Greek Chicken Kabobs Recipe

Sizzling Greek Chicken Kabobs Recipe: A Tasty Summer Delight

Tender and juicy greek chicken kabobs burst with Mediterranean flavors that dance across your palate.

Marinated chunks of poultry soak up zesty herbs and bright citrus notes overnight.

Skewers loaded with succulent meat promise a quick and delightful meal that impresses everyone.

Garlic, oregano, and lemon create a classic combination that transports you straight to a sunny Greek island.

Minimal ingredients and simple preparation make this dish perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend grilling adventures.

Vibrant colors and aromatic spices will make you the star of any backyard gathering.

Grab these kabobs and let your taste buds embark on a delicious Mediterranean journey.

Why Greek Chicken Kabobs Deserve a Spot on Your Grill

  • Savor Authentic Greek Flavors: Dive into a culinary journey with these kabobs packed with traditional Mediterranean spices that transport your taste buds straight to Greece.
  • Master Quick and Impressive Cooking: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal that looks stunning and tastes incredible with minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients.
  • Create Versatile Meal Option: Perfect for summer gatherings, backyard parties, weeknight dinners, or casual weekend meals that please both adults and kids with their colorful and tasty presentation.
  • Customize with Endless Variations: Swap proteins, add different vegetables, adjust spice levels, or serve with multiple side dishes to match your personal preferences and dietary needs.

What Goes into Greek Chicken Kabobs

Protein Base:
  • Chicken: Tender meat that forms the core of these Greek-style kabobs.
Main Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil, Lemon Juice: Provide a bright, tangy base for the marinade.
  • Garlic: Adds robust and aromatic flavor to the chicken.
Herbs and Spices:
  • Dried Oregano, Thyme, Paprika, Cumin: Create a classic Greek seasoning profile that infuses deep Mediterranean taste.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and heighten the overall flavor.
Vegetable Accompaniments:
  • Cherry Tomatoes, Bell Peppers, Onion: Fresh vegetables that add color, texture, and complementary flavors to the kabobs.
Skewering and Serving Accessories:
  • Wooden Skewers: Provide structure for grilling and easy eating.
  • Tzatziki Sauce: Traditional Greek yogurt-based sauce that offers a cool, creamy contrast.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Dill, Fresh Parsley, Lemon Wedges: Bright finishing touches that add freshness and visual appeal.

How to Cook Greek Chicken Kabobs Right

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor Blast

Grab a mixing bowl and pour in olive oil, lemon juice, and crushed garlic. Sprinkle in these zesty seasonings:
  • Dried oregano
  • Thyme
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika
  • Cumin

Whisk everything together until the marinade looks smooth and well-combined, creating a tantalizing Greek-inspired flavor explosion.

Step 2: Give Chicken a Flavor Bath

Toss chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring every single morsel gets thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and slide it into the refrigerator. Let the chicken soak up those incredible flavors for at least an hour, or go wild and marinate overnight for maximum deliciousness.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Heat your grill to medium-high temperature. Pro tip: If using wooden skewers, submerge them in water for 30 minutes to prevent them from turning into charcoal during cooking.

Step 4: Build Amazing Kabob Towers

Pull out the marinated chicken and start creating kabob masterpieces. Thread chicken onto skewers and add colorful companions:
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Bell peppers
  • Onion chunks

Create beautiful, balanced skewers without overcrowding.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Place kabobs on the hot grill. Cook for 10-15 minutes, rotating occasionally to ensure even cooking and gorgeous grill marks. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Remove kabobs from the grill and let them rest briefly. Plate them beautifully with tzatziki sauce, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley. Your Greek chicken kabobs are ready to wow everyone at the table!

Tips for Better Greek Chicken Kabobs

  • Marinate Masterfully: Let chicken soak in the marinade for at least an hour, or overnight for deeper, more intense flavor profiles that will make your taste buds dance.
  • Skewer Smartly: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and ensure even cooking without any charred mishaps.
  • Temperature Triumph: Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) internally, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked protein every single time.
  • Veggie Variety: Mix up your vegetable choices with zucchini, mushrooms, or different colored bell peppers to add extra nutrition and visual appeal to your kabobs.

