Lemon-Oregano Grilled Chicken Skewers

Bright, zesty, and incredibly flavorful, these Grilled Greek Chicken Kabobs are more than just a weeknight dinner; they’re a vibrant culinary escape to the Mediterranean coast. Imagine succulent chunks of chicken, infused with aromatic Greek herbs, tangy lemon, and rich olive oil, grilled to perfection either indoors or outdoors. This recipe promises not only a delicious meal but also a quick and effortless preparation, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings or leisurely summer gatherings.

These Greek chicken skewers embody the essence of simple, wholesome cooking. Each bite-sized piece of chicken is generously coated in a lively marinade, featuring the bright zing of lemon and a fragrant blend of classic Greek herbs. The best part? You likely already have most of these essential ingredients in your pantry, saving you a last-minute trip to the grocery store. This recipe truly shines as a perfect, low-effort dish for any season, bringing a taste of the Aegean right to your table.

Looking to explore more exciting skewer recipes? Don’t miss our Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe, a fantastic option for your next backyard cookout, offering a delightful contrast in flavors to these Mediterranean-inspired favorites.

Why You’ll Love These Greek Chicken Kabobs

Beyond their delightful taste, these Greek Chicken Kabobs offer numerous advantages that make them a recurring favorite in countless kitchens:

• A Wholesome and Healthy Meal: Prioritizing fresh ingredients, this recipe delivers a protein-packed dinner that aligns beautifully with a healthy lifestyle. Lean chicken, fresh herbs, and olive oil combine to create a nutritious meal without compromising on flavor. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a satisfying dish while maintaining a balanced diet, providing essential nutrients and energy.
• Made with Accessible Pantry Staples: Forget specialty store runs! The marinade for these Greek chicken skewers relies heavily on dried herbs and spices you likely already have on hand, such as oregano, basil, and garlic powder. This convenience makes spontaneous cooking possible and reduces your grocery bill, proving that incredible flavor doesn’t require an exotic shopping list.
• Incredibly Versatile for Any Occasion: These chicken kabobs are a true culinary chameleon. While fantastic on their own, they pair beautifully with an array of side dishes – from vibrant grilled vegetables and fluffy rice pilafs to creamy tzatziki or a fresh Greek salad. You can even slide the cooked chicken off the skewers to incorporate it into wraps, salads, grain bowls, or pasta dishes, making it perfect for transforming leftovers into exciting new meals. Its adaptability ensures it can fit any dining preference or dietary need.
• Quick & Easy Preparation: With minimal prep time and a relatively short cooking duration, these kabobs are perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The marinating time is flexible, allowing you to prepare ahead, and the grilling process is straightforward, ensuring a delicious result with ease.
• Ideal for Meal Prepping: If you’re a fan of planning meals in advance, these Greek chicken skewers are your new best friend. They store wonderfully in the fridge and can be easily reheated, making healthy lunches and dinners a breeze throughout the week.

Essential Greek Chicken Kabob Ingredients

Crafting the perfect Greek chicken kabob starts with selecting quality ingredients that contribute to its distinctive Mediterranean flavor profile. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

• Chicken: For optimal tenderness and flavor absorption, we recommend boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins. They cook quickly and remain juicy. Alternatively, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs can be used. When using breasts, ensure they are cut into uniform 1-inch cubes to promote even cooking and prevent drying out. Thighs offer a richer flavor and stay moister during grilling.
• Fresh Lemon: Lemon is the star here, providing that signature bright, zesty tang. You’ll need fresh lemon juice for the marinade to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with citrusy notes. Lemon zest adds a concentrated burst of aromatic flavor, while thin lemon slices can be added to the skewers or served alongside for an extra fresh garnish. Always opt for fresh lemons over bottled juice for the best results.
• Greek Chicken Marinade Essentials: The marinade is where the magic happens, transforming plain chicken into a flavor sensation. It’s a harmonious blend of Mediterranean staples:
  • Minced Garlic: Provides a pungent, aromatic base.
  • Dried Oregano and Basil: Classic Greek herbs that impart an earthy, peppery, and slightly sweet aroma.
  • Onion Powder: Adds a foundational savory depth that complements the garlic.
  • Salt and Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all other flavors.
  • High-Quality Olive Oil: The cornerstone of Mediterranean cuisine, olive oil helps emulsify the marinade, tenderizes the chicken, and adds a rich, fruity note.
  • Red Wine Vinegar: Contributes a crucial tang and acidity, balancing the richness of the oil and deepening the marinade’s flavor.
  • Paprika: Adds a mild sweetness, a subtle warmth, and a beautiful reddish hue to the chicken.
  • Chili Flakes: For a gentle hint of heat that awakens the palate. Adjust the quantity to your preference for spice.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Delicious Greek Chicken Kabobs

Creating these flavorful Greek chicken kabobs is straightforward, yielding impressive results with minimal effort. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal:

1. Prepare and Marinate the Chicken: Begin by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken (tenderloins, breasts, or thighs) into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking. Place the cubed chicken into a large mixing bowl. Add all the marinade ingredients: minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, dried basil, onion powder, salt, black pepper, olive oil, red wine vinegar, paprika, and chili flakes, along with the fresh lemon zest. Mix thoroughly until every piece of chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the chicken. For maximum flavor, you can marinate for up to 4 hours, but avoid marinating for much longer due to the lemon juice’s tenderizing effect.




