These Easy Greek Chicken Kabobs are full of flavor and fun to make! Tender chicken marinated in zesty lemon and herbs, grilled to perfection, makes them a tasty choice for any meal.
They’re great for weeknight dinners or parties! I love serving them with some warm pita and a side of tzatziki. Trust me, you’ll want to keep these kabobs on your menu! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness, but breasts work fine too. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using turkey or tofu cubes as a vegetarian substitute.
Olive Oil: This adds healthy fats and flavor. If you’re out, avocado oil is a great alternative! It has a mild taste and can withstand high heat, making it perfect for grilling.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is best for that zingy flavor. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice will do, but use a little less as it’s often more concentrated.
Herbs: Dried oregano and thyme are key to that classic Greek taste. If you prefer fresh herbs, use a tablespoon each of chopped fresh oregano and thyme. They can elevate the flavor even more!
Tzatziki: This creamy sauce is a must! Make your own with Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon, and olive oil. Alternatively, store-bought tzatziki can save time if you’re in a hurry.
How Do You Marinate Chicken for Kabobs Properly?
Marinating your chicken is essential for tender, flavorful kabobs. The process is simple yet crucial. Here’s how to do it:
- Combine olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, and spices in a bowl.
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure even marinating.
- Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly in the marinade and let it sit covered in the fridge for at least an hour. Longer (up to 3 hours) is better for flavor!
Remember, don’t marinate for too long (like over 24 hours), as the acid can break down the chicken too much and make it mushy. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
Easy Greek Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Marinade:
- 1 ½ to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1 to 1½ inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soaked in water for 30 minutes prior)
For Serving and Sides:
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Sliced cucumber, sprinkled with black pepper
- Sliced red onion
- Kalamata olives
- Cubed feta cheese
- Grilled lemon slices
- Grilled yellow squash slices
- Tzatziki sauce (yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice, olive oil)
- Warm pita bread
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and marination, plus a grilling time of about 15-20 minutes. Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour (or up to 3 hours) adds incredible flavor before grilling. You can have tasty kabobs ready in about 35-40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, cumin, salt, and black pepper. This flavorful marinade will give your chicken a delicious Greek twist!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure they are coated evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer it to a resealable bag. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally 2-3 hours to enhance the flavors.
3. Preheat the Grill:
Prepare your grill for medium-high heat. Make sure it’s clean and oiled to prevent the chicken from sticking.
4. Thread the Chicken onto Skewers:
Once marinated, remove the chicken from the marinade. Thread the pieces onto soaked wooden skewers or metal skewers, packing them closely but not too tightly to allow even cooking.
5. Grill the Chicken:
Place the kabobs on the preheated grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, turning carefully until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and shows nice grill marks. A little char adds extra flavor!
6. Grill the Vegetables:
While the chicken cooks, toss lemon slices and yellow squash on the grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until they’re nicely marked and tender.
7. Arrange the Platter:
On a serving plate, beautifully arrange the grilled chicken kabobs alongside the grilled veggies, fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, olives, and feta cubes for a colorful and appetizing presentation.
8. Serve:
Drizzle tzatziki sauce with a splash of olive oil and sprinkle with fresh dill in a small bowl on the side. Serve everything alongside warm pita bread for a complete and delicious Greek feast!
Enjoy your fresh, flavorful Easy Greek Chicken Kabobs! It’s a meal that brings the taste of Greece right to your table!
FAQ About Easy Greek Chicken Kabobs
Can I Use Different Types of Meat for Kabobs?
Absolutely! While chicken is the star in this recipe, you can substitute it with other meats like pork, beef, or even shrimp. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly—shrimp will cook faster, usually in just a few minutes!
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for up to 3 hours for optimal flavor. If you marinate it for longer than that (like overnight), it can start to break down the meat too much and make it mushy. Aim for 1-3 hours for the best texture!
What Should I Do with Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. You can also reheat in the microwave, but the oven helps maintain the texture!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the tzatziki sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep both stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill. When it’s time to cook, everything will be ready to go!
