Rosemary Chicken Skewers Recipe

This Rosemary Chicken Skewers recipe features tender chicken breast marinated in a vibrant blend of olive oil, lemon, maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic, shallots, and fresh rosemary before being threaded onto aromatic rosemary sprigs and grilled to perfection. Featured on Fresh Market Dinners, this elegant yet simple barbecue recipe delivers juicy chicken infused with fresh herbs and citrus, making it an ideal centerpiece for summer gatherings, backyard cookouts, and weeknight grilling.

The Inspiration

Fresh herbs have long been used to enhance grilled dishes, but using rosemary sprigs as natural skewers elevates both the presentation and flavor. As the rosemary heats over the grill, it releases fragrant oils that gently perfume the chicken while adding subtle earthy notes to every bite. Combined with a bright lemon marinade and lightly caramelized maple syrup, the result is a beautifully balanced grilled dish that celebrates fresh seasonal ingredients.

On Fresh Market Dinners, Amanda Herrera showcases recipes inspired by farmers’ markets and backyard entertaining, encouraging home cooks to embrace simple ingredients prepared with thoughtful techniques. This Rosemary Chicken Skewers recipe captures that philosophy perfectly by transforming everyday chicken breasts into an impressive meal using fresh herbs, citrus, and a flavorful homemade marinade.

Whether you’re planning a family barbecue, hosting friends on the patio, or preparing a healthy grilled dinner, these rosemary chicken skewers offer restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

2 pounds (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces
8-10 sturdy rosemary sprigs, about 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) in length
2 lemons, cut in half

Marinade

1/3 cup (80 ml) extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons (45 ml) lemon juice
1 tablespoon (15 ml) maple syrup
2 tablespoons (30 ml) soy sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons (30 ml) minced shallots
1 tablespoon (15 ml) minced rosemary
Fresh ground pepper
1 teaspoon (5 ml) lemon zest
Oil, for grill

Method

Preheat grill to medium.
To create rosemary skewers, remove most of the leaves from rosemary sprigs, keeping 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of leaves for garnish at the tip. Soak skewers in water for 30 minutes.

For the marinade

Add extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic cloves, shallots, rosemary, ground pepper and lemon zest to a bowl and whisk to combine.
Add pieces of chicken. Marinade for 30 minutes.
Remove rosemary skewers from water and slide marinated pieces of chicken onto skewers. Discard marinade. Brush grill with oil.
Brush cut side of lemon halves with oil.
Place chicken skewers and lemon halves (cut side down) on grill. Grill lemons for 5-7 minutes or until nice char marks appear.
Grill chicken skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
Remove chicken skewers from grill. Squeeze grilled lemon over chicken skewers and serve hot with Grilled Bread Salad (see recipe).

Serving Suggestions

These rosemary chicken skewers are perfect for summer barbecues, outdoor entertaining, family dinners, and casual weekend cookouts. As featured on Fresh Market Dinners, they pair beautifully with griller bread salad, which complements the herbaceous chicken with fresh vegetables and crisp toasted bread. They are also delicious served alongside seasonal vegetables, roasted baby potatoes lemon herb rice, couscous or creamy potato salad.

Add a refreshing cucumber salad or grilles asparagus for extra color and freshness. Arrange the skewers on a large serving platter with the charred lemons, fresh rosemary sprigs, and lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation that’s ideal for entertaining. Pair with meal with sparkling lemonade, iced tea, crips white wine, or sparkling water infused with fresh citrus and herbs for refreshing finish.

Final Thoughts

This Rosemary Chicken Skewers recipe is a celebration of fresh herbs, bright citrus, and the timeless appeal of outdoor grilling. Tender marinated chicken, infused with the natural aroma of rosemary and finished with smoky grilled lemon, creates a meal that’s both simple and sophisticated. Every bite offers juicy texture, vibrant flavor, and the unmistakable freshness of seasonal ingredients.

Find more recipes from Fresh Market Dinners here!