Greek Chicken Kabobs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These easy Greek Chicken Kabobs are marinated in a flavorful mix of Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon, and herbs, then grilled to juicy perfection. The marinated chicken soaks up all the delicious Greek flavors, making each bite tender, savory, and full of zest. Perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or serving at a Mediterranean-themed gathering!

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (0%, 2%, or 5% fat)
• 3 or 4 cloves garlic, peeled and grated on a microplane, or finely minced
• 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Half of 1 lemon, juiced (about 1 ½ – 2 tablespoons)
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika may be substituted for a smokier flavor)
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary, or more to taste if desired
• 1 ½ – 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1 ½-inch chunks (boneless skinless chicken thighs may be used)
• Tzatziki sauce, for serving, optional (homemade or store-bought)
• Fresh herbs (dill, parsley, mint), optional for garnishing

Directions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, garlic, olive oil, honey, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and rosemary to create the marinade. Adjust the seasonings as needed.
2. Add the diced chicken pieces to the marinade, toss to coat, and cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30-60 minutes, up to 8 hours. For best results, marinate for 2-3 hours.
3. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading.
4. After marinating, thread the chicken onto the skewers, without overcrowding. You should get 5-8 skewers depending on the size of your chicken and skewers.
5. For grilling:
   • Outdoor Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grates, then place the skewers on the grill. Grill for 3-4 minutes, flip, and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes or until the chicken reaches 160°F. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes to reach a safe 165°F.
   • Grill Pan: Preheat a grill pan over medium-high to high heat. Grill the chicken skewers for 5 minutes, flip, and cook for another 3-5 minutes until done.
   • Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the skewers on a grill rack over a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping midway, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
6. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with tzatziki sauce, pita bread, or a side salad.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Marinating Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 8 servings

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with tofu or halloumi cheese for a Mediterranean vegetarian alternative.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade for some extra heat.
• Grilled Veggies: Thread vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions onto the skewers along with the chicken for a veggie-packed version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or gently warm on the grill for a couple of minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are a great option if you prefer darker meat. They’ll remain juicy and flavorful when grilled.

How can I tell when the chicken is done cooking?

The best way to check is to use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be fully cooked.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade the day before and store it in the fridge. Marinating the chicken overnight will intensify the flavor.

Can I make these kabobs in the oven?

Yes! You can bake them in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Can I serve the kabobs with other sides?

Yes! Serve these kabobs with a side of rice, roasted vegetables, or a Greek salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

These Greek Chicken Kabobs are a fantastic, flavorful dish that’s both easy to make and versatile. Whether grilled, baked, or cooked in a pan, these kabobs are sure to impress with their fresh Mediterranean flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners, BBQs, or a delicious meal to share with friends and family!

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