Greek Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Introduction
Greek Chicken Kabobs are a flavorful, easy-to-make dish perfect for summer grilling or casual dinners. Marinated in herbs, garlic, and lemon, these tender chicken pieces offer a bright and savory taste that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 shallot (diced)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch chunks)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, oregano, basil, thyme, garlic, shallot, 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, and 1 1/4 teaspoons pepper.
- Step 2: Stir in chicken until well combined; marinate for at least 2 hours to overnight, turning occasionally. Drain the chicken from the marinade.
- Step 3: Thread chicken onto skewers. Brush with remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Step 4: Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Step 5: Add skewers to grill, and cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken is completely cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 10 minutes.
- Step 6: Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Use wooden skewers soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or cherry tomatoes to the skewers for extra color and flavor.
- For a dairy twist, serve with a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping.
- If you don’t have a grill, these kabobs can be cooked under a broiler or in a grill pan on the stove.
Storage
Store leftover cooked chicken kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The marinated uncooked chicken can be kept in the fridge for up to 24 hours before grilling.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast can be used but may dry out more quickly. Marinate well and watch cooking times closely to keep it juicy.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours and up to overnight. Longer marinating helps develop deeper flavor but avoid exceeding 24 hours to prevent the texture from becoming mushy.
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Greek Chicken Kabobs Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
These Greek Chicken Kabobs are marinated in a zesty blend of lemon, herbs, and garlic, then grilled to juicy perfection. Perfect for a flavorful and healthy meal, these kabobs bring vibrant Mediterranean flavors to your table with tender chicken thighs cooked over a medium grill for a smoky finish.
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, diced
- 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 1/4 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers for threading chicken
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, minced garlic, diced shallot, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken thigh chunks to the marinade, stirring well to ensure all pieces are coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight, turning the chicken occasionally to marinate evenly. Before grilling, drain excess marinade from the chicken.
- Thread the chicken onto skewers: Carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers. Once threaded, brush the chicken with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with additional kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium heat to ensure even cooking of the chicken kabobs without burning.
- Grill the kabobs: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is cooked through with slight char marks.
- Serve immediately: Remove the kabobs from the grill and serve hot for the best flavor and juiciness.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to allow deeper flavor penetration.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning on the grill.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are preferred for juiciness; however, you may substitute with chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Serve with tzatziki sauce, pita bread, and a Greek salad to complete the Mediterranean meal.
- Ensure the grill temperature is medium to avoid charring the outside while keeping the inside undercooked.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Keywords: Greek chicken kabobs, grilled chicken skewers, Mediterranean chicken, lemon herb chicken kabobs, easy grilling recipe