2. Prepare the Skewers: If you are using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 20-30 minutes before threading the chicken. This crucial step prevents them from burning and splintering on the grill. For metal skewers, a quick spray with non-stick cooking oil before use is sufficient.
3. Thread the Chicken onto Skewers: Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge. Carefully thread 5-6 pieces of chicken onto each skewer, depending on their size. Try not to pack the chicken too tightly, leaving a small space between each piece to allow for even cooking and charring. If you’re adding vegetables, alternate them with the chicken for a colorful and flavorful combination.




4. Preheat and Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill (gas or charcoal) to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F / 200-230°C) just before you start arranging the skewers. Ensure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the hot grill. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, rotating frequently, until the chicken is golden brown, slightly charred, and fully cooked. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) as measured with a meat thermometer.
5. Serve Immediately: Once cooked, carefully transfer the grilled Greek chicken kabobs to a serving dish. You can garnish with additional fresh lemon slices or chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy the vibrant flavors!

Expert Tips for Grilling Perfect Greek Chicken Kabobs

Achieving perfectly grilled, tender, and flavorful Greek chicken skewers is easy with a few key techniques:

• Always Use Fresh Lemon: While bottled lemon juice is convenient, it simply cannot replicate the bright, vibrant, and aromatic citrus notes that fresh lemon juice and zest provide. For an authentic Greek flavor, fresh is non-negotiable.
• Control the Spice Level: The recipe calls for ½ tsp of chili flakes, which offers a mild warmth. If you prefer a bolder kick, feel free to increase the amount of chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade. Taste and adjust to your personal preference.
• Prevent Sticking: There’s nothing worse than chicken stuck to the grill! Always ensure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before placing the skewers. Additionally, lightly spraying the chicken skewers themselves with a non-stick cooking spray before grilling can provide an extra layer of protection against sticking.
• Incorporate Vegetables for Added Flavor and Color: While delicious on their own, these kabobs are fantastic when paired with vegetables. Thread chunks of bell peppers (red, yellow, green), red onion, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or even Kalamata olives onto the skewers alongside the chicken. They not only add beautiful color and texture but also infuse additional flavor into the chicken as they grill together.
• Preheat Your Grill Thoroughly: A properly preheated grill is essential for preventing the chicken from sticking and for achieving those desirable grill marks and a slight char. Give your grill at least 10-15 minutes to reach the desired temperature before you start cooking.
• Cut Chicken Uniformly: To ensure all pieces of chicken cook evenly at the same rate, it’s crucial to cut them into roughly 1-inch cubes of similar size. This prevents smaller pieces from overcooking and drying out while larger pieces are still raw.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Give your skewers enough space on the grill. Overcrowding can lower the grill’s temperature and lead to steaming rather than grilling, resulting in less flavorful chicken without proper browning. Work in batches if necessary.
• Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in more tender and succulent chicken.
• Indoor Grilling Options: No outdoor grill? No problem! These kabobs can be successfully cooked on a cast-iron grill pan on your stovetop or baked in the oven. For a grill pan, follow the same cooking times, ensuring it’s screaming hot before adding the skewers. For oven baking, place skewers on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through. You can finish them under the broiler for a few minutes for extra char.

Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Chicken Kabobs

Discover More Delicious Skewer Recipes

If you loved these Grilled Greek Chicken Kabobs, you’re in for a treat! Skewers are a fantastic way to enjoy diverse flavors and make cooking fun and easy. Explore some of our other popular skewer recipes:

• Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
• Hawaiian Chicken Skewers
• Tandoori Chicken Skewers

We truly hope you enjoy every recipe we share, especially these delicious Grilled Greek Chicken Skewers. We encourage you to try them, savor the flavors, and share your experience with friends and family!

If you prepare this recipe and love it, please consider leaving a star rating and a comment below. We’d also be thrilled if you shared your delicious creations with us on INSTAGRAM using our hashtag! For all our latest social posts and exciting new recipes, be sure to follow Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST.

Grilled Greek Chicken Skewers

By: Mariam Ezzeddine

Bright, zesty, and flavorful, these Grilled Greek Chicken Skewers are the perfect weeknight dinner. Chunks of juicy tender chicken marinated in Greek flavors then grilled either indoors or outdoors, you’ll have dinner ready in no time.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 10-15 minutes

Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Servings: 4 servings