For when you’re hungry, tired, and still craving Lebanese flavour
There are evenings when you can’t face an elaborate marinade, but you still want something that feels like sunshine. This is the recipe I reach for then — quick, aromatic, and utterly forgiving. A splash of olive oil, a few cloves of garlic, and a squeeze of lemon, and dinner’s practically done. It’s a weeknight version of my Lebanese favourites in my top 15 of Lebanese chicken skewer recipes.
Garlic oil: the shortcut to big flavour
Garlic oil is magic in a bottle — all the punch of fresh garlic without the harshness. When mixed with lemon and a few Middle Eastern spices, it becomes the simplest, most effective chicken marinade. You can throw it together in five minutes and still get the depth of flavour of something that’s been sitting overnight. If you’ve tried smoky BBQ chicken skewers with Middle Eastern spices, this is their quick, lighter sibling.
How this fits the Lebanese weeknight table
Lebanese meals don’t have to be sprawling affairs. At home, they’re often built around what’s on hand — garlic, lemon, and olive oil always feature. The beauty of this recipe is that it works with chicken breast or thigh, charcoal or pan, whatever you’ve got. If you fancy a creamy contrast, serve it with the Lebanese chicken skewers with garlic tahini drizzle.
Fast, fuss-free, and full of soul
This is everyday cooking at its best: quick to prep, a joy to eat, and surprisingly healthy. It’s proof that you don’t need an elaborate spice shelf to make something that tastes of the Mediterranean — just the right balance of salt, acid, and oil.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 700g boneless chicken breast or thigh, cut into 3 cm chunks
- 3 tbsp olive oil (or garlic-infused oil)
- 2 cloves garlic, finely crushed
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
Ingredient Notes
If you’re using garlic oil, make sure it’s fresh and stored properly — homemade versions can turn quickly. If not, crush fresh garlic into regular olive oil for that authentic aroma. Chicken breast cooks faster, making it ideal for busy nights, but thighs stay juicier if you have the extra few minutes to spare.
Equipment Needed
A grill pan, BBQ, or even an oven grill works fine. You’ll also need a bowl for the quick marinade and metal or soaked wooden skewers. A pastry brush helps coat the skewers mid-cook for extra gloss. If using an oven, line your tray with foil for easy cleanup — this is supposed to stay fuss-free.
Instructions
- Mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, cumin, black pepper, and paprika in a bowl.
- Add chicken and coat thoroughly. Leave for 15–30 minutes while you heat the grill.
- Thread chicken onto skewers. Grill for 8–10 minutes, turning often, until golden and cooked through.
- Brush with a bit more garlic oil during the last minute.
- Rest for a few minutes, then scatter with parsley if you like.
Cooking Tips for Quick Skewers
Keep the grill medium-hot so the garlic doesn’t burn. Garlic oil caramelises fast — you want gentle golden edges, not bitterness. If you’re pan-grilling indoors, use a splash of water mid-cook to create steam and keep things juicy. A squeeze of lemon at the end freshens the whole dish — it’s small, but it transforms it.
What to Serve With This Recipe
These skewers go with almost anything — warm flatbread, salad, or a spoonful of hummus. I love serving them next to healthy grilled chicken skewers with lemon and parsley for a mix of flavours and textures. They also pair beautifully with a drizzle of tahini sauce or garlicky yoghurt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook these in the oven?
Yes — 200°C for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway, works perfectly.
Can I marinate longer?
Up to 4 hours if you like, though 30 minutes is enough for flavour.
Can I use pre-cooked garlic oil?
Absolutely, just make sure it’s not too strong or it may overpower the lemon.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Completely — the garlic mellows on cooking, and there’s no heat.
Tips for Success with Garlic Oil Chicken Skewers
Use a light hand with garlic — you want fragrance, not fire. If your oil is strong, halve the amount of garlic. Always rest the chicken for a few minutes so it stays tender. When using chicken breast, don’t walk away from the grill — it cooks fast. Turn often and baste lightly.
Recipe Variations
Add a sprinkle of sumac for brightness or Aleppo pepper for warmth. If you want something creamier, swirl in a spoonful of yogurt to the marinade — similar to the garlic yogurt Lebanese chicken skewers with mint and lemon. For a heartier twist, coat with pomegranate molasses just before serving — sweet, sticky, and delicious.
Storage and Reheating for Garlic Oil Chicken Skewers
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in a 160°C oven for 8 minutes or in a covered pan over low heat with a splash of water. These skewers are also lovely cold — wrapped in pita with lettuce and a squeeze of lemon.
Health Benefits and Dietary Alternatives
Olive oil supports heart health and garlic contributes immune-boosting compounds. Lemon juice aids digestion and provides vitamin C, while the high protein content keeps you full without heaviness. Substitute tofu or mushrooms for a plant-based version. For low-fat diets, reduce oil slightly and brush during grilling instead of marinating.
Easy Weeknight Lebanese Chicken Skewers with Garlic Oil
Ingredients
- 700 g Chicken thighs cut into 3 cm chunks
- 3 tbsp olive oil or garlic-infused oil
- 2 cloves garlic finely crushed
- 1 lemon Juiced
- 1 tsp Sea salt
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped, optional
Instructions
- Mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, cumin, black pepper, and paprika in a bowl.
- Add chicken and coat thoroughly. Leave for 15–30 minutes while you heat the grill.
- Thread chicken onto skewers. Grill for 8–10 minutes, turning often, until golden and cooked through.
- Brush with a bit more garlic oil during the last minute.
- Rest for a few minutes, then scatter with parsley if you like.