Name: Feta Brined Chicken Skewers with Herby Feta Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 4 h 27 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup feta cheese (loosely crumbled); 1 whole lemon (freshly squeezed); 1/3 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup parsley (freshly chopped); 2 tbsp dill (freshly chopped); 1 clove garlic; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 lbs chicken breast; 1 10 oz container of feta cheese in brine; 1 whole red onion; 2 cloves garlic (crushed); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 whole lemon

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 26 reviews

If you're looking for a dish that combines tangy, creamy feta flavor with juicy, smoky grilled chicken, you have to try this Feta Brined Chicken Skewers with Herby Feta Sauce Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that feels special yet comes together with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. The magic lies in marinating the chicken in salty feta brine, which tenderizes and infuses each bite with a subtle Mediterranean flair, while the fresh herby feta sauce adds a burst of brightness that perfectly balances the smoky char from the grill. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether it’s a casual family dinner or a weekend gathering with friends.

Ingredients You'll Need

A white rectangular dish with a dark blue rim contains five skewers arranged side by side, each skewer holding several pieces of light pink raw chicken layered with wedges of purple-red onion; the skewers sit in a pale yellow marinade, speckled with small bits of white garlic and black pepper. To the left of the dish, there are several empty wooden skewers resting near a green, white, and dark blue checkered cloth. In the bottom left corner, there is an open white container with a block of white cheese visible. All items are placed on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role; they’re simple yet essential to create layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the dish sing on your plate.

1 cup feta cheese (loosely crumbled): Brings the creamy, salty base to the herby sauce.

1 whole lemon (freshly squeezed): Adds bright citrus acidity to lift all the flavors.
⅓ cup olive oil: Provides richness and helps blend the sauce smoothly.
¼ cup parsley (freshly chopped): Offers fresh, earthy notes and a pop of green color.

2 tablespoon dill (freshly chopped): Adds a subtle tangy herb flavor that's perfect with feta.
1 clove garlic: Imparts a mellow pungency that rounds out the sauce.
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Gives a slight peppery bite for balance.

2 lbs chicken breast: The star protein, tenderized in the feta brine and perfect for skewering.
1 10 oz container of feta cheese in brine: Essential for marinating the chicken, adding salty tang and moisture.
1 whole red onion: Adds sweetness and slight bite when grilled alongside the chicken.

2 cloves garlic (crushed): Intensifies the marinade with savory depth.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to brush skewers for grilling and enhance caramelization.

How to Make Feta Brined Chicken Skewers with Herby Feta Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Herby Feta Sauce

While your chicken is marinating, take this time to whip up the star sauce. Combine garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and olive oil in a food processor and pulse until the garlic is crushed. Next, add the crumbled feta cheese, chopped herbs, and freshly ground black pepper. Pulse everything until smooth and creamy. Chill this delicious sauce in the fridge while the chicken soaks up all that briny goodness; it’ll be your luscious, tangy finishing touch.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Slice the red onion into generous 1-inch chunks and cut the chicken breast into similarly sized pieces. In a shallow baking dish, add half of the onion slices and crushed garlic cloves, then sprinkle liberally with fresh cracked black pepper. Pour the feta brine (with the feta cheese) over the chicken and onions, tossing gently to combine. Cover the dish and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight to allow maximum flavor and tenderness to develop.

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

After marinating, skewer the chicken pieces alternately with the remaining fresh onion chunks. Be careful not to pack them too tightly on the skewer to ensure even cooking. Remember to soak wooden skewers in water for about 20 minutes before grilling so they don’t catch fire—this little step is a game changer when grilling!

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the assembled skewers with olive oil, then spritz with fresh lemon juice for an extra hint of citrus. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes total, turning occasionally until the chicken reaches a beautiful golden-brown color and is cooked through. During the last few minutes, baste the skewers generously with about one-third of the herby feta sauce; the heat will gently melt the cheese and create a subtle caramelization on the chicken that is simply irresistible.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once grilled to perfection, remove the skewers from the heat and slather them with more herby feta sauce, finishing with a final spritz of fresh lemon juice. Serve these skewers immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.

How to Serve Feta Brined Chicken Skewers with Herby Feta Sauce Recipe

The image shows five skewers of grilled chicken pieces with a light green herb sauce and charred edges, mixed with slices of grilled red onion, arranged on a white plate. Around the skewers, there are colorful fresh vegetable slices including red and yellow cherry tomatoes, cucumber rounds, and purple onion slices. Lemon wedges are scattered near the skewers, some underneath and some beside them. To the top left of the plate, a small white bowl contains a creamy green herb dip, with a lemon wedge garnishing the dip and some green parsley leaves nearby. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like extra chopped parsley or dill sprinkled on top add a vibrant touch of color and freshness. Lemon wedges served alongside offer an extra burst of brightness, inviting each person to personalize their bite with a squeeze of citrus. For a splash of color and crunch, consider adding some toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of sumac.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with light, fresh side dishes that complement the feta’s saltiness and grilled char. Think warm pita bread, a crisp cucumber and tomato salad, or herbed couscous tossed with lemon zest. Roasted vegetables or a simple Greek-style salad with olives and tomatoes also make perfect accompanists to balance and round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Serve the skewers over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy polenta to soak up the extra herby feta sauce. For a festive gathering, arrange the skewers on a large wooden board surrounded by bowls of the sauce, fresh herbs, and wedges of lemon. You could also create mini skewers as appetizers, making the Feta Brined Chicken Skewers with Herby Feta Sauce Recipe a conversation starter and finger-food favorite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the herby feta sauce separate to maintain its freshness and flavor intensity. When ready to enjoy again, bring both to room temperature before reheating.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the grilled chicken skewers without sauce. Wrap them tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve their juicy tenderness.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the skewers gently on a grill pan or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the chicken. Once warm, drizzle with fresh herby feta sauce before serving to recapture that fresh, tangy finish.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken besides breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs or tenders also work wonderfully in this recipe. They tend to be juicier, and the feta brine helps tenderize any cut, so feel free to choose your favorite.

What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh dill?

If fresh dill isn’t available, try substituting with fresh tarragon, chervil, or even a pinch of dried dill for a similar herbaceous note. Parsley alone also keeps the sauce vibrant and fresh.

Do I need a grill to make this recipe?

You can definitely adapt this to an oven broiler or grill pan if you don’t have an outdoor grill. Just watch closely under the broiler to avoid burning and flip skewers regularly for even cooking and caramelization.

How long is the chicken marinade best for?

Marinating for at least 4 hours is important to tenderize and infuse flavor, but for best results, overnight is ideal. However, avoid exceeding 24 hours as the acid from the lemon and brine can start to "cook" the chicken making texture a little mushy.

Can I make the herby feta sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! In fact, the flavors meld beautifully when made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before serving to bring everything back together perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Making the Feta Brined Chicken Skewers with Herby Feta Sauce Recipe is such a rewarding experience, combining simple ingredients into a dish bursting with Mediterranean charm. Whether for an effortless weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue with friends, this recipe brings exciting flavors and vibrant flair to your table. I genuinely hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—it’s a total winner in my book!

Feta Brined Chicken Skewers with Herby Feta Sauce Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need