Tender Greek Chicken Kabobs Recipe | YumAndJoy

Tender Greek Chicken Kabobs Recipe

These tender Greek chicken kabobs are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion! Marinated with classic Greek ingredients like lemon, garlic, oregano, and olive oil, they’re grilled to perfection and served with fresh parsley, feta cheese, and a side of creamy tzatziki. Whether it’s for a casual family dinner or a summer BBQ, these kabobs are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bursting with Greek Flavors: Lemon, garlic, and oregano combine for an authentic Mediterranean taste.
  • Tender and Juicy Chicken: The yogurt-based marinade ensures the chicken stays moist and flavorful.
  • Simple to Make: Easy prep with minimal cleanup.
  • Versatile: Pair with pita, salad, or your favorite sides.
  • Great for Entertaining: Perfect for BBQs, gatherings, or meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Kabobs

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

For Serving

  • Tzatziki sauce
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Feta cheese, crumbled
  • Pita bread (optional)
  • Greek salad (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, red wine vinegar, Greek yogurt, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

  1. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Kabobs

  1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning.
  2. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.

Step 4: Grill the Kabobs

  1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  2. Place the kabobs on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).

Step 5: Serve

  1. Remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
  2. Serve with tzatziki sauce, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, crumbled feta cheese, and pita bread or Greek salad.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Marinating Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

  • Vegetable Kabobs: Add cherry tomatoes, red onions, and bell peppers to the skewers for extra flavor and color.
  • Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade.
  • Herb Upgrade: Use fresh oregano instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor.
  • Low-Carb Option: Skip the pita and serve over cauliflower rice or a green salad.
  • Cheese-Stuffed: Thread small cubes of feta between the chicken pieces for a cheesy twist.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
  • Freezing: Marinate the chicken and freeze it (uncooked) in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and grill when ready to cook.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work beautifully and tend to be juicier.

2. Can I bake these kabobs instead of grilling?

Absolutely! Bake the kabobs on a baking sheet at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.

3. How do I keep the chicken from sticking to the grill?

Ensure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled before cooking.

4. Can I make these kabobs ahead of time?

Yes, marinate the chicken up to a day in advance and grill when ready to serve.

5. Can I add vegetables to the kabobs?

Yes, onions, bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes are great additions.

6. What can I serve with these kabobs?

Pair them with rice, orzo, a Greek salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

7. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free if served without pita bread.

8. Can I use store-bought tzatziki?

Absolutely! Store-bought tzatziki saves time and pairs perfectly with the kabobs.

9. How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours for the best flavor.

10. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, replace the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt or omit it entirely.

Conclusion

Tender Greek Chicken Kabobs are a flavorful and versatile dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, summer barbecues, or entertaining. With juicy chicken, a vibrant marinade, and classic Greek accompaniments like tzatziki and feta, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Tender Greek Chicken Kabobs Recipe

Tender Greek Chicken Kabobs Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: asma
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

These Tender Greek Chicken Kabobs are bursting with Mediterranean flavors! Juicy, marinated chicken breast is grilled to perfection and paired with feta, parsley, and creamy tzatziki. A simple yet crowd-pleasing recipe ideal for BBQs, family dinners, or weeknight meals.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Meat:

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)

Produce:

  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Condiments:

  • Tzatziki sauce (for serving)

Baking & Spices:

  • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika

Oils & Vinegars:

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar

Optional Sides and Garnishes:

  • Pita bread (for serving)
  • Feta cheese (crumbled)
  • Greek salad

Dairy:

  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (for marinade)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade:
    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
  2. Marinate the Chicken:
    • Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for best flavor.
  3. Preheat the Grill:
    • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  4. Assemble the Kabobs:
    • Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto wooden or metal skewers, leaving a small gap between pieces for even cooking.
  5. Grill the Kabobs:
    • Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and has a light char.
  6. Serve:
    • Transfer the kabobs to a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley and crumbled feta. Serve with warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a side of Greek salad.

Notes

  • Make It Ahead: Prepare the marinade and chicken the night before to save time.
  • Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with chunks of halloumi cheese or marinated vegetables like zucchini, peppers, and mushrooms.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Marinate Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments