Introduction:
Transport yourself to the Mediterranean with these flavorful Greek-Style Chicken Kebabs. Marinated in a zesty blend of lemon, garlic, and herbs, these kebabs are juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for grilling season or any time you’re craving something fresh and healthy. Pair them with a side of pita, tzatziki, and a fresh Greek salad for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Light, healthy, and packed with Mediterranean flavors.
- Easy to prepare with a simple marinade and quick grilling time.
- Versatile and perfect for entertaining, barbecues, or weeknight dinners.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Kebabs:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes)
For Serving (Optional):
- Pita bread
- Tzatziki sauce
- Fresh Greek salad (tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, red onion, feta)
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
- Prepare the Skewers:
- Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
- Grill the Kebabs:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the kebabs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
- Serve:
- Remove the kebabs from the grill and serve with warm pita, tzatziki sauce, and a fresh Greek salad.
Tips for Success:
- Marinating: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but the longer you marinate, the more flavorful the chicken will be. For best results, marinate for 2 hours.
- Grilling: Ensure your grill is hot before adding the kebabs to achieve a nice char and prevent sticking.
- Baking Alternative: If you don’t have a grill, bake the kebabs in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through.
Recipe Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for cubes of tofu or large mushroom pieces for a vegetarian version.
- Additional Vegetables: Add pieces of bell pepper, red onion, or zucchini to the skewers for a more colorful and veggie-packed kebab.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a little extra heat.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with warm pita bread, a side of tzatziki, and a fresh Greek salad for a complete Mediterranean meal.
- Pair with rice pilaf or roasted vegetables for a heartier meal.
Freezing and Storage:
- Storage: Store leftover kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the marinated raw chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and proceed with grilling.
- Reheating: Reheat leftover kebabs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Special Equipment:
- Grill: A gas or charcoal grill works best for that smoky, charred flavor.
- Skewers: Metal skewers are reusable and heat-resistant, but wooden skewers work well if soaked in water to prevent burning.
FAQ:
- Can I cook these kebabs in the oven?
- Yes! If you don’t have a grill, bake the kebabs at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through.
- How long should I marinate the chicken?
- Ideally, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but for more intense flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours.
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
- Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness to the kebabs. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- What if I don’t have a grill?
- You can use a grill pan on the stovetop or bake the kebabs in the oven. Both methods will still give you a delicious result.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 5g
- Fat: 15g
Greek-Style Chicken Kebabs
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken Kebabs:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers (soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes if using)
For Serving (Optional):
- Pita bread
- Tzatziki sauce
- Fresh Greek salad (tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, red onion, feta)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken, toss to coat, and marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Prepare the Skewers:
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving space between pieces.
- Grill the Kebabs:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill kebabs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked and slightly charred.
- Serve:
- Serve with warm pita, tzatziki sauce, and a Greek salad.
Notes
- Storage: Leftover kebabs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze marinated raw chicken for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 300 kcal
Closing Notes:
Did you try these Greek-Style Chicken Kebabs? Let us know in the comments! Don’t forget to tag us on social media with your Mediterranean-inspired meals, and check back for more fresh and healthy recipes.