinkle the paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper over the chicken cubes. Toss gently so every piece is lightly coated with the dry spices.
Step 3: Add the herbs
Scatter the chopped cilantro and parsley over the seasoned chicken. The fresh herbs will infuse the meat during the short marinating time.
Step 4: Mix the marinade
Add the egg yolk and olive oil to the bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything until the chicken is evenly coated and slightly glossy.
Step 5: Thread the skewers
Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto wooden or metal skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. Arrange the filled skewers on a baking tray or plate.
Step 6: Cook the skewers
Grill or bake the skewers over medium-high heat for eight to ten minutes, turning once. Look for light char marks and juices that run clear when the chicken is done.
Step 7: Brush with green sauce
Remove the hot skewers from the heat and immediately brush them with the green herb sauce. The residual heat helps the sauce cling and soak into the meat.
Step 8: Serve right away
Transfer the finished skewers to a serving plate and drizzle any remaining sauce over the top. Serve while still hot so the chicken stays juicy and the herbs stay bright.
Tips & common mistakes
A few simple habits keep the chicken moist and the flavor balanced.
- Cut chicken into even cubes so everything cooks at the same rate
- Do not overcrowd the skewers or the pieces will steam instead of char
- Soak wooden skewers in water for twenty minutes before use
- Brush the green sauce only after cooking to keep the herbs fresh

Herb Marinated Chicken Skewers
Equipment
- 1 | Mixing bowl |
- 1 | Wooden or metal skewers |
- 1 | Baking tray or grill |
- 1 | Pastry brush | for sauce
Ingredients
- 1.5 | lb | chicken breast | cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 | tsp | paprika |
- 0.5 | tsp | ground cumin |
- 0.5 | tsp | salt |
- 0.25 | tsp | black pepper |
- 2 | tbsp | chopped fresh cilantro |
- 2 | tbsp | chopped fresh parsley |
- 1 | | egg yolk |
- 2 | tbsp | olive oil |
- 3 | tbsp | green herb sauce | for brushing
Instructions
- Cut chicken breast into even 1-inch cubes and place in a bowl.
- Season with paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Add chopped cilantro and parsley.
- Mix in egg yolk and olive oil until chicken is evenly coated.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Grill or bake over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, turning once.
- Brush the hot skewers with green herb sauce.
- Serve immediately with any remaining sauce drizzled over the top.
Notes
Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Chicken thighs can replace breast for extra moisture.
Store-bought chimichurri works as a quick green sauce substitute.
Recipe variations
Simple swaps create new versions of these flavorful chicken skewers.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for gentle heat
- Use lemon zest in the marinade for extra brightness
- Thread cherry tomatoes or onion between the chicken pieces
- Swap the green sauce for a yogurt-based herb dip
What to serve with this recipe
These pairings turn the chicken skewers into a complete and satisfying meal.
- Fluffy couscous or herbed rice
- Crisp cucumber and tomato salad
- Warm flatbread or pita
- A simple yogurt sauce on the side
While you’re at it:Easy Chicken and Pepper Quesadillas on the Griddle
Frequently asked questions
These answers cover the questions most people ask about these skewers.
Can I marinate the chicken longer?
Yes, the chicken can sit in the marinade for up to two hours in the refrigerator. Longer than that is not necessary and may affect the texture.
Can I cook these in the oven instead of grilling?
Absolutely. Bake the skewers on a lined tray at 425°F for twelve to fifteen minutes, turning once halfway through for even browning.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F and the juices should run clear. The exterior will show light golden-brown char marks when ready.
Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time?
You can thread the marinated chicken onto skewers up to four hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Final thoughts

These herb marinated chicken skewers prove that a few simple ingredients and a short marinade can produce something truly delicious. The paprika and fresh herbs give the chicken depth while the final brush of green sauce keeps every bite bright and lively. They are easy enough for a busy weeknight yet impressive enough for guests. Give them a try, leave a rating, and share your favorite side dish in the comments—I always love seeing how you serve them.





