Greek Chicken Kabobs Recipe

Introduction

Greek Chicken Kabobs are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for grilling season. Marinated in lemon, herbs, and garlic, these tender chicken skewers bring a taste of the Mediterranean right to your backyard.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 shallot (diced)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch chunks)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, oregano, basil, thyme, garlic, shallot, 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, and 1 1/4 teaspoons pepper.
2. Step 2: Stir in the chicken chunks until well coated. Marinate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight, turning occasionally. Drain the chicken from the marinade before grilling.
3. Step 3: Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers. Brush with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Step 4: Preheat your grill to medium heat.
5. Step 5: Place the skewers on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 10 minutes.
6. Step 6: Serve the kabobs immediately for the best flavor and juiciness.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight to let the herbs and lemon fully penetrate the meat.
• Use wooden skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning on the grill.
• Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce or a fresh Greek salad to complete the meal.

Storage

Store leftover cooked kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to avoid drying out the chicken. The raw marinated chicken can be kept in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they tend to dry out more quickly. Reduce grilling time and watch closely to maintain juiciness.

Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?

Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes helps prevent them from burning or catching fire on the grill.

Greek Chicken Kabobs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 140 reviews

These Greek Chicken Kabobs are marinated in a zesty blend of lemon, herbs, and garlic, then grilled to juicy perfection. Perfect for summer cookouts or a flavorful weeknight dinner, these skewers bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table with tender chicken thighs and authentic Greek seasonings.

• Author: Lara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (including 2 hours marination)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

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Marinade

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 shallot, diced
• 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 1/4 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

Chicken and Finishing

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, oregano, basil, thyme, minced garlic, diced shallot, 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, and 1 1/4 teaspoons pepper. Mix thoroughly to form a flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thigh chunks to the marinade and stir until the pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, turning occasionally to ensure even marination.
3. Prepare Skewers: Drain the chicken from the marinade. Thread the chicken pieces evenly onto skewers, making sure not to crowd them. Brush the skewers with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
4. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium heat to create the ideal cooking environment for the chicken kabobs, ensuring they cook evenly without burning.
5. Grill the Kabobs: Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The exterior should be nicely charred while the inside remains juicy.
6. Serve: Remove the kabobs from the grill and serve immediately while hot, pairing them with your favorite sides such as tzatziki sauce, grilled vegetables, or a fresh Greek salad.

Notes

• For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to enhance flavor and tenderness.
• If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent burning.
• Chicken thighs are preferred for juiciness, but chicken breast can be used as a leaner alternative, though it may be less moist.
• Serve with pita bread, rice pilaf, or a side of grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
• Make sure the grill is properly preheated before placing the skewers to avoid sticking.

Keywords: Greek chicken kabobs, grilled chicken, Mediterranean chicken skewers, lemon herb chicken, chicken kabobs recipe