This Grilled Rosemary Chicken recipe turn ordinary chicken skewers into an enticing summer dish with marinated chicken skewered on rosemary sprigs. They taste delicious and look oh-so-pretty!
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About this rosemary garlic chicken
Summer wouldn’t be the same without grilling! These Grilled Rosemary Chicken skewers are a fun way to present your marinated and grilled chicken, imparting a subtle woody fragrance as the chicken cooks!
Marinating the cut chicken breast in a mixture of sweet, zesty, and tangy ingredients sets this dish up for success right from the start! It tenderizes the chicken and adds a load of irresistible flavor.
Grill these rosemary chicken skewers in just 10 minutes and serve with lemon aioli, other favorite dipping sauces, and an array of side dishes for your summer parties and gatherings!
Why you’ll love this rosemary and garlic chicken
These rosemary chicken kabobs are the perfect addition to your summer grill menu! Here’s why you’re going to love this dish:
- Super Easy. Once marinated, these rosemary skewers will take you 10 minutes or less to cook!
- Versatile! Add sliced vegetables in between the garlic and rosemary chicken, adjust the seasonings in the marinade, or use another cut of chicken for this recipe.
- Simple ingredients! There’s nothing complicated or hard to source when it comes to the ingredients for these rosemary chicken skewers!
- Tender and flavorful. Say goodbye to bland chicken without having to slave away in the kitchen. The rosemary and lemon marinade adds delicate flavor while also tenderizing the chicken.
Ingredients for garlic rosemary chicken
Get your grill-on after marinating the chicken with just a few basic ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need to get started:
Grilled rosemary chicken
- Chicken – Boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into uniform pieces.
- Substitution: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- Rosemary sprigs – Remove the leaves from the bottom (about 2 3rds).
- Lemon zest
- Honey – Use your favorite brand of honey.
- Substitution – Herb-infused honey is a great option.
- Extra Virgin Olive oil – Use quality olive oil.
- Substitution: Vegetable oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil.
- Garlic cloves – Smashed and peeled.
- Substitution: Jarred minced garlic or bottled garlic powder.
- Soy sauce – I prefer reduced-sodium soy sauce.
- Fresh rosemary leaves – Minced.
- Crushed red pepper flakes – Adjust to suit your spicy preferences.
- Onion powder
- Cracked black pepper
- Kosher salt
Chicken variations
- Marinade. Add spices and seasonings such as smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and ginger. You can also use chopped thyme, marjoram, and oregano in this garlic rosemary chicken marinade as they pair beautifully with rosemary.
- Chicken. Skinless, boneless chicken thighs can be used in this garlic rosemary chicken recipe.
- Add-ons. Consider skewering an assortment of vegetables between the cubed chicken, such as sliced zucchini, red bell pepper, and red onion.
- Cooking method. Rosemary skewered chicken can be cooked in the oven at 450F for 12-15 minutes if you don’t want to grill them. Double-check that the internal temperature of the chicken is at 165F.
- Rosemary sprigs. Wooden or metal skewers can be used instead of the rosemary sprigs if you prefer. When using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them for 30 minutes before placing them on the grill.
How to make garlic and rosemary chicken
This recipe for rosemary skewer chicken is a heck of a lot easier than making pie. Here’s what you’ll do:
Tips for making this rosemary chicken recipe
- Skewers. Soak the rosemary sprigs in water for 30 minutes before grilling the chicken. This process is exactly the same as when using wooden skewers.
- Resting. Allow the grilled chicken skewers to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Optional garnish. A side of aioli, a sprinkling of crushed red pepper flakes, and fresh lemon wedges go perfectly with this dish.
- Marinade. The chicken needs at least 8 hours in the marinade, preferably overnight. This is a good opportunity to prepare this part of the recipe ahead of time.
FAQs: frequently asked questions
Can you use rosemary as skewers?
Yes! I’ve ditched the traditional wooden and metal skewers and replaced them with rosemary sprigs for these rosemary skewers. It adds to the pretty presentation and creates more flavor in the chicken too!
