If you’re in the mood for a burst of Mediterranean flavor, then these Grilled Greek Chicken Kabobs are calling your name! Juicy chicken marinated in a zesty lemon and herb mixture, skewered, and perfectly grilled to golden perfection, makes this dish irresistible. Whether you’re planning a BBQ or a simple weeknight dinner, these kabobs are a guaranteed hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: In just under 30 minutes (plus marinating time), you get a gourmet meal that feels like Greece on a skewer.
- Burst of Flavors: The combination of lemon and herbs provides a zesty bite with every piece of chicken.
- Versatile: Perfect for parties, weeknight dinners, or BBQ gatherings.
- Healthy Delight: Packed with protein and healthy fats, it’s a dish you can indulge in without the guilt.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Grilled Greek Chicken Kabobs lies in its simple, yet powerful ingredients. Each component plays a critical role in delivering the authentic flavors of Greece.
- Chicken Breasts: Use boneless and skinless for easy preparation and juicy results. Cut into even cubes for uniform cooking.
- Olive Oil: This is the base of the marinade, providing richness and a hint of fruitiness.
- Lemon Zest and Juice: Offers a bright, refreshing citrus note that pairs perfectly with the herbs.
- Dried Oregano and Parsley: Essential herbs for that authentic Greek flavor.
- Garlic: Adds an aromatic depth to the marinade.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Enhances all the flavors, making the dish truly sing.
Variations
One of the joys of cooking is making recipes your own. Here are a few ways to adjust these Grilled Greek Chicken Kabobs based on your tastes or what’s in your pantry.
- Add Veggies: Thread some zucchini, onions, or bell peppers along with the chicken for a full meal on a stick.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a touch of heat.
- Lemon Upgrade: Swap some of the lemon juice for lime to offer a delightful twist.
How to Make Grilled Greek Chicken Kabobs
Step 1: Prepare the Skewers
If you’re using bamboo skewers, make sure to soak them in water for 20 minutes. This step is crucial to prevent them from burning on the grill or in the oven. Stainless steel skewers are a sturdier option and eliminate the need for soaking.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Mix the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, herbs, garlic, and seasonings in a resealable bag. Add the chicken cubes, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Skewer and Grill
Once marinated, thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers. Preheat your grill to medium-high and cook the kabobs for 3-4 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a nice char while ensuring the chicken is fully cooked through, around 12-14 minutes total.
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Greek Chicken Kabobs
- Perfect Marination Time: Keep the marination under three hours. The acidic lemon can toughen the chicken if left too long.
- Consistent Chicken Cubes: Ensuring your chicken pieces are uniform in size will help them cook evenly.
- Temperature Control: Medium-high grill heat gives you the perfect sear without overcooking the chicken’s interior.
- Bamboo Skewer Safety: Soak bamboo skewers well to prevent fires and ensure safe grilling.
How to Serve Grilled Greek Chicken Kabobs
Garnishes
Consider sprinkling the kabobs with a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a vibrant touch. A squeeze of fresh lemon just before serving can amplify the zesty flavors as well.
Side Dishes
Pair these kabobs with a fresh Greek salad, a side of tzatziki sauce, or fluffy pita bread. They also go wonderfully with roasted potatoes or a simple couscous salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative with your presentation by arranging the kabobs over a bed of lettuce or mixed greens. For an appetizer, slide the chicken off the skewer and serve with toothpicks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover kabobs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They’re ideal for quick lunches or dinners later in the week!
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked kabobs in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat, defrost thoroughly if frozen, then warm in the oven at 350°F until hot. You can also microwave, but for better texture, the oven is preferred.
FAQs
-
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work well as they tend to remain juicy and flavorful throughout the grilling process.
-
What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries! These kabobs can also be broiled in the oven. Just ensure to rotate them to achieve an even char.
-
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for 2-3 hours?
While it’s recommended for the fullest flavor, even a shorter marination time of 30 minutes will still produce delicious results.
-
How can I make these kabobs vegetarian?
Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or a variety of vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian version.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a fan of Greek flavors or simply looking for a delightful addition to your grilling repertoire, these Grilled Greek Chicken Kabobs are a must-try. They’re flavorful, versatile, and oh-so-easy to prepare. I promise they’ll become a family favorite in no time!
Print
Grilled Greek Chicken Kabobs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 skewers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
Enjoy this flavorful and juicy grilled Greek chicken kabobs marinated in a zesty lemon herb mixture, perfect for outdoor grilling or oven finishing. Simple to prepare and full of vibrant Mediterranean flavors, these skewers are a healthy and delicious choice for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Chicken and Skewers
- 2 to 2.5 pounds chicken breasts (boneless, skinless), cut into 1-1/4 inch cubes
- Stainless steel skewers or bamboo skewers (soaked in water for 20 minutes)
Instructions
- Prepare Skewers: Make sure you have skewers ready. If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Make Marinade: In a large resealable bag, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried oregano, dried parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Seal the bag and shake well to mix.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken cubes into the marinade bag, seal, and toss to coat evenly. Refrigerate and marinate for 2-3 hours for optimal flavor, flipping once midway.
- Assemble Kabobs: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving space between pieces for even cooking.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Ensure grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Grill Kabobs: Place skewers on the grill. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and registers 165°F internally, approximately 12-14 minutes total.
- Finishing in Oven (Optional): If needed, transfer skewers to a preheated 400°F oven and bake for 5-8 minutes to ensure thorough cooking.
- Rest and Serve: Remove cooked kebabs from the grill. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to retain juices. Serve hot, optionally with sides like grilled vegetables or rice.
Notes
- Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 20 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent burning during grilling.
- Do not marinate the chicken for longer than 3 hours as the lemon can make the meat tough.
- Let the marinated chicken sit at room temperature during the last 20-30 minutes of marinating for more even cooking.
- Finish in the oven if your grill is unavailable or to hasten cooking, especially to ensure internal temperature safety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (about 4 oz chicken)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
