Summer grilling just got a genius upgrade: pre-cook chicken in your microwave to skip raw-meat paranoia and keep every bite juicy. Imagine skewers with zero dry spots, thanks to a quick zap that locks in marinade magic before hitting the flames.
We’re talking tender, citrus-kissed chicken in half the time—no more charred outsides and raw insides. Our method ensures food safety without sacrificing grill marks or smoky flavor.
This article shares our marinade formula, microwave timing tricks, and how to avoid the dreaded “kebab crunch.” Let’s turn your backyard into a flavor festival.
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Summer Marinated Chicken Skewers (Microwave Pre-Cook)
Course: Main DishCuisine: Mediterranean4
15
minutes10
minutes300
kcal30
minutesThese summer marinated chicken skewers are the perfect solution for a quick and delicious meal. Marinated in a mix of fresh herbs and spices, they are precooked in the microwave and then can be quickly grilled or broiled for that perfect char. This recipe combines convenience with taste, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or summer barbecues.
Ingredients
boneless
skinless chicken breast
cut into cubes
olive oil
lemon juice
garlic
minced
dried oregano
paprika
salt and pepper to taste
vegetables (bell peppers
zucchini
etc. for skewering).
Directions
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well to create a marinade.
- Place the cubed chicken in the marinade and toss to coat evenly.
- Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, up to 2 hours if time allows.
- Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of fresh vegetables if desired.
- Place the skewers on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.
- Microwave on high for 5-6 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, checking for doneness.
- After microwaving, let the skewers rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- If you prefer a grilled finish, preheat your grill or broiler and quickly sear the skewers for 2-3 minutes on each side until charred..
Notes
- For best results, allow the chicken to marinate longer for deeper flavor. Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences, and adjust the seasoning according to your taste. These skewers can easily be doubled or halved depending on your needs. They are perfect for meal prep as well. Serve with a side salad or your favorite dipping sauce for a complete meal!
What Are Summer Marinated Chicken Skewers?
Picture this: citrus-glazed chicken chunks, threaded onto sticks with summer veggies, kissed by grill marks after a quick microwave head start. These skewers merge a bright marinade (think lime, garlic, smoked paprika) with our time-saving microwave hack to nix uneven cooking.
At our family reunion last July, my sister Candice tried microwaving chicken breasts before grilling. Skeptical uncles became believers when every skewer stayed juicy—no charcoal briquette impersonations. Now it’s our go-to method for stress-free BBQs.
Can You Microwave Chicken Before Grilling?
Absolutely—microwaving pre-marinated chicken for 2-3 minutes (depending on wattage) brings it to 130-140°F internally before grilling. This par-cooking step ensures thorough doneness without overcharring. USPS confirms: final grilled temp must hit 165°F for safety. Remember, microwaving is not ideal for reheating fully cooked chicken.
Use a microwave-safe dish and cover with vented plastic wrap. We check every 30 seconds, flipping pieces to avoid “steam pockets.” Pat chicken dry post-zap—this helps grill marks stick instead of sizzling off moisture. Pro tip: pre-microwaving lets you batch-cook skewers faster during peak hunger emergencies. It’s one of the tricks you need to learn for grilling chicken right.
Ready to mix your marinade? Let’s raid the spice cabinet…
Ingredients for Summer Marinated Chicken Skewers
Our marinade formula is a citrus-garlic powerhouse with room for improvisation. Grab these basics: 1.5 lbs boneless chicken breast, 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 limes (juiced), 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp cayenne, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. For a quick and delicious meal option, try an anyday microwave recipe like 2-minute lemon garlic salmon. This simple dish perfectly complements the bold flavors of your marinade.
Marinade Ingredients &Amp; Substitutes
No limes? Lemon or orange juice work. Swap brown sugar with honey or maple syrup. For heat adjustments: omit cayenne or add 1/2 chopped jalapeño. Vegetarian? Use firm tofu—marinate 30 minutes max. These versatile substitutions make it easy to prepare delicious dishes, including quick meals like easy 2-minute ginger sesame tofu.
- Acid substitutes: apple cider vinegar (reduce to 2 tbsp)
- Oil alternatives: avocado oil or melted coconut oil
- Allergy-friendly: Tamari instead of soy sauce (gluten-free)
Also See: Mojito Mocktail in a Mug (Microwave Mint Syrup)
How to Make Summer Marinated Chicken Skewers
We’ll walk through each step—from whipping the marinade to mastering the microwave pre-cook. Trust me, my neighbor’s “I hate chicken breast” rant ended after trying this method.
Preparing the Marinade
- Zest one lime into a bowl, then squeeze both limes (1/4 cup juice)
- Whisk with olive oil, garlic, paprika, cumin, cayenne, and sugar
- Taste! Adjust salt or heat—it should make you do a little shoulder shimmy
Marinating the Chicken
Slice chicken into 1.5-inch cubes. Submerge in marinade, massaging each piece like you’re kneading tiny bread doughs. Cover and refrigerate 45 minutes—no longer than 2 hours (citrus over-marinates). A delicious chicken breast recipe can elevate any meal, and marinating is a key step in achieving tender, flavorful results.
Pro tip: Reserve 2 tbsp marinade pre-chicken contact for basting. Food safety first!
Microwaving Chicken Breast for Skewers
Arrange chicken in single layer on microwave-safe plate. Cover with vented lid or paper towel. Nuke on high: Cooking chicken in the microwave is a quick method that retains moisture and flavor. Just be sure to follow recommended times and temperatures to ensure it’s cooked safely and thoroughly.
| Microwave Wattage | Time |
|---|---|
| 900W | 2 min 30 sec |
| 1100W | 2 min |
Check internal temp—should hit 130-140°F. Let rest 3 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels. Dry surfaces = better grill marks!
Skewering &Amp; Grilling Tips
Soak wooden skewers 30 minutes (prevents flare-ups). Alternate chicken with veggies—we love bell peppers and red onions. Grill at 400-450°F 2-3 minutes per side. Baste reserved marinade last 60 seconds.
- Metal skewers? Handle with oven mitts—they get lava-hot
- Space pieces 1/4-inch apart for even char
- Grill lid closed = smokier flavor
Also See: Microwave Steamed Corn on the Cob – Ready in Minutes!
What Do Summer Marinated Chicken Skewers Taste Like?
Imagine biting into smoky citrus confetti—bright lime tang upfront, followed by garlic warmth and a paprika hug. The microwave pre-cook gives that elusive juicy interior, while the grill adds crispy edges. My kids call it “sunshine on a stick.”
Texture-wise, expect tender bites with gentle chew—no rubbery surprises. The charred veggie contrast (hello, caramelized onions!) balances the marinade’s zing. Perfect with an iced tea sunset view.
Speaking of surprises—let’s tackle common skewer slip-ups before they happen…
Common Mistakes &Amp; How to Fix Them
We’ve all been there—my first microwave pre-cook attempt ended with chicken so dry, our dog gave me side-eye. Let’s avoid rubber chicken vibes and nail these skewers.
Over-zapping the Chicken
Microwaving too long turns breasts into bouncy balls. Solution: Follow our wattage chart strictly. If your chicken hits 150°F pre-grill, stop—it’ll finish on the flames. Pull at 130-140°F and let carryover heat work.
Skipping the Pat-dry Step
Moisture = enemy of sear. If your chicken sizzles like bacon but sticks to the grill, you forgot this. Fix: Blot thoroughly with paper towels. Bonus: dab edges with oil for crunch. When preparing chicken, achieving the perfect sear can elevate your dish to a whole new level. Mastering chicken recipes is all about paying attention to details like moisture control and seasoning.
Marathon Marinating
Citrus acids break down proteins—after 2 hours, texture turns mushy. Save it: Set a timer for 45 minutes (minimum) to 2 hours (max). Need faster infusion? Score chicken lightly before marinating. For those looking to infuse flavors even quicker, try using microwave lemon zest in your recipes. This method can save you up to 15 seconds and intensify the citrus flavor significantly.
Overcrowded Microwave Plate
Stacked chicken pieces steam instead of par-cook. Solve: Single layer only. For big batches, microwave in 1-minute intervals, rotating spots between zaps. Yes, it’s fussy—but so is salmonella. To ensure safety and even cooking, consider how to cook raw chicken in the microwave effectively. Cooking raw chicken in the microwave requires careful attention to prevent uneven heating, which can lead to foodborne illnesses.
Using Non-microwave-safe Dishes
That pretty plastic container? Now it’s melted glaze on your chicken. Swap: Glass or ceramic plates only. Look for the microwave symbol—usually wavy lines.
Last summer, my niece learned the hard way: nuking marinated chicken in a takeout container led to a smoke alarm symphony. Don’t be Jess. If you’re looking for a better way to enjoy flavorful chicken without the drama, consider using a microwave marinade hack for summer chicken fajitas. This method not only enhances the taste but also keeps your kitchen smoke-free.
With these fixes, you’re ready to avoid the top skewer saboteurs. Now let’s talk keeping leftovers juicy (yes, they’ll exist—miracles happen)…
Now It’s Your Turn to Sizzle!
We’ve walked you through every step—from zesty marinade prep to microwave pre-cooking hacks. These summer chicken skewers deliver juicy, charred perfection without the usual grill-time stress.
Grab those skewers, fire up the grill (or broiler), and let us know how your tropical-flavored chicken turns out. Pro tip: Double the marinade—it’s that good.
