These Greek chicken kabobs are packed with flavor and color! Marinated in lemon, garlic, and spices, they are grilled to perfection and make a tasty meal or snack.
Who doesn’t love food on a stick? I like to serve them with some fresh veggies and a dip. It’s like a mini party on my plate every time! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: This recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken breast, perfect for tender kabobs. If you’re looking for an alternative, try chicken thighs for a bit more flavor or even shrimp for a lighter option. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Bell Peppers: I chose a mix of red, yellow, and green for a colorful presentation. If these aren’t available, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or even mushrooms can be great swaps. They add different flavors while still making a tasty kabob.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a punch of flavor. In a pinch, garlic powder works, but I find fresh garlic has a much brighter taste in marinades. Adjust the quantity to your preference for a more or less garlic flavor!
Olive Oil & Lemon Juice: These give the marinade a fresh kick. Instead of olive oil, you can use avocado oil or canola oil. For lemon juice, fresh is ideal, but bottled lemon juice will do if you’re short on time.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken Kabobs Stay Juicy?
Marinating the chicken is key to keeping it juicy and flavorful. Allowing the chicken to soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes is necessary, but I recommend 2 hours if you can wait! This allows flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Mix the marinade first and make sure to coat the chicken well — the more the better!
- When grilling, don’t overcrowd the skewers. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents steaming.
- Turn the kabobs gently to get those lovely grill marks but avoid flipping too often, which can dry them out.
Also, letting the kabobs rest after grilling for a few minutes helps the juices redistribute, making each bite more tender. Enjoy your grilled masterpiece!
How to Make Greek Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Tzatziki sauce, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Greek Chicken Kabobs recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time plus at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. You’ll also need 10-15 minutes for cooking on the grill. Total time can be around 1 hour, depending on your marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined. This will be the flavorful marinade for the chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, making sure each piece is nicely coated. Once coated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to let those delicious flavors soak into the chicken. For even better flavor, you can let it marinate for up to 2 hours!
3. Assemble the Kabobs:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. After the chicken is done marinating, take the skewers and start threading the chicken onto them, alternating with pieces of red, yellow, and green bell peppers, and red onion. Layer them in any order you like—get creative!
4. Grill the Kabobs:
Once your grill is ready, carefully place the skewers on the grill. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally. You want to see nice grill marks and ensure the chicken is cooked all the way through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
5. Serving Time:
After grilling, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy. Serve your kabobs with fresh lemon wedges and some tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious Greek Chicken Kabobs!
Can I Use Different Vegetables for the Kabobs?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite vegetables such as zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes to maintain even cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Breast?
You can easily swap out chicken breast for chicken thighs for a juicier option. Alternatively, for a vegetarian twist, use firm tofu or tempeh, marinated in the same mixture!
How Do I Store Leftover Kabobs?
To store leftovers, remove the chicken and vegetables from the skewers and place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
Can I Grill the Kabobs Indoors?
Yes, if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, you can use a grill pan or broiler in your oven. Just make sure to preheat it well and keep an eye on the kabobs as they cook, turning them as needed!
