These Easy Greek Chicken Kabobs are bursting with flavor! Juicy chicken pieces marinated in a mix of herbs, spices, and lemon are skewered with colorful veggies.
They’re a hit at summer barbecues and easy enough for a weeknight dinner. I love serving them with a side of tzatziki. Who can resist good food on a stick? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. I prefer thighs as they stay juicier on the grill. If you’re looking for a leaner option, go with breasts.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is great for marinating and cooking for extra flavor. If you’re out of olive oil, grapeseed oil or avocado oil can work as good substitutes.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish. If fresh lemons aren’t available, bottled lemon juice can work, but the taste won’t be quite as fresh.
Herbs: Dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary add depth. If you have fresh herbs on hand, feel free to swap in double the amount for even more flavor.
Tzatziki Sauce Ingredients: Greek yogurt is key for creaminess. You can substitute with sour cream or any plain yogurt, but Greek yogurt offers a thicker texture.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Kabobs Are Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinating chicken is essential for keeping it juicy and infusing it with flavor. Try to let it marinate for at least 2 hours; overnight is even better! This allows the flavors to really soak in.
- Combine all marinade ingredients well before adding the chicken.
- Ensure the chicken is evenly coated and cover tightly. Refrigerate during marination.
What’s the Best Way to Grill the Chicken Kabobs?
Grilling can be tricky, but here are some handy tips to make it easy:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Start grilling when it’s nice and hot.
- Soak your wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning if you’re using them.
- Cook the kabobs for 8-12 minutes, turning frequently. Look for a nice char to show they’re cooked.
- Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
With these tips, you’ll create amazing Greek chicken kabobs that are not only delicious but also easy to make! Enjoy every bite! 🍽️
Easy Greek Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Kabobs:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or fresh chopped rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving and Garnish:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced and grilled
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives
- 4 oz feta cheese, cubed
- Pita bread or naan, warmed
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, finely grated and drained
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes for preparation and at least 30 minutes of marinating time. You can marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours for better flavor. Cooking will take about 12-15 minutes on the grill. Overall, you can expect around 1 to 1.5 hours from start to table, including marinating and grilling time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. This will be your flavorful marinade for the chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken to the marinade mixture and toss until all the pieces are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes; if you have time, marinate for up to 2 hours for richer taste!
3. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a separate bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out excess moisture), fresh dill, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and add salt and pepper to taste. Cover and chill in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
4. Preheat the Grill:
Get your grill or grill pan heated up to medium-high. This is crucial for achieving the perfect char on your kabobs!
5. Assemble the Kabobs:
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, making sure not to overcrowd them—this helps them cook evenly. If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
6. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for about 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
7. Grill the Lemon Slices:
In the last few minutes of cooking, place lemon slices on the grill until they have nice charred marks. This adds great flavor!
8. Serve the Kabobs:
Arrange the grilled chicken kabobs on a serving platter along with warm pita bread, halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, thinly sliced red onion, kalamata olives, grilled lemon slices, and cubed feta cheese. Serve with a bowl of tzatziki sauce drizzled with olive oil and garnished with a sprig of fresh dill.
Enjoy these flavorful Greek chicken kabobs with vibrant veggies and creamy tzatziki for a delightful Mediterranean meal!
FAQ for Easy Greek Chicken Kabobs
Can I Use Vegetables on the Skewers?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and onions are great options. Just be sure to cut them into similar sizes to the chicken for even cooking. You can marinate the veggies in the same marinade for extra flavor!
How Can I Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftover chicken kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the oven or in a skillet over medium heat to maintain their juiciness.
Is There a Way to Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can easily make it gluten-free by ensuring that the pita bread or naan is gluten-free, or by serving the kabobs with a side of grilled veggies or a salad instead of bread.
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt in Tzatziki Sauce?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use any plain yogurt or sour cream, but keep in mind that Greek yogurt has a thicker texture and creamier taste. Strain regular yogurt through a coffee filter for a thicker consistency if needed!