Ways to Tweak Greek Chicken Kabobs

  • Mediterranean Lamb Swap: Replace chicken with marinated lamb chunks for a rich, hearty alternative that maintains classic Greek flavor profiles.
  • Vegetarian Greek Skewers: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, halloumi cheese, or tempeh, using the same marinade and grilling technique for a plant-based version.
  • Low-Carb Keto Option: Remove vegetables and focus on chicken pieces, serving with a side of cauliflower rice or Greek salad to keep the meal low-carbohydrate and high-protein.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Version: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the marinade for those wanting a more intense, fiery Greek-inspired kabob experience.

Pairing Suggestions for Greek Chicken Kabobs

  • Pairing Taste Explosion: Zesty Greek Kabob Companions
  • Crisp Mediterranean Whites: Refresh your palate with a chilled Greek assyrtiko or sauvignon blanc that cuts through the kabob's rich marinade with bright, citrusy notes.
  • Rustic Greek Side Symphony: Complement the grilled chicken with a classic horiatiki salad featuring ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, and kalamata olives drizzled with olive oil.
  • Creamy Tzatziki Cooling Contrast: Serve a homemade tzatziki sauce loaded with cucumber, garlic, and dill to balance the kabob's smoky grilled flavors and provide a cool, tangy counterpoint.

Storage Tips for Greek Chicken Kabobs

  • Store leftover kabobs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place chicken pieces separately from vegetables to maintain texture. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum.
  • Wrap kabobs tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place in freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze up to 2 months. Label container with date and contents.
  • Place kabobs on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange kabobs on baking sheet. Cover with foil to retain moisture.

FAQs for Greek Chicken Kabobs

  • What makes Greek chicken kabobs different from other kabob recipes?

The Mediterranean blend of herbs like oregano, thyme, and cumin creates a unique flavor profile that sets these kabobs apart from other grilled chicken dishes.

  • Can I make these kabobs without a grill?

Absolutely! You can use a grill pan, broiler, or even bake them in the oven at 425°F for similar results. Just ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

  • How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?

Marinate for at least 1 hour, but overnight marination (up to 24 hours) will provide the most intense and rich flavor in your chicken.

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Greek Chicken Kabobs Recipe

Greek Chicken Kabobs Recipe


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4.7 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10-15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling Greek chicken kabobs bring Mediterranean flavors straight to your grill, combining tender marinated chicken with zesty herbs and lemon. Juicy skewers packed with authentic Greek spices promise a delightful meal you’ll savor with every delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces

Herbs and Spices:

  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Marinade and Vegetable Additions:

  • 0.25 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • Fresh dill or parsley for garnish
  • Lemon wedges for serving
  • Cherry tomatoes (optional)
  • Bell peppers, cut into chunks (optional)
  • Red onion, cut into chunks (optional)

Instructions

  1. Craft an aromatic marinade by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin in a large bowl until thoroughly combined.
  2. Immerse chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Seal the bowl and refrigerate for minimum 1 hour, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.
  3. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent charring. Preheat grill to medium-high temperature around 400°F.
  4. Remove marinated chicken from refrigerator. Thread chicken onto skewers, alternating with cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and onion chunks. Distribute ingredients evenly for balanced presentation.
  5. Position skewers on preheated grill. Cook for 10-15 minutes, rotating periodically to achieve uniform caramelization and ensure internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Transfer grilled kabobs from heat, allowing 3-5 minutes resting time for juice redistribution. Plate with tzatziki sauce, garnish with fresh dill or parsley, and serve alongside lemon wedges for vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired dining experience.

Notes

  • Marinate longer for deeper flavor, letting chicken soak up Mediterranean essence overnight enhances taste complexity.
  • Prevent chicken dryness by maintaining consistent medium-high grill temperature and avoiding overcooking.
  • Select boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier results compared to breast meat, ensuring tender and succulent kabobs.
  • Create gluten-free version by substituting regular marinade ingredients with certified gluten-free alternatives like tamari instead of standard soy sauce.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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