These Greek Chicken Kabobs are fun, colorful skewers bursting with flavor! Made with juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and a tasty marinade, they’re perfect for grilling or baking.
Grilling is my favorite part! Watching those kabobs sizzle makes my stomach rumble every time. Pair them with some pita and tzatziki for a real treat! Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Use boneless, skinless chicken breast for a tender bite. If you’re looking for alternatives, chicken thighs can add more flavor and juiciness. For a vegetarian option, consider swapping in firm tofu or mushrooms.
Bell Peppers: The colorful mix adds sweetness and crunch. You can use any combination of peppers—orange or even poblano peppers work great. Zucchini or cherry tomatoes are also delicious substitutes!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil gives richness. If you prefer a lighter taste, you might use avocado oil or grapeseed oil as a substitute. Both are great for grilling!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic enhances the flavor a lot! If you don’t have fresh, garlic powder works in a pinch (1/8 teaspoon per clove) but fresh is my preference.
Dried Oregano: This adds a classic Greek herb flavor. If you can’t find it, try substituting with Italian seasoning or fresh oregano. Just use three times the amount of fresh herbs as they are less concentrated.
How Do You Marinate Chicken Properly?
Marinating really boosts the flavor and tenderness of your chicken. Here’s how to get it right:
- Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl to make your marinade.
- Add your chicken cubes directly to the marinade, mixing well to ensure each piece is coated.
- Cover and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate for up to 2 hours. The more time it has, the more flavorful it becomes!
For best results, don’t skip marinating or exceed 2 hours, as the meat can become too soft.
How to Make Greek Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
For the Marinade:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken (or up to 2 hours for extra flavor). When you’re ready to cook, grilling will take about 10-12 minutes. So, overall, plan for about 1 hour if you want to marinate, or 30 minutes if you want to cook right away!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until well mixed. This will be the tasty marinade that makes your chicken flavorful!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, making sure they’re all coated nicely. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the fridge for even more flavor.
3. Prepare the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for about 30 minutes so they don’t burn on the grill. This is an important step!
4. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will get everything nice and hot for cooking your kabobs!
5. Assemble the Kabobs:
Once marinated, take the chicken out and start threading the pieces onto the skewers. Alternate between chicken and the colorful veggies: red and yellow bell peppers, green bell pepper, and red onion. Fill each skewer, but don’t pack them too tightly—this helps them cook evenly.
6. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Make sure to turn them occasionally so all sides get those beautiful grill marks and cook through evenly. You’ll know they’re ready when the chicken is no longer pink inside.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, carefully remove the kabobs from the grill and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them hot, paired with some refreshing tzatziki sauce and lemon wedges for an extra zing. Enjoy your delicious Greek Chicken Kabobs!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in These Kabobs?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute or add other veggies such as zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so check for doneness accordingly.
How Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Marinating overnight is a great way to enhance flavor! Simply follow the same marinade instructions, then cover the chicken and vegetables in an airtight container in the fridge. Make sure to remove the chicken from the fridge about 30 minutes before grilling, to bring it closer to room temperature for even cooking.
What Type of Skewers Should I Use?
You can use either wooden or metal skewers. If you opt for wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. Metal skewers don’t require soaking and can be reused, making them a great eco-friendly option!
How to Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently on the grill or in a skillet over medium heat, just until heated through. Enjoy them cold in a salad or wrap for a tasty lunch, too!
