These easy Greek chicken kabobs are colorful and packed with flavor! Marinated chicken pieces are skewered with veggies, making them perfect for grilling or baking.
They’re a hit at every barbecue! I love serving them with warm pita bread and a side of tzatziki. You’ll be coming back for seconds, I promise! 😋
The best part? They’re quick to prep, so I can spend more time enjoying dinner with family instead of working in the kitchen. Give them a try!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: You can use either chicken breasts or thighs for these kabobs. Thighs are juicier and stay tender, but breasts work just fine. If you’re trying to go meatless, firm tofu or chunks of bell peppers can be a delicious substitute.
Olive Oil: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil adds great flavor, but you can use any cooking oil you prefer, like avocado oil. For a unique twist, try infused oils like garlic or lemon.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled juice works, but fresh is always best! Lime juice is a tasty substitution as well.
Dried Oregano: This herb is key for that classic Greek flavor. If you’re out, Italian seasoning can substitute in a pinch. Fresh oregano can also be used if you have it on hand – just use about three times the amount.
What’s the Best Way to Marinate Chicken for Kabobs?
Marinating the chicken is essential for great flavor and tenderness. The key is to let it sit long enough. Here’s how:
- Mix your marinade ingredients in a bowl before adding the chicken.
- Cover the bowl tightly to keep all that flavor in while marinating.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; longer is better (up to overnight) for more tender chicken.
- Don’t skip the tossing step – ensure every piece of chicken gets well-coated to soak up all those yummy flavors.
With this marination method, your kabobs will shine with flavor and tenderness! Enjoy grilling!
Easy Greek Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Kabobs:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
For Serving and Garnish:
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Sliced cucumber
- Sliced red onion
- Kalamata olives
- Feta cheese, cut into cubes
- Grilled lemon slices
- Fresh dill for garnish
- Tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Warm pita bread
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10-15 minutes for preparation, and you should allow for at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken (longer is better for flavor). Grilling takes another 10-12 minutes, making the total time around 1 hour (including marinating time).
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme (if using), salt, and pepper. This flavorful marinade will ensure your chicken is tender and tasty!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure to toss and coat them well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, try to let it marinate for 2-3 hours or even overnight!
3. Preheat and Prepare for Grilling:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. While that’s heating up, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, ensuring to leave a little space between each piece to help them cook evenly.
4. Grill the Kabobs:
Lightly oil the grill grates or grill pan to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning them every 3-4 minutes. Look for a nice char and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Grill the Lemon Slices:
If you like, you can grill lemon slices alongside the kabobs until they get beautiful char marks. They’re great for squeezing over the kabobs just before serving!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Arrange the grilled chicken kabobs on a serving platter with fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cubes. Drizzle everything with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle with fresh dill. Serve it up with tzatziki sauce and warm pita bread for a delicious and colorful Greek feast!
Enjoy your vibrant and flavorful Easy Greek Chicken Kabobs!
FAQ for Easy Greek Chicken Kabobs
Can I Use Different Vegetables in the Kabobs?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or red onions to your skewers. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces as the chicken for even cooking.
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Yes, marinating the chicken overnight is a great way to enhance the flavors! Just be sure to cover it properly in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the microwave or oven until heated through. You can also enjoy them cold in a salad!
What Should I Serve With Greek Chicken Kabobs?
These kabobs pair wonderfully with tzatziki sauce, warm pita bread, and a fresh Greek salad. You can also serve them over rice or quinoa for a hearty meal!
