Description
Transport yourself to the sun-kissed shores of Greece with these vibrant and flavorful Greek Chicken Kabobs. Tender, juicy chicken marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and aromatic herbs is threaded onto skewers with colorful bell peppers and red onion, then grilled to perfection. These kabobs are not only incredibly delicious but also a healthy and visually appealing meal perfect for summer barbecues, weeknight dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress. This recipe is easy to follow and yields fantastic results every time.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll absolutely love these Greek Chicken Kabobs because they offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with a bright, tangy, and herbaceous taste that is simply irresistible. The bell peppers and red onion add a touch of sweetness and a satisfying crunch, creating a well-balanced culinary experience. The recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite vegetables or herbs. Plus, it’s a healthy and lean protein option that’s perfect for those watching their calorie intake. From preparation to serving, this recipe is designed to be quick, easy, and enjoyable, making it a go-to choice for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. The added bonus of being able to serve it with a variety of accompaniments like tzatziki sauce, pita bread, or a fresh salad makes it a complete and satisfying meal. The visual appeal of the colorful kabobs also makes it a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch squares
For the Marinade:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh dill or parsley (for garnish)
- Tzatziki sauce (optional)
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. This marinade is the key to infusing the chicken with that authentic Greek flavor. Ensure the ingredients are well combined to create a homogenous mixture. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your preference. Some may prefer a bit more lemon juice for added tanginess, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. The marinade should envelop every nook and cranny of the chicken, allowing the flavors to penetrate deep into the meat. Gently massage the chicken in the marinade to ensure even coverage. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and marinade to a resealable plastic bag, pressing out any excess air. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For optimal flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours. The longer marinating time allows the chicken to become more tender and flavorful.
Step 3: Soak the Skewers (If Using Wooden): While the chicken is marinating, if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 15 minutes. Soaking prevents the wood from burning on the grill, ensuring your kabobs cook evenly and safely. This step is crucial for preventing the skewers from catching fire and potentially ruining your meal. Consider using metal skewers as an alternative; they don’t require soaking and are reusable.
Step 4: Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken is marinating and the skewers are soaking, prepare the vegetables. Wash the bell peppers and red onion thoroughly. Cut the bell peppers into 1-inch squares. Cut the red onion into similar sized squares. Make sure the vegetables are of the same size as chicken pieces, this will help ensure even cooking on the grill.
Step 5: Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F or 190°C). Ensure the grill grates are clean to prevent sticking. Lightly oil the grates with cooking oil or spray with non-stick cooking spray to further prevent the kabobs from sticking. This step is essential for achieving beautiful grill marks and ensuring the kabobs don’t tear apart when you try to remove them.
Step 6: Assemble the Kabobs: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, alternating with the prepared bell pepper squares and red onion squares. Get creative with your arrangement, mixing colors and textures for a visually appealing and delicious kabob. Try to avoid overcrowding the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking.
Step 7: Grill the Kabobs: Place the assembled kabobs on the preheated grill. Grill for approximately 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking on all sides. The chicken should be cooked through, with no pink remaining, and the vegetables should be tender and slightly charred. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Step 8: Rest and Serve: Once the kabobs are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges, a sprinkle of dill or parsley, and a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of Mediterranean flavors!
COOKING Rating:
Easy to Medium
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these Greek Chicken Kabobs with a side of fluffy pita bread for wrapping the chicken and vegetables.
- Accompany the kabobs with a refreshing Greek salad (Horiatiki) for a complete Mediterranean feast.
- Offer a creamy tzatziki sauce for dipping the kabobs, adding a cooling and tangy element to the meal.
- Serve over a bed of couscous or rice pilaf for a more substantial meal.
- Grilled vegetables like zucchini or eggplant can be added to the skewers for extra variety.
- Try serving with a Greek lemon potato side dish.
Tips:
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but ideally up to 2 hours, for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 15 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers, as this can prevent even cooking.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat for best results.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through to 165°F (74°C).
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the kabobs just before serving.
- Add a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese before serving for a salty, tangy addition.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook the kabobs in a grill pan on the stovetop or bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
12-15 minutes
Total Time:
Minimum 42 Minutes (Including minimum marinating time)
Maximum 2 hours 30 mins (Including max marinating time)
Nutritional Information:
(Estimated, per serving):
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 35-40g
- Sodium: 300-400mg
Conclusion
These Greek Chicken Kabobs are a delightful and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender, marinated chicken, colorful vegetables, and fresh herbs creates a flavor explosion that will transport you to the Mediterranean. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or simply looking for a healthy and delicious weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Easy to prepare and customizable to your liking, these kabobs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the process of creating and sharing this flavorful meal with your loved ones!
Questions and Answers
- Can I use different vegetables on the kabobs? Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and use any vegetables you enjoy. Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and even chunks of pineapple would be delicious additions. Just make sure to cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Can I marinate the chicken overnight? While a longer marinating time can enhance the flavor, marinating the chicken for too long (over 8 hours) can actually make it tough. It’s best to stick to the recommended marinating time of 30 minutes to 2 hours. If you need to prepare it ahead of time, you can marinate the chicken in the morning and grill it in the evening.
- I don’t have a grill. Can I still make these kabobs? Yes, definitely! You can cook the kabobs in a grill pan on the stovetop. Heat the grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the kabobs, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Alternatively, you can bake the kabobs in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through.
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Chicken thighs are generally more flavorful and stay moister during grilling. Just make sure to trim any excess fat from the thighs before cutting them into cubes and marinating. The cooking time may be slightly longer for chicken thighs, so use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked through to 170-175F.
- What is the best way to prevent the kabobs from sticking to the grill? The best way to prevent sticking is to ensure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and then use a grill brush to scrub the grates clean. Then, lightly oil the grates with cooking oil or spray with non-stick cooking spray. You can also lightly brush the kabobs with oil before placing them on the grill. Avoid moving the kabobs around too much during the first few minutes of cooking to allow them to sear and release from the grates more easily.
