These Greek Chicken Kabobs are a tasty way to enjoy juicy chicken, marinated in zesty herbs and lemon. Served on skewers, they’re perfect for grilling or baking!
Who doesn’t love a meal on a stick? I love pairing these kabobs with fresh veggies and a side of tzatziki. So easy, so fun, and so delicious! 🍋🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Using boneless, skinless chicken breast keeps the kabobs lean and easy to cook. If you want a juicier option, chicken thighs work great too! They add a bit more flavor and moisture.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is best for its rich flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter oil, avocado oil is a good substitute. It also has a high smoke point, perfect for grilling.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice offers a bright flavor. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice works, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant. You can also use lime juice for a different twist!
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a salty and creamy finish to the kabobs. Crumbled goat cheese is a nice alternative if you prefer something milder or want to switch it up.
How Do I Marinate Chicken for the Best Flavor?
Marinating is key for juicy, flavorful chicken kabobs. The acids in the marinade, like lemon juice, help to tenderize the meat while adding flavor. Here’s how to get it right:
- Mix your marinade ingredients in a large bowl. Making sure the flavors combine will improve the taste!
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring they’re fully coated. This helps flavor every piece.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate. Aim for at least 1 hour, but overnight brings out even better flavors.
Remember to discard any leftover marinade used for raw chicken to avoid contamination!
How to Make Greek Chicken Kabobs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Garnish:
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Other:
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Greek Chicken Kabob recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and marinate, plus an additional 12-15 minutes of grill time. If you allow the chicken to marinate overnight, you’ll have a flavorful meal ready to grill when you are!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This fragrant marinade will give your chicken lots of flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken to the marinade and toss everything together to coat the chicken evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, but for best results, let it sit overnight so the flavors soak in!
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning.
4. Assemble the Kabobs:
Next, take your marinated chicken out of the fridge. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking. This will help them grill nicely!
5. Grill the Chicken Kabobs:
Carefully place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook them for about 12-15 minutes. Turn them occasionally to achieve beautiful grill marks and ensure they’re cooked through. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This step ensures the juices stay inside the chicken. Before serving, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and freshly chopped parsley over the top for a fresh and tasty touch.
7. Enjoy Your Meal!
Serve your Greek Chicken Kabobs hot, alongside some warm pita bread or a refreshing side salad for a complete meal. Enjoy the burst of flavors!
Can I Use Thighs Instead of Breasts for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute and will add even more flavor and juiciness to your kabobs. Just make sure to cut them into similarly sized pieces, and the cooking time may be slightly longer—aim for 15-18 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I Prepare the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade up to 2 days in advance! Just whisk together all the ingredients, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and then add the chicken just before you’re ready to grill. This will save you time on the day of cooking and enhance the flavors!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them on the grill for a few minutes if you prefer to keep that grilled flavor!
Can I Use Vegetables on the Skewers?
Definitely! Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes make excellent additions. Just cut them into pieces that are similar in size to the chicken for even cooking. Consider marinating the vegetables alongside the chicken for extra flavor!
