These Easy Greek Chicken Kabobs are a fun and tasty meal! Tender chicken is marinated in zesty lemon, herbs, and spices, then grilled to juicy perfection. Yum!
These kabobs are great for a quick dinner or a weekend barbecue. I love serving them with a side of warm pita and tzatziki sauce. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless thighs for extra juiciness. If you want a leaner option, chicken breasts work fine. If you’re looking for a different protein, try cubed tofu or shrimp.
Olive Oil: This adds great flavor and helps keep the chicken moist. For a change, use avocado oil or grapeseed oil, which have a higher smoke point.
Garlic: Fresh garlic delivers the best taste. If you’re out of fresh, you can substitute with ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, but fresh is always more vibrant.
Spices: Oregano is key for that Greek flavor, but if you’re out, try Italian seasoning. A bit of fresh dill or mint could also brighten the dish!
Pita and Tzatziki: Use whole grain pita for added nutrition. For tzatziki, if you’re short on yogurt, dairy-free Greek yogurt works too, or simply serve with hummus.
How Do I Grill Chicken Kabobs Without Them Sticking?
Grilling kabobs can be tricky, but here are some tips to succeed:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan properly; it should be hot before adding the chicken.
- Make sure to oil the grill grates or brush a little oil on the kabobs to prevent sticking.
- Don’t force the kabobs to flip too soon. Wait for a nice char to form, and they’ll release more easily.
- Turning every few minutes ensures even cooking without them sticking too much.
By following these steps, your chicken kabobs should turn out perfectly grilled, delicious, and ready to impress!
Easy Greek Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soaked in water for 30 minutes)
For Serving:
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Sliced cucumbers
- Sliced red onions
- Greek olives (Kalamata)
- Cubed feta cheese
- Grilled lemon and squash slices
- Pita bread, warmed
- Tzatziki sauce (Greek yogurt mixed with grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 30 minutes to prepare the marinade, and you’ll want to let the chicken soak in it for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1-2 hours for the best flavor. Grilling the kebabs takes around 10-12 minutes. So, in total, you’re looking at approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, including marinating time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, dried thyme, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until well mixed. This will give the chicken a wonderful Greek flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken to the marinade. Toss the chicken pieces around to coat them evenly in the marinade. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to marinate. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, 1-2 hours is even better for more flavor.
3. Preheat and Prepare:
While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure they’ve been soaking in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning.
4. Assemble the Kabobs:
Once the chicken is marinated, take them out of the fridge. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers. Be sure to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
5. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the skewers on the hot grill. Grill the chicken kabobs for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are charred on the outside and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Add Vegetables:
In the last few minutes of grilling, throw on lemon slices and zucchini (or squash) slices next to the kabobs. Let them grill until they are slightly charred and softened.
7. Serve It Up:
To serve, arrange the grilled chicken kabobs on a large platter alongside the grilled lemon and squash, fresh cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, red onion, olives, and feta cheese. This colorful spread is sure to impress!
8. Don’t Forget the Sides:
Set a bowl of tzatziki sauce on the side along with some warm pita bread. This is the perfect dip to complement the flavors!
9. Add Finishing Touches:
Garnish with fresh dill or oregano if you wish, and feel free to drizzle a little more olive oil over the tzatziki for added richness.
10. Dig In!
Enjoy your deliciously flavorful Greek chicken kabobs with the fresh Mediterranean sides. It’s a meal that brings people together, perfect for sharing and savoring!
This kabob recipe not only looks beautiful on your plate, but it also brings the taste of the Mediterranean right to your table. Enjoy every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Meats for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken is the traditional choice, you can substitute with beef, pork, or even shrimp. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly since different proteins require different grilling times.
What If I Don’t Have Tzatziki Sauce? Can I Substitute It?
Yes, if you don’t have tzatziki, you can serve the kabobs with hummus or a yogurt-based dip. A simple mix of Greek yogurt with lemon juice, salt, and herbs can also work well in a pinch!
How Do I Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently in the microwave or on the grill to maintain their flavor and texture.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before grilling when you’re ready to cook.
Feel free to adjust any details, but these common questions can help guide anyone trying out your delicious Easy Greek Chicken Kabobs!
