These Greek Chicken Kabobs are juicy and full of flavor! Tender chicken pieces are marinated in herbs, lemon, and garlic, then grilled to perfection on skewers. Yum!
Trust me, you’ll want to make extra because they disappear fast at my house. They’re perfect with some pita bread and tzatziki sauce on the side! 😊
Grilling these kabobs is so easy and quick. I love how they make any get-together feel special without much fuss. Get ready to impress your friends! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Using boneless, skinless chicken breast gives the kabobs a juicy texture. If you want, you can swap it for thighs for a richer flavor or even use shrimp for a seafood twist.
Bell Peppers: The colorful mix adds flavor and looks great! Feel free to use any combo of peppers you like, or substitute with zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for a different taste.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is best for marinating, as it adds a lovely richness. If you prefer, avocado oil works well too and has a higher smoke point for grilling.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice keeps the flavors bright. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice is fine, but fresh is always best for taste!
Oregano: Dried oregano is a classic in Greek cooking. You can substitute with Italian seasoning or fresh oregano, but remember to use more fresh since it’s less concentrated.
How Do You Ensure the Chicken Stays Juicy on the Grill?
Marinating your chicken is key to juicy kabobs! The marinade not only adds flavor but helps tenderize the meat. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but 2 hours is even better for deeper flavor.
- Combine olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat well. Cover and refrigerate.
- Make sure your grill is hot enough before adding the skewers. This helps to get a great sear!
- Turn the kabobs occasionally while grilling to cook evenly and prevent them from drying out.
Letting them rest for a few minutes after grilling also helps redistribute the juices within the chicken, ensuring every bite is tender and delicious!
How to Make Greek Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Kabobs:
- 1.5 pounds 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
For The Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembling:
- Skewers (metal or soaked wooden skewers)
- Optional garnish: fresh dill or parsley, lemon wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. Plus, you’ll need about 15 minutes to grill the kabobs. All in all, expect to spend around 1 hour total for prep, marinating, and cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper. This mixture will give your chicken a tasty flavor. Once mixed, set it aside for a moment.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, making sure they are well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for even more flavor, let it sit for up to 2 hours.
3. Prepare the Vegetables:
While the chicken is soaking up those yummy flavors, wash and cut your bell peppers and onion into 1-inch pieces. If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning while grilling.
4. Preheat the Grill:
Time to get your grill ready! Preheat it to medium-high heat so it’s nice and hot for cooking the kabobs.
5. Assemble the Kabobs:
After marinating, it’s time to thread your chicken and veggies onto the skewers. Alternate between pieces of chicken and each color of bell pepper and onion to make them look delicious and colorful.
6. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill the kabobs for about 10-15 minutes. Be sure to turn them occasionally so that all sides cook evenly. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the vegetables are tender and have some nice grill marks.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once grilled, remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve them up with a side of tzatziki sauce or yogurt dip, and don’t forget to sprinkle on some fresh dill or parsley and add lemon wedges for extra flavor. Enjoy your delicious Greek Chicken Kabobs!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your kabobs by using other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking. For denser vegetables like carrots or potatoes, consider pre-cooking them slightly before threading onto the skewers.
How Long Should I Marinate the Chicken?
The chicken can be marinated for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, aim for 2 hours. If you’re short on time, even a quick 15-minute marinade can still give a nice taste, but a longer marinating time will enhance the flavors more deeply.
What Should I Do with Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them back on a grill for a few minutes or warm them in the microwave. Enjoy them in wraps or salads for a delicious meal the next day!
Can I Prepare the Kabobs Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the chicken and vegetables ahead of time! Just marinate the chicken and cut the veggies, then store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to grill. This can be done up to a day in advance to save time on the day of serving.
