Greek Chicken Kabobs
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Super juicy, tender kabobs made with the best marinade ever! Olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, oregano, basil, thyme, garlic. SO BOMB.
How badly do you want to faceplant yourself into this platter? I mean, I basically did that all. summer. long.
Because here’s what’s involved: grilled pita bread, English cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cubed feta, kalamata olives, and tzatziki sauce paired with the best Greek chicken kabobs I have ever had.
Now the kabobs get the most amazing marinade makeover – olive oil, lemon juice/zest, paprika, oregano, basil, thyme, garlic and shallot. From there you can let the chicken thighs swim in this for a bit before throwing these bad boys onto the grill for that smoky, charred flavor.
It is so simple, yet so so good.
I should mention that a platter is absolutely not required, but it is pretty great for summer entertaining (and it’s easy to whip up too!).
However, if it’s just you and your baby corgis like I am 99% of the time, the kabobs paired with some beers/wine should be absolutely perfect.
Tools For This Recipe
Metal skewers or wooden skewers
Greek Chicken Kabobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, chicken breasts can absolutely be used here but chicken thighs have more dark meat and a higher fat content which will yield juicier, more flavorful chicken when thrown on the grill.
Metal skewers are sturdy and reusable but note that they will retain heat so please be careful when serving. Wooden skewers can also be used but can burn over a hot grill. I recommend soaking them overnight in water (or at least 30 minutes) prior to using.
Absolutely! You can substitute rosemary (dried or fresh!) or any other herb of your choosing. And because dried herbs are often more potent/concentrated than fresh herbs, you need less when using dry. The correct ratio is 1 tablespoon fresh herbs to 1 teaspoon dried herbs.
No grill, no problem. A cast iron grill pan or a large cast iron skillet will work beautifully here, especially during those winter months when it’s too cold to grill out!
Greek Chicken Kabobs
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
Equipment
Instructions
- 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.
- Stir in chicken until well combined; marinate for at least 2 hours to overnight, turning occasionally. Drain the chicken from the marinade.
- Thread chicken onto skewers. Brush with remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- 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.
- Serve immediately.
Did you make this recipe?
Tag @damn_delicious on Instagram and hashtag it #damndelicious!
Can you use pork also or just chicken?
Delicious! Everything about this recipe is perfect! Served with yogurt sauce, pita, and a Greek salad!
Your recipes are second to none. This is an amazing recipe! It tastes exactly like the chicken shishkabob at our favorite local Greek restaurant! We love it!
Haven’t made this yet, but it sounds delicious.
my question is when you call for a shallot, is that a clove or the whole bulb.
thanks
Shallots are very similar to an onion, not garlic. I’d guess that she means an average sized shallot that you can easily contain in a cupped hand.
can I put the chicken skewers in the oven? for how long ? temp?
Not a chicken thigh fan so used chicken breasts. WOW my new favorite greek kabob recipe. Absolutely damn delicious.
Best ever chicken recipe made with chicken breast. Will use recipe regularly Thanks so much. Just had to comment
Wow! Delicious! I let the chicken thigh marinate overnight and bbq’d them. Best chicken I’ve ever made! I was so proud and my family loved it. Great recipe
I used chicken breast and it was so tender and damndelicious.
Best marinade ever chicