These tasty Greek Chicken Kabobs are perfect for grilling! Marinated in herbs, lemon, and olive oil, they’re bursting with flavor. Plus, they’re easy to make and fun to eat!
Nothing says summer like kabobs on the grill. I love how colorful they look with peppers and onions. Grab a few skewers, and let’s fire them up for a delicious meal! 🌞
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breast for tenderness. However, if you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work great too and add extra flavor.
Bell Peppers: I love using a mix of colors for variety and sweetness. If bell peppers aren’t available, zucchini or cherry tomatoes can work as excellent substitutes.
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for the best flavor. If you’re out, vegetable or avocado oil can also do the job without losing too much flavor.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings the best taste. If you only have garlic powder, use about 1/4 teaspoon for a substitute.
Herbs: Dried oregano is traditional here, but you could also use dried thyme or Italian seasoning if that’s what you have on hand.
How Do You Make Sure the Chicken Stays Juicy on the Grill?
Keeping chicken juicy can be tricky, but marinating is key. For the best results, make sure to let the chicken soak up the marinade for at least 30 minutes up to 2 hours before grilling. The acidity from the lemon juice helps tenderize the meat.
- Whisk the marinade well to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Coat the chicken cubes completely and cover the bowl tightly before refrigerating to lock in flavor.
- Monitor grilling closely. Turn the skewers every few minutes for even cooking and to prevent drying out.
- Always check that the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
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
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Serving:
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh dill or parsley, for garnish (optional)
- Tzatziki sauce, for dipping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes for prep and marinating, plus an additional 15 minutes to cook on the grill. So set aside about 45 minutes in total to enjoy these delicious Greek Chicken Kabobs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes. This tasty mixture will be your marinade for the chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, making sure they’re all well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the fridge. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but 2 hours is even better for extra flavor.
3. Prep the Skewers:
While the chicken is marinating, soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent them from burning when you grill the kabobs.
4. Preheat the Grill:
Time to get the grill ready! Preheat it to medium-high heat so it’s nice and hot for the kabobs.
5. Assemble the Kabobs:
Once your chicken has marinated, thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked skewers. Alternate the chicken with pieces of red onion and the colorful bell peppers to create a vibrant kabob appearance.
6. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the kabobs on the grill and cook for about 12-15 minutes. Be sure to turn them occasionally so that they cook evenly and get lovely grill marks. You’ll know they’re ready when the chicken is completely cooked through and its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
7. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes—this helps keep the chicken juicy. Then, serve your Greek Chicken Kabobs with lemon wedges, a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley if you like, and tzatziki sauce for dipping. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with lean cuts of pork, beef, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly: beef and pork may need a bit longer, while tofu will require less time on the grill.
How Can I Make These Kabobs Ahead of Time?
You can marinate the chicken and prepare the skewers in advance! Simply marinate the chicken as directed, then thread the kabobs and cover them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before grilling. This allows the flavors to deepen further!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through, to maintain their juiciness.
Can I Use Different Vegetables for the Kabobs?
Of course! Feel free to mix and match vegetables. Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or even pineapple work great! Just make sure the pieces are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking on the grill.
