These easy Greek chicken kabobs are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ. Marinated in a blend of olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs, the chicken becomes juicy and tender while infusing with amazing Mediterranean flavors. Paired with colorful vegetables, these kabobs are healthy, delicious, and perfect for grilling!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Kabobs:
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and stir to coat the chicken evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour, or up to overnight for extra flavor.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
While the chicken is marinating, cut the bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion into 1-inch chunks. If you haven’t soaked your wooden skewers yet, make sure to do so now.
3. Assemble the Kabobs
Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, alternating with the chunks of vegetables. You can use as many vegetables as you like, but aim to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
4. Grill the Kabobs
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If using a grill, lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the kabobs on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C) and the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
5. Serve
Once cooked, remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve the Greek chicken kabobs with a side of tzatziki sauce, a fresh Greek salad, or warm pita bread for a complete meal.
Tips for the Perfect Greek Chicken Kabobs:
- Use Chicken Thighs: For even juicier kabobs, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They stay tender and flavorful while grilling.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or even chunks of eggplant to the kabobs for extra variety.
- Tzatziki Sauce: Serve the kabobs with a side of homemade or store-bought tzatziki sauce for the perfect Mediterranean touch.
- Grill Marks: If using a grill pan indoors, you can still get those beautiful grill marks by heating the pan over medium-high heat and lightly oiling it before adding the kabobs.
These easy Greek chicken kabobs are bursting with Mediterranean flavors and are incredibly simple to prepare. They’re perfect for a healthy dinner or gathering with friends, and they pair beautifully with a variety of sides like quinoa, rice, or a fresh Greek salad.