These Greek Chicken Kabobs are juicy and full of flavor, making them a perfect snack or meal. Marinated in zesty lemon and herbs, they will transport your taste buds straight to Greece!
Who doesn’t love food on a stick? It makes everything more fun! I like to serve mine with some warm pita and a dollop of tzatziki sauce. Yum, right?
Making these kabobs is a breeze! Simply marinate the chicken, skew it with veggies, and grill away. It’s a tasty dinner that feels special but is super easy to whip up!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is lean and great for kabobs. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier option or even turkey breast if that’s what you have on hand!
Bell Peppers: I love using a mix of colors for a vibrant look. Red, yellow, and green bell peppers bring a nice sweetness and crunch. If those aren’t available, zucchini or mushrooms work just as well.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my favorite here for its flavor, but you could use any cooking oil like canola or avocado oil. These are more neutral and also work fine.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a punch. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute, but use less since it’s more concentrated.
Herbs and Spices: Dried oregano is essential for that Greek flavor. You can swap it for Italian seasoning or fresh oregano if you have it. Paprika adds a bit of warmth; smoked paprika is a fun twist!
How Can I Make Sure My Chicken Kabobs Are Juicy and Flavorful?
To achieve juicy kabobs, marinating the chicken is key. The marinade not only adds flavor but also tenderizes the meat. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix the marinade ingredients well before adding the chicken to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Let the chicken soak for at least 30 minutes; if time allows, 2 hours is better for the flavors to really penetrate.
- Preheat your grill well. A hot grill ensures a nice sear and prevents sticking.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers—this helps the chicken cook evenly and get those lovely grill marks.
Cooking on medium-high heat for 12-15 minutes with occasional turns will help maintain juiciness. Allowing the kabobs to rest post-grill helps retain moisture. Enjoy the burst of flavors!
How to Make Greek Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch squares
For the Marinade:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh dill or parsley (for garnish)
- Tzatziki sauce (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating. If you have extra time, letting it marinate for up to 2 hours will give you even more flavor. Overall, expect a total of about 1 hour for preparation and grilling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade. This will give your chicken a zesty kick!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade in the bowl. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you can wait, marinating for up to 2 hours will enhance the flavor even more.
3. Prepare the Grill and Skewers:
While your chicken is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 15 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
4. Assemble the Kabobs:
Once your grill is hot, it’s time to assemble the kabobs! Take the marinated chicken and start threading it onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, green bell pepper, and red onion for color and flavor.
5. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the assembled skewers on the grill. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has beautiful grill marks. The chicken should no longer be pink inside.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve your delicious Greek chicken kabobs with fresh lemon wedges, a sprinkle of dill or parsley for garnish, and a side of tzatziki sauce if you like. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Vegetables for Kabobs?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your vegetable choices. Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or even asparagus make excellent substitutes. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces as the chicken for even cooking.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe! They tend to be more tender and flavorful. Just ensure they are boneless and skinless as well, and keep the cooking time similar since they’re typically cooked through in about the same time as chicken breasts.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
While 30 minutes to 2 hours is ideal for flavor, you can safely marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours. Just be cautious not to exceed this time, as the acidity in the lemon juice can make the chicken mushy.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up. Enjoy them in a salad or wrap for a tasty next-day meal!
