These Greek Chicken Kabobs are perfect for a summer grill! Juicy chicken marinated in fresh herbs, lemon, and garlic, then threaded onto skewers with veggies—yummy and colorful!
I’m always trying to sneak an extra skewer or two off the grill. They smell so good, it’s hard to resist! Serve them with some tzatziki sauce for a tasty dip that everyone loves.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: For a lean option, chicken breast works great. You can also use chicken thighs for more juiciness. If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, try marinated tofu or halloumi cheese.
Bell Peppers: I love using a mix of colors for visual appeal. If you can’t find bell peppers, zucchini or cherry tomatoes work well too. Just cut them in similar sizes for even cooking.
Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavor of the marinade. If you’re in a pinch, avocado oil or canola oil are suitable alternatives.
Red Wine Vinegar: This gives a nice tang. If you don’t have it, lemon juice or apple cider vinegar can be substituted for a similar effect.
How Do I Ensure My Kabobs Stay Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinating is key to juicy, flavorful kabobs. The marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses flavors. Here’s how to get the best results:
- Mix your marinade well and let it sit for a few minutes to meld the flavors before adding chicken.
- Cover the chicken completely with the marinade. The longer it sits (up to 4 hours), the more robust the flavor.
- When threading, try to keep pieces fairly uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
Don’t skip the resting time after grilling! This allows juices to redistribute, making each bite more satisfying.
How to Make Greek Chicken Kabobs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into squares
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into squares
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into squares
- 1 red onion, cut into squares
- Wooden or metal skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Greek Chicken Kabobs recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and at least 30 minutes to marinate (up to 4 hours for extra flavor!). The grilling time is around 10-15 minutes, making the total time about 1 hour if you include marinating. A great dish for a sunny day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, start by whisking together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. This will create a flavorful marinade to infuse the chicken with delicious Greek flavors.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the bowl with the marinade. Make sure every piece is well coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, letting it marinate for up to 4 hours will really boost the flavor!
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Getting it to the right temperature is key for nice grill marks and even cooking.
4. Assemble the Kabobs:
After marinating, take the chicken out of the refrigerator. Now, it’s time to thread the chicken onto the skewers! Alternate between pieces of chicken and squares of red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, green bell pepper, and red onion. This not only adds flavor but also looks colorful and appetizing!
5. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the skewers on the grill. Grill them for 10-15 minutes, turning the skewers occasionally. You want the chicken to cook through completely, and the veggies should become tender while getting those beautiful grill marks.
6. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, carefully remove the kabobs from the grill. Let them rest for a few minutes; this helps the juices settle in the chicken. Serve your kabobs with a tasty dipping sauce like tzatziki and garnish with lemon wedges or some fresh herbs for a lovely finish. Enjoy your homemade Greek Chicken Kabobs!
Can I Substitute the Chicken Breast with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier texture, or swap the chicken for shrimp or firm tofu for a delicious vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—shrimp usually cooks in about 5-7 minutes, while tofu should be grilled until heated through and slightly crispy.
What If I Don’t Have Red Wine Vinegar?
No problem! You can substitute red wine vinegar with white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even lemon juice for added acidity. Just keep in mind that the flavor will differ slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a grill or in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, just until warmed through to maintain their flavor and texture.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to give it a good stir before adding the chicken. If you have any leftover marinade, it’s also great for drizzling on salads or vegetables!