What goes with chicken on a skewer?
Lemon aioli is great for dipping these chicken rosemary skewers into but you could also use another favorite dip or sauce.
Garlic rosemary grilled chicken also pairs well with roasted vegetables, garlic bread, and summer salads.
What does rosemary do to chicken meat?
The rosemary in the marinade as well as the sprigs impart flavor. Rosemary is also known for preserving meat due to its antioxidant properties, keeping it fresher for longer.
What flavor does rosemary add?
Rosemary imparts a woody fragrance and piney flavor to the meat. It’s great for balancing rich beef but is also a great option for poultry too.
Should I rinse rosemary before using?
It’s a good idea to gently rinse the rosemary springs with your hands under running water to dislodge any dirt or debris remaining. The sprigs will need to be soaked as well, much like you’d do for wooden skewers.
Serving chicken with garlic and rosemary
This grilled rosemary chicken can be enjoyed with many side dishes and dipping sauces. Here are some suggestions for you to try:
How to serve this chicken?
Enjoy this rosemary garlic grilled chicken as a healthy light meal or starter alongside lemon aioli and other sauces to dip into.
What goes with rosemary and garlic chicken?
Here are a few ideas of what to serve with grilled chicken and rosemary:
- Roasted or grilled vegetables
- Lemon aioli and other dips or sauces
- Light green salad
- Garlic bread or cornbread
- Corn on the cob
- Coleslaw
- Potato Salad
- Pasta salad
- A hearty grain bowl or Greek Lemon Rice
Storing leftover chicken with rosemary and garlic
How to store and how long does it keep?
Store rosemary chicken kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Can you freeze it?
Yes, you can! Store leftover rosemary garlic chicken in an airtight container in the freezer for 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge, and reheat it in the microwave.
The marinated chicken pieces can also be stored raw in airtight freezer bags in the freezer for up to 3 months. First, remove the cut chicken from the marinade and transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flash-freeze the chicken and then transfer it to freezer-safe bags. Thaw the frozen chicken overnight in the fridge and assemble the rosemary kabobs to grill.
Reheating instructions
Reheat leftover grilled rosemary chicken breast in the microwave or oven. When reheating in the oven, cover the rosemary skewers with aluminum foil to help prevent the chicken from drying out.
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Related recipe! If you love chicken with garlic and lemon flavors, try this speedy Chicken Lemon Stir Fry recipe next!
The best garlic rosemary chicken recipe 👇
Garlic Rosemary Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
Marinade:
- ¼ Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 4 Cloves Garlic – smashed & peeled
- 1 TBS reduced sodium Soy Sauce
- 1 TBS Fresh Rosemary Leaves - minced
- 1 TBS Honey
- 1 tsp Lemon Zest (about ½ a lemon)
- ½ tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- ¾ tsp Onion Powder
- ¾ tsp Cracked Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
Chicken:
- 2 pounds Chicken Breast – cut into 1 ½’’ pieces
- 8-10 (10’’) Rosemary Sprigs – leaves removed from bottom 2/3rds
Aioli Sauce
- ½ Cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tsp Dijon Mustard
- 1 Clove Garlic – minced
- 2 tsp Lemon Juice
- 1 tsp Lemon Zest
- 2 tsp Rosemary Leaves – minced
- ¼ tsp Salt , or more to taste
- 1/8 tsp Pepper , or more to taste
- Optional For Serving: Lemon wedges, Crushed Red pepper Flakes
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine all marinade ingredients in a small bowl and whisk to combine. Place cubes of chicken in a large resealable bag and pour in marinade. Turn chicken to thoroughly coat. Marinate in refrigerator for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight, turning periodically.
- Soak Rosemary: Place large rosemary skewers into a shallow baking dish, cover with water and allow to soak at least 30 minutes, up to overnight.
