These Easy Greek Chicken Kabobs are juicy and packed with flavor! They’re made with tender chicken marinated in a tasty mix of olive oil, lemon, and herbs, then grilled to perfection.
These kabobs are great for backyard barbecues or quick weeknight meals. I love serving them with a fresh salad or warm pita—easy, yummy, and impressive!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are best for this recipe. Thighs tend to be juicier. You can also use shrimp or firm tofu for a lighter or vegetarian alternative!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds great flavor. If you’re low on it, you could use sunflower or canola oil, but they’ll offer a milder taste.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is essential for a bright flavor. If fresh isn’t available, bottled juice works, but fresh is always better. Lime juice is a good substitute too.
Spices: Dried oregano is a must for that classic Greek flavor. If you don’t have it, Italian seasoning can be a handy replacement.
Tzatziki Sauce: You can make your own or buy it pre-made. Greek yogurt mixed with cucumber, garlic, and a bit of dill will do if you’re short on time.
How Can I Get Juicy, Flavorful Kabobs?
The key to flavorful kabobs is in the marinade. Make sure to marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes, but two hours is even better. This allows the flavors to really soak in, making the meat tender and tasty.
- Mix your marinade ingredients thoroughly and let the chicken sit in it, covered, in the fridge.
- For even more flavor, try adding some chopped fresh herbs, like parsley or mint, as well.
- When you’re threading the chicken on the skewers, make sure not to crowd them to ensure even cooking.
Grill the kabobs over medium-high heat, turning occasionally to prevent burning. Check for doneness by cutting into a piece—there should be no pink inside!
How to Make Easy Greek Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Kabobs:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh lemon slices, for grilling
- Wooden or metal skewers
For Serving:
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Cucumber, sliced
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Kalamata olives
- Feta cheese, cubed
- Grilled lemon slices
- Tzatziki sauce (Greek yogurt with cucumber, garlic, lemon, dill)
- Pita bread, grilled or toasted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes of prep time, with an additional 10-12 minutes for grilling. For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but if you have the time, let it sit for up to 2 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This flavorful marinade is what makes the chicken so delicious!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken to the marinade and toss to coat well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours. The longer it sits, the more flavor it will absorb, so don’t rush this step!
3. Prep Skewers and Grill:
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. Next, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, alternating with lemon slices for added flavor if you like.
4. Grill the Kabobs:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken kabobs on the grill. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice charred edges. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Prepare the Plate:
While the kabobs are grilling, arrange the serving platter with sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, kalamata olives, and cubes of feta cheese. Add grilled lemon slices for garnish and extra flavor.
6. Serve with Tzatziki and Pita:
Spoon some tzatziki sauce into a small bowl on the platter. Serve the grilled kabobs alongside the tzatziki and warm pita bread for a lovely Mediterranean feast!
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you have fresh dill or parsley, sprinkle some on top for a garnish. Enjoy your vibrant and fresh Greek-style meal—these kabobs are perfect for sharing and delighting taste buds!
FAQ for Easy Greek Chicken Kabobs
Can I Use Different Proteins for These Kabobs?
Absolutely! While chicken is a classic choice, you can substitute it with shrimp, beef, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed; shrimp cooks much faster, while beef may take longer.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes for good flavor, but for the best results, aim for 2 hours up to overnight in the refrigerator. Just be aware that marinating for too long (over 24 hours) can sometimes make the meat too soft due to the acidity from the lemon juice.
What Should I Do with Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop, and serve again with tzatziki sauce or fresh veggies for a quick meal!
Can I Grill These Kabobs Indoors?
Yes! If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, you can cook the kabobs on a grill pan or broiler in your oven. Just make sure to coat the pan with a bit of oil to prevent sticking and keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
