Moroccan Chicken Skewers with Charred Lemon and Spices

These flavor-packed grilled Moroccan chicken skewers are an ideal summer meal and take just under 30 minutes from start to finish—perfect for weeknights when you want something fast but exciting. The warm, layered spices lift plain chicken into something memorable.

Grilled Moroccan chicken skewers set out over parchment paper with a grilled lemon half on the side.

Table of Contents

  • Why You’ll Love This Moroccan Chicken
  • Ingredients
  • Recipe Tip
  • How to Make Grilled Moroccan Chicken Skewers
  • Recipe Variations & Modifications
  • How to Serve Grilled Moroccan Chicken Skewers
  • Storage & Reheating
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Quick Chicken Recipes You’ll Love…
  • Grilled Moroccan Chicken Skewers Recipe

If you enjoy Moroccan flavors, you’ll love how this recipe combines warm, aromatic spices with bright herbs and lemon. Using a good pre-made Moroccan spice mix saves time, or you can use your favorite homemade blend for a more tailored flavor.

These skewers are a simple way to elevate grilled chicken—skewer meat and vegetables, grill until lightly charred, and finish with a squeeze of lemon and fresh herbs for a quick, satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Moroccan Chicken

  • Quick and simple—no long marinating required, so dinner comes together fast.
  • Bold flavor—the Moroccan seasoning provides warm, layered spice without complicated prep.
  • Versatile—easy to swap proteins or add vegetables depending on what you have on hand.

Ingredients

Bowl of raw chicken and vegetables, seasoned with Moroccan seasoning.
  • Chicken—boneless chicken breasts or tenders (thighs work too).
  • Oil—use an oil with a high smoke point such as avocado oil for grilling.
  • Veggies—red onion and cherry tomatoes for sweetness and color.
  • Moroccan spice blend—a teaspoon or tablespoon depending on taste.
  • Fresh mint and parsley—for brightness.
  • Garlic and lemon—garlic for depth; lemon juice to brighten.
  • Sea salt & cracked pepper—to taste.

Recipe Tip

For juicier chicken, consider briefly brining the breasts before cooking; a quick brine helps retain moisture and improves flavor.

How to Make Grilled Moroccan Chicken Skewers

Uncooked skewers on parchment paper, seasoned.
  1. Preheat a clean grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Combine the chicken, cherry tomatoes, and red onion in a large bowl.
  3. Drizzle with avocado oil, add the Moroccan seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in chopped mint, parsley, minced garlic, and lemon juice, then toss to coat evenly. If preparing ahead, cover and refrigerate for a few hours.
  4. Thread the chicken and vegetables onto skewers, alternating pieces for even cooking and visual appeal.
  5. Grill the skewers about 4 minutes per side (roughly 8 minutes total) or until the chicken reaches about 160°F internal temperature. Optionally grill the other lemon half flesh-side down and squeeze over the skewers before serving.

Recipe Variations & Modifications

  • Protein swaps—try steak, shrimp, or tofu for a different take.
  • Vegetable additions—bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms make great additions to the skewers.
  • Spice adjustments—adjust the Moroccan spice amount to suit your heat and flavor preference.

How to Serve Grilled Moroccan Chicken Skewers

Serve the skewers with a cooling sauce like mint yogurt or over a bed of fragrant basmati rice. A simple tabbouleh or roasted vegetables complement the warm spices nicely. Finish with extra chopped herbs and a squeeze of grilled lemon for brightness.

Storage & Reheating

  1. Store leftovers removed from skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  2. Reheat gently in the microwave in short intervals until warmed through, or reheat in a low oven to preserve juiciness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What spices are in Moroccan chicken?

Moroccan blends typically include cumin, paprika, turmeric, ground ginger, cardamom, coriander, nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, cayenne, and cloves. These spices combine into a warm, aromatic profile that pairs well with grilled meats.

What does Moroccan chicken taste like?

These skewers are savory with warm spice notes and a subtle sweetness from blistered cherry tomatoes; fresh mint adds a bright, refreshing contrast.

Plate of rice, tabbouleh, and pitas with grilled Moroccan chicken skewers on top.

Try pairing these skewers with summer sides like tabbouleh, grilled vegetables, or a simple green salad to round out the meal.

More Quick Chicken Recipes You’ll Love…

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Plate of rice, tabbouleh, and pitas with grilled Moroccan chicken skewers on top.
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Grilled Moroccan Chicken Skewers

By: Dana Sandonato
These grilled Moroccan chicken skewers are packed with warm spices and fresh herbs, coming together quickly for an easy, flavorful weeknight meal.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Servings: 4 skewers

Ingredients 

  • 1 lb chicken breasts or chicken tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 TBSP avocado oil, This oil has a high smoke point and is ideal for grilling.
  • 1/2 red onion, cut into bite-sized wedges
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1 TBSP Moroccan spice
  • 1 TBSP chopped fresh mint leaves
  • 1 TBSP chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 garlic cloves, grated or finely minced
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • Sea salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions 

  • Preheat the grill to medium-high and clean the grates. Lightly oil the grates with a paper towel held by tongs to prevent sticking.
  • Place the chicken and vegetables in a large bowl. Drizzle with avocado oil and season with Moroccan spice, salt, and pepper.
  • Add chopped mint and parsley, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Toss to coat. Cover and chill briefly if preparing ahead.
  • Thread the chicken, onion, and tomatoes onto skewers, distributing ingredients evenly.
  • Grill skewers about 4 minutes per side (8 minutes total) until chicken reaches 160ºF. Optionally grill the lemon half and squeeze it over the skewers before serving.

Notes

To oil the grill safely: use tongs to hold an oil-soaked paper towel and run it across the hot grates. This creates a nonstick surface and helps prevent the chicken from tearing when you flip it.

Nutrition

Serving: 1skewer | Calories: 233kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 7g

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