Juicy chicken marinated in olive oil, lemon, and herbs makes these Greek chicken kabobs a hit! They’re colorful with bell peppers and onions, perfect for grilling. Yum!
Who doesn’t love food on a stick? 😉 I love serving them with pita and tzatziki sauce for a tasty meal, plus they’re quick to make, so basically, they’re a weeknight hero!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless thighs for moist and juicy kabobs. Breasts are leaner but can dry out if overcooked. If you’re looking for a lighter option, shrimp or firm tofu are great substitutes.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is the best choice for flavor. However, if you’re out, you can use avocado oil or any neutral oil. Always ensure the oil can withstand high heat if grilling.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds brightness. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled juice will do, but it won’t be as vibrant. Lime juice could work in a pinch too!
Vegetables: While I love bell peppers and red onions for their sweetness, feel free to swap in zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes. They all grill nicely!
How Do I Get My Chicken Kabobs to Be Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinating the chicken is key to packing flavor into your kabobs. Aim for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. However, letting it soak overnight gives you the best results.
- Mix the marinade well before adding chicken, ensuring all pieces are covered.
- Use skewers soaked in water if they’re wooden; this helps prevent burning while grilling.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers; give the chicken and veggies space to cook evenly and get those nice char marks.
Happy grilling! Enjoy the deliciousness of these Greek chicken kabobs!
Easy Greek Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1 to 1.5-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 small red onion, cut into wedges
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak for 30 minutes in water)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This lovely recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to grill. Allow for at least 30 minutes of marinating time, preferably up to 2 hours or overnight for the best flavor. So, in total, you’re looking at around 40 minutes to a few hours, depending on how long you decide to marinate.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Start by grabbing a large bowl. Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme (if using), salt, and black pepper. This mixture is what will infuse all that delicious flavor into your chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and toss them around until they’re well coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes; the longer, the better!
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you are using wooden skewers, make sure they’ve been soaking in water to prevent burning.
4. Assemble the Kabobs:
Now it’s time to thread! Take the marinated chicken along with the colorful bell pepper and onion pieces and slide them onto the skewers, alternating between chicken and veggies. This not only looks pretty but also makes for a delicious mix all on one stick!
5. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the skewers on the grill. Grill them for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally. You want the chicken to be cooked through (no longer pink inside) and to have those lovely grill marks!
6. Rest and Serve:
Once the kabobs are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes, allowing the juices to settle. Serve them up with warm pita bread, a dollop of tzatziki sauce, and maybe a nice Greek salad on the side for a complete meal.
Enjoy your easy, flavorful Greek chicken kabobs! They’re sure to impress!
FAQ: Easy Greek Chicken Kabobs
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option as they tend to be juicier and more forgiving when cooking. They’ll add even more flavor to your kabobs!
How Long Can I Marinade the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes, but if you want maximum flavor, marinating it overnight is ideal. Just be cautious not to exceed 24 hours as the acidity from the lemon juice can start to break down the chicken too much.
What Can I Substitute for Vegetables?
Feel free to substitute or add any favorite vegetables! Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms work wonderfully. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on a skillet or in the microwave until heated through, being careful not to overcook them again.