- Prepare the Aioli: Combine all aioli ingredients in a small mixing bowl and whisk to thoroughly combine. Transfer to small, covered container and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Prepare Chicken Skewers: Remove the rosemary skewers from water and the chicken from the marinade. Thread chicken onto the rosemary skewers, discarding marinade.
- Cook Chicken: Heat a grill or grill pan to medium high heat. Oil the grates and grill chicken skewers, turning halfway through cook time, until chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 8 -10 minutes.
- Rest & Serve: Let skewers rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve chicken skewers with aioli, crushed red pepper flakes for seasoning and lemon wedges.
Notes
Nutrition
This is one of my favorite recipes! The aioli is seriously so delicious that I always at least double the recipe. I cut up any leftover chicken and mix it with the aioli and have it with a salad for lunch the next day. Heck, the aioli is so good that I’ve made it without the chicken skewers and served it with steak and sweet potato fries (it’s my favorite thing to dip sweet potato fries in!). It’s one of those things I find myself craving. Thank you for sharing!
If this tastes anywhere near as good as it looks, then it’ll be like heaven on a plate. 😉
This looks absolutely amazing. I love that you used fresh rosemary in this. I might just have to make this because I have an abundance of fresh herbs growing in my backyard.
I recently made a cooking and baking blog, too.
http://kcolescreativecorner.com
I would greatly appreciate it if you would check it out!
Thanks so much!
Kennedy, these are definately as good as they look! I am jealous you have an abundance of fresh herbs in your backyard- must be nice! 😉 These kebabs are a great way to use them up. Thank you for stopping by and the kind comment! I will be sure to check out your blog… Cheers!
I’m so turned on right now! LOL!
I’m so glad I could turn you on with my culinary abilities. I won’t tell my husband… He might get jealous 😉 I however, am super excited to hear this! lol Cheers, sweets!
Sorry to hear about Boy’s job – that really sucks! But when life gave you guys lemons, you made some seriously awesome skewers! 🙂 Grilling season is finally upon us – yay!
You know I’m all about grilling and I’ll be making this recipe this week. Always like me some easy and healthy dinner! Sorry y’all are going through this but happy that it’s all going to work out. You are the best wife ever to cook your Honey some good food to cheer him up. Boy is very lucky 🙂
I’m so sorry to hear about your boy’s work stuff! That completely stinks. But these skewers look fantastic!
Sorry to hear about the Boy’s company woes. Hope these gorgeous chicken skewers helped a bit. They look so flavorful and delicious!
Ugh, I hate that for your man. That really sucks. At least he got to eat these delicious chicken skewers – that probably cheered him up a bit! These seriously look awesome. I love that aioli. Yum!
I know right, Annie?! But, thus is life… unfair. However, we can eat good food while we try to look on the bright side and find the silver lining! 🙂 The aioli is scrumptious, but I’m biased because I am an aioli loving freak! Thanks for the kind words! Cheers and happy weekend, girlie!!
I’m sorry to hear of your husband’s situation :/ It sounds like you guys have a great attitude about it though! Now, let me just say wowwwwwwwwww, those look skewers look amazing!!!! Using rosemary sprigs as the skewer = GENIUS! Great photos, great recipe… pinning, yumming, and stumbling 🙂
Thanks, Amanda! I try to always try to find the positive in every situation… because there always is one, no matter how small! Life is too short to not forge on and overcome! Thanks for the super kind words and for sharing!! Yay!! Cheers and Happy Weekend!!
I’m so sorry to hear about Boy’s troubles. I hope he finds a new job soon with someone who deserves him. And look at you with another beautiful dish to cheer him up! You can’t go wrong with some sunny lemons. I love that you used the rosemary as skewers! Gorgeous!
Rachelle, Thanks girl! He didn’t lose his job though! He is just with a new company 😉 However, these skewers did cheer (and fill) him up! We ate wayyy too many of them. But they are healthy, so thats allowed, right?? Cheers and hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Chicken skewers are my favorite! Great flavors, pinning!
Thanks, Mira! 🙂 Cheers and Happy Weekend!
I love your attitude – being optimistic and turning lemons into a lemonade. I wish I were just a bit like you; usually I face all kind of negative news like it’s the end of my life. Now, the good news is we are going to have our first serious grill things ever since we got to Canada. I’m kinda pumped and looking for recepies. And I do love this delicious and succulent chicken you’ve got. With rosemary, garlic and lemon, they must be just amazing! And now the bad news. I’ve almost chosen one recipe for chicken skewers, and what am I supposed to do now? I’ve got such a dilemma. Thanks, Chey,you’ve just made my life complicated (such a drama, eh?!) But no kidding – looks so good!
Ben, I try to be a glass half full, never half empty kind of girl! And you know what!? It pays off, because we turned those sour lemons into lemonade! I can’t go into details.. yet! But you bet your bottom I will be sharing all the super exciting details VERY soon!! I’m happy you are going to be having your first grill out since moving to Canada! I do hope you share your BBQ shindig on your blog! As for your dilemma… my advice? You can never have too many skewers. So, do both! 🙂 I’m always happy to add to your drama, by the way! (hehe!) Cheers, buddy! Hope you and your better half are having a terrific weekend!
I agree…’Easy Elegance’ jumps right off the page! Yum! I am so excited to watch your series unfold! I, like everyone, am very sorry for your family’s predicament! I imagine that was quite a shocker! Hang in there, friends!
Thanks, Annie! I thought easy elegance was a good way to describe these. I am so glad you agree, because you have “easy elegance” down pat… or at least you make everything look easy! 😉 Thanks for the supportive, kind words as well! Cheers and warm wishes for a fantastic weekend, lovely lady!
Cheyanne, I don’t know whether to prepare this recipe or print the picture and hang it on my wall! Maybe I’ll do both! Love to you and (Boy). You and he are both strong and resilient and who knows what the future holds for the two of you! I am sure it will be wondrous and exciting!
Lol, Cheryl! I’ll multi-message some photos to your phone via text so you can have them on hand to stare at… while you print the recipe 😉 You know Boy and I very well, and you have seen us weather worse storms… so you know first hand that we will turn this into something good. Keep your fingers crossed because he is working on something as I type this. 🙂 Lots of love and hugs!
Loving alll the flavors going on here, perfect for summer!
Thanks, Matt! 🙂 Cheers to a wonderful weekend with your lovely family!
That’s quite the fun summery recipe you have there Chey:) Sorry to hear about your husbands predicament. I am sure it will all work out for you guys, stay strong!
Thanks, Adam! You know me, I’m too dang stubborn to not stay strong 😉 We need to have a skewer exchange party, because I totally want the ones your posted on your blog yesterday! #GreatMinds. Cheers, buddy! Have a wonderful weekend with your new camera!
I’m so sorry to hear about this setback. I’ve seen my husband go through a similar ordeal and it’s no fun at all. I’ve also seen such things turn into great steps forward in the long run and I’m sure of such things for your boy.
I love this first post in your new series. “Easy elegance” is right. These looks so fun and yet sophisticated. Very hard to pull off, but you did it!! Good luck with everything #NSNisfiredup
Thank you, Tammy. I know at the end of every storm there is a rainbow… It’s just being patient and finding the silver lining that counts. After losing my father, I realized there is NO situation that can’t be turned around and at the end of the day, what doesn’t break you only makes you stronger. I apprechiate your sincere and kind words! 🙂 Also, thanks for the hashtag idea!! I love that and I’m thinking of a way to incorporate it! Yay!! You are just spreading all sorts of cheer my way today! Hugs and warm wishes for a wonderful weekend!
These skewers sound so yummy! love the aioli idea to pair with! you did it again girl! Virtual hugs!
Thanks, Gaila! I have a small obsession with aioli, but we have been friends for long enough that I feel as though you probably already picked up on that fact! Virtual hugs back at you, girlfriend! And warm wishes to you and your beautiful family for a great weekend! (I know you will be cooking up deliciousness!)