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Mayo-Marinated Chicken Shashlik Skewers (Lithuanian BBQ Style)
Juicy and flavorful chicken skewers marinated in a tangy mix of mayo, onion, and lemon—grilled to smoky perfection. A beloved Lithuanian BBQ classic that brings family and flavor together on warm summer nights.
Equipment
- 4 large metal skewers
- BBQ grill (charcoal or gas)
- Mixing bowl
- Kitchen thermometer (optional)
- Fork
- Beer bottle (for spritzing, optional)
Ingredients
- 600 g (1.4 lb) skinless, boneless chicken thighs
- 2 brown onions, cut into wedges
- 60 g (¼ cup) mayonnaise (whole egg or full-fat)
- Juice of ¼ lemon (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or sunflower oil)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cut the chicken thighs into long strips about 3 cm (1–1¼ inch) wide.
- In a bowl or Tupperware container, combine chicken, onion wedges, mayonnaise, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate for 6–12 hours to marinate.
- Preheat your BBQ grill until the coals are hot.
- Thread the chicken strips onto metal skewers, weaving them like stitching a needle, and alternate with onion wedges.
- Grill over medium heat for 15–20 minutes, turning occasionally until chicken is fully cooked. Internal temp should be 74°C (165°F), or juices should run clear.
- (Optional) Spray or brush the skewers with beer near the end of grilling for extra aroma and moisture.
- Slide the chicken off the skewers with a fork and serve with traditional Lithuanian sides.
Notes
These mayonnaise-marinated chicken skewers are a must-have for any summer barbecue, especially in Lithuania, where kebabs aren’t just a meal, they’re a way of life. 🍗🔥 Tender chicken thighs are marinated in creamy mayonnaise, tangy lemon juice, and sweet onions, then grilled to perfection. The result? A juicy, flavorful skewer that practically melts in your mouth.
Whether you’re looking to reconnect with your Baltic roots or simply exploring the flavors of barbecue around the world, this crowd-pleasing recipe is sure to become a grill-night favorite.
☀️ The Magic of Lithuanian Summer Barbecue
Summer cooking in Lithuania is more than just food—it’s about unforgettable family traditions. Imagine: a warm golden sunset, the crackle of charcoal, and the mouthwatering aroma of marinated meat sizzling on the grill. 🏕️ Shashlik, originally inspired by Georgian cuisine, has become a cultural staple in Lithuania. Every family has its own “secret” marinade recipe, which is closely guarded as a national treasure. Friendly competition is half the fun – dads, uncles and cousins gather around the grill, comparing techniques and tastes as if it were an Olympic sport. 😄 Everyone gets involved, from children helping pass skewers to grandparents reminiscing about summers gone by. With a cold beer in hand and laughter filling the air, shashlik becomes more than just a meal – it’s a celebration of connection.📝 Ingredients you’ll need
- 600g (1.4lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 brown onions, sliced (red onions are also great!)
- 60g (¼ cup) mayonnaise – use fat-free or whole egg mayonnaise for the best flavor
- Jice of ¼ lemon, freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or sunflower oil)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
💡 Optional: Substitute chicken thighs for breast if desired, but be aware that breast meat cooks faster and dries out more easily.🔥 Step by Step: How to Make Chicken Kebabs
1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken thighs into long strips about 1–1¼ inches (3 cm) wide. Depending on the size of each thigh, you will get 2–3 strips per piece. 2️⃣ Prepare the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl or Tupperware container, combine:
- Chicken strips
- Onion slices
- Mayonnaise
- Lemon juice
- Oil
- Salt and pepper
- Mix thoroughly until well coated.
Cover and refrigerate for 6–12 hours (overnight is ideal!). The mayonnaise will tenderize the chicken, while the lemon and onion will add flavor. 😋 4️⃣ Fire up the grill
Once the coals are hot, thread the marinated chicken onto metal skewers. Thread the chicken onto the skewers, alternating with the onion slices for extra flavor. 5️⃣ Grill to perfection
Grill the skewers over medium heat, turning occasionally for even cooking. Cook for 15–20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
✔️ To check for doneness:
- Cut into the thickest piece—there should be no pink left
- Or use a meat thermometer (internal temperature should reach 74°C / 165°F)
Remove the grilled chicken from the skewers with a fork and serve immediately with your favorite barbecue side dishes. These kebabs are juicy, smoky, and incredibly filling!
🥗 What to Serve with Lithuanian Shish Kebab
To make it a complete Lithuanian feast, pair these skewers with traditional barbecue sides:- Lithuanian Garden Creamy Salad – loaded with cucumbers, radishes and fresh dill
- Vegetable Platter – sliced tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers sprinkled with salt
- Dill Pickles – a Lithuanian classic that is not up for debate
- Cabbage Pigeon – tangy and crunchy
- Carrot Salad with Sunflower Seeds – sweet, nutty and earthy
- Creamy Tomato Salad – summer tomatoes in a rich sour cream dressing
- Georgian Adjika – a bold, spicy sauce that pairs beautifully with grilled chicken
