These Easy Greek Chicken Kabobs are full of flavor and super simple to make! With juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and a zesty marinade, they’re perfect for grilling or baking.
My favorite part? They look fancy but take just minutes to prepare! Perfect for a fun family dinner or a backyard cookout. Don’t forget to enjoy them with some tasty tzatziki sauce! 🍗🌿
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for juiciness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try chicken thighs. They stay tender during grilling and add a different flavor.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my favorite for its rich flavor, but you can use any cooking oil, like canola or avocado oil, if preferred.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dish. If you’re out of fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice works, but it doesn’t quite match the freshness.
Spices: Dried oregano is a must for that Greek flavor. If you want a spicy kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes. If you’re out of smoked paprika, it’s fine to skip it—your kabobs will still taste great!
Feta Cheese: Feta cheese adds a salty flavor. If you’re vegan or want a lighter option, try crumbled tofu or a vegan feta alternative.
How Do You Get Perfectly Grilled Chicken Kabobs?
Getting the chicken juicy and flavorful on the grill is essential! Here’s how to ensure your kabobs turn out great:
- **Marinate the Chicken:** Marinating for at least 30 minutes helps flavor the chicken. Longer marination, like 1-2 hours, makes it even better.
- **Threading Skewers:** Make sure to leave a little space between the chicken pieces on the skewers. This helps them cook evenly.
- **Grilling Tips:** Preheat the grill properly. It should be medium-high. Brush it with oil to prevent sticking.
- **Cook Time:** Grill chicken for 10-12 minutes. Always flip a few times to ensure even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Follow these tips and enjoy perfectly grilled Greek chicken kabobs every time! 🥙🌞
Easy Greek Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Kabobs:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon), divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 8 metal or soaked wooden skewers
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, cut into cubes
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced (for grilling)
- Fresh dill, for garnish
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, finely grated and drained
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Warm pita bread (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. After that, you’ll need about 15 minutes for grilling. Overall, you could have delicious Greek chicken kabobs ready in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade and Chicken:
In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, tossing well to coat the pieces evenly. Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 1-2 hours to enhance the flavors.
2. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out any excess water), minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh dill. Mix well, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and chill in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
3. Prepare the Grill or Grill Pan:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. As it heats up, carefully thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers evenly. This way, they cook uniformly!
4. Grill the Chicken Kabobs and Lemon Slices:
Lightly brush the grill with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the chicken skewers and the thin lemon slices on the grill. Grill the chicken for about 10-12 minutes, turning the skewers occasionally until they are cooked through and have nice char marks. The lemon slices should grill for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they are lightly charred.
5. Assemble the Plate:
Once the chicken is done, arrange the grilled kabobs on a serving plate. Surround them with grilled lemon slices, cucumber slices, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese cubes. For an extra touch, garnish everything with fresh dill and drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and lemon juice over the veggie side for added freshness.
6. Serve:
Serve the chicken kabobs hot, alongside the tzatziki sauce for dipping. Including warm pita bread on the side makes this meal even more delightful. Enjoy your delicious and fresh Greek-inspired chicken kabobs!
This recipe brings the taste of the Mediterranean right to your table. Enjoy your cooking adventure! 🍽️
FAQ for Easy Greek Chicken Kabobs
Can I Use Other Meats for These Kabobs?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with other proteins like shrimp, beef, or even pork. Just adjust the marinating time accordingly—shrimp needs only about 15-30 minutes, while beef or pork should marinate for at least 1-2 hours.
What Can I Use Instead of Greek Yogurt for the Tzatziki Sauce?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, sour cream makes a great substitute. For a dairy-free version, try using a thick plant-based yogurt, like almond or coconut yogurt. Just make sure it’s plain and unsweetened for the best flavor.
How to Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also keep the tzatziki sauce separately. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken.
Can I Grill Vegetables with the Chicken?
Definitely! Bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms all work well and add more color and flavor. Just cut them into similar sizes as the chicken for even cooking and thread them onto the same skewers or separate ones!
