These Easy Greek Chicken Kabobs are bursting with flavor! You’ll enjoy juicy chicken marinated in herbs, lemon, and garlic, all grilled to perfection on skewers. Yum!
Plus, they’re perfect for any cookout or family dinner. I love serving them with a side of warm pita and creamy tzatziki sauce. It’s like a mini party on a plate! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness, but breasts work fine too. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with turkey or even firm tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its flavor. If you need a budget-friendly option, regular olive oil or vegetable oil can also work.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings excellent flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder (1/4 tsp per clove) can be used instead.
Dried Herbs: If you don’t have oregano or thyme, Italian seasoning can be a great substitute. Fresh herbs can also be used—just double the amount.
Greek Yogurt: If unavailable, you can easily swap Greek yogurt with sour cream, or for a dairy-free option, try coconut yogurt!
How Can I Achieve Juicy and Flavorful Chicken Kabobs?
To make juicy kabobs, start with a good marinade. Marinating not only gives flavor but it also helps tenderize the chicken.
- Mix your marinade well and ensure the chicken is fully coated for the best taste.
- Allow it to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes, but letting it sit for 1-2 hours in the fridge works wonders.
- When grilling, aim for medium-high heat. This helps to seal in the juices quickly as the kabobs cook.
- Turn the kabobs regularly to get even cooking and avoid burning.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have delicious, tender chicken kabobs ready to impress!
Easy Greek Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before grilling)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, cut into cubes
- Lemon slices, for grilling and garnish
- Fresh dill, for garnish
For Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time, plus a marinating time of at least 30 minutes to 2 hours. Grilling will take around 10-12 minutes. So, you’re looking at a total of about 1 hour max before diving into these delicious kabobs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This heavenly marinade is the key to flavoring your chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss well to coat every piece. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to ensure they soak up all those lovely flavors. If you have time, let them marinate for 1-2 hours for an even richer taste.
3. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, chopped dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is combined, then pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it with the kabobs.
4. Preheat the Grill:
Heat up the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This will give you those beautiful grill marks and ensure the chicken cooks thoroughly.
5. Assemble the Kabobs:
Thread the marinated chicken onto your soaked skewers. Be sure to leave a little space between the pieces so they cook evenly!
6. Grill the Kabobs and Lemon Slices:
Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally to get that beautiful char while ensuring they cook through. Don’t forget to toss some lemon slices on the grill for extra flavor!
7. Prepare the Plate:
Once grilled, arrange your chicken kabobs, grilled lemon slices, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese on a large serving platter. It’s a feast for the eyes and the belly!
8. Serve it Up:
Sprinkle with fresh dill and drizzle a little olive oil over the tzatziki sauce for a beautiful finish. Serve the kabobs warm with tzatziki sauce and warm pita bread for a fantastic meal.
Enjoy your delicious and easy Greek chicken kabobs feast!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Thighs Instead of Breasts for the Kabobs?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option as they tend to be juicier and more flavorful, making them perfect for grilling. Just cut them into 1-inch cubes the same way you would with chicken breasts.
How Can I Make the Tzatziki Sauce Ahead of Time?
You can make the tzatziki sauce up to 2 days ahead of time! Just keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully, making it even tastier when you’re ready to serve.
What Should I Do If My Kabobs Start to Burn on the Grill?
If your kabobs are browning too quickly, try reducing the heat slightly and moving them to a cooler part of the grill. Alternatively, you can cover the grill for a bit to cook them through without burning the outside.
How Do I Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on a skillet, adding a splash of oil to keep them moist, if needed.
