If you’re yearning for a mouthful of vibrant Mediterranean flavor, these Grilled Greek Chicken Kabobs are a must-try. They’re juicy, savory, and perfect for any season, combining the colorful, zesty essence of Greek cuisine in one skewer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbeatable Flavor: The combination of lemon, garlic, and herbs is a Greek classic that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep, these kabobs are on the table in no time, perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual weekend get-together.
- Versatile: These kabobs are great as-is, or you can customize them with your favorite veggies for additional color and flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating these Grilled Greek Chicken Kabobs is all about simplicity and letting the quality and freshness of each ingredient shine. Each component plays a vital role in flavoring the chicken and creating a vibrant, fresh dish perfect for sharing.
- Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy cubing and even cooking.
- Olive Oil: This Mediterranean staple helps carry the flavors of the marinade.
- Lemon Zest and Juice: Fresh zest and juice provide a tangy burst that’s quintessential to Greek dishes.
- Dried Oregano and Parsley: Essential herbs for that authentic Greek flavor.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses every bite with irresistible aroma and taste.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Enhances flavors and balances the tanginess of the lemon.
Variations
The beauty of Grilled Greek Chicken Kabobs lies in their adaptability. Whether you prefer vegetarian options or different cuts of meat, the recipe welcomes change, making it easy to accommodate dietary needs or personal tastes.
- Add Vegetables: Integrate zucchini, onions, or bell peppers onto the skewers for added freshness and nutrition.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a hint of heat.
How to Make Grilled Greek Chicken Kabobs
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a large resealable bag, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried oregano, dried parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This fragrant blend sets the stage for perfectly flavored chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag and let it marinate in the fridge for no longer than 2-3 hours to avoid toughening the chicken.
Step 3: Assemble and Grill
Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers. Preheat your grill to medium-high, then grill each skewer for about 3-4 minutes per side. Your goal is beautifully charred exteriors with juicy centers.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, let your kabobs rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. Then, serve them hot with your favorite sides.
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Greek Chicken Kabobs
- Perfect Marination: Don’t over-marinate! More than 3 hours can cause the acidic lemon juice to make the chicken tough.
- Balanced Skewers: For even cooking, make sure your chicken pieces are uniform in size.
- Grill Management: Use medium-high heat to achieve those perfect grill marks without drying out the chicken.
How to Serve Grilled Greek Chicken Kabobs
Garnishes
Squeeze a bit of extra lemon juice over the cooked kabobs and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
Pair these kabobs with a classic Greek salad, some fluffy couscous or a creamy tzatziki sauce to round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic, laid-back feel, serve the kabobs directly on a wooden board, allowing guests to help themselves and creating a casual dining atmosphere.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator; they’ll stay fresh for up to three days and make a fantastic lunch.
Freezing
You can freeze chicken after marinating by placing it in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before grilling as instructed.
Reheating
To reheat, pre-warm the oven to 350°F, and place the kabobs on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are slightly more forgiving due to their higher fat content, which adds extra flavor.
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What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! You can broil these kabobs in the oven using the same temperature guidelines for a similar effect.
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How do I prevent the skewers from burning?
If you’re using bamboo skewers, ensure they’re soaked in water for at least 20 minutes before threading and grilling.
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Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
It’s best to marinate the chicken for no more than 3 hours as the lemon can begin to toughen the meat if left longer.
Final Thoughts
I’m thrilled for you to try these Grilled Greek Chicken Kabobs at your next meal! They’re a simple yet exciting way to transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean. Happy grilling!
Print
Grilled Greek Chicken Kabobs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 skewers (serves 4-5 people)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
Enjoy flavorful and tender grilled Greek chicken kabobs marinated in a zesty lemon and herb mixture, perfect for a quick and delicious outdoor meal or indoor grilling experience.
Ingredients
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
Chicken
- 2 to 2.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 to 1 1/4 inch cubes
Optional
- Vegetables like zucchini, onions, bell peppers, or pre-cooked baby potatoes
Instructions
- Prepare skewers: Have stainless steel skewers ready. If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning.
- Make marinade: In a large resealable bag, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Marinate chicken: Add chicken cubes to the marinade bag, seal tightly, and toss to coat evenly. Refrigerate and marinate for 2 to 3 hours, turning occasionally.
- Preheat grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Assemble kabobs: Thread marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving space between pieces for even cooking.
- Grill: Cook the kabobs for about 3-4 minutes per side, totaling 12-14 minutes, until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Optional oven finish: If needed, place the skewers on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 5-8 minutes to ensure complete cooking.
- Rest and serve: Let the kabobs rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your flavorful grilled Greek chicken skewers!
Notes
- During the last 20-30 minutes of marinating, let the chicken sit at room temperature to promote even cooking.
- Soak wooden or bamboo skewers in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning.
- Do not marinate the chicken for more than 3 hours as the lemon marinade can make the meat tough and rubbery.
- Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini, onions, or bell peppers on the skewers for more variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (about 3 ounces of chicken)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
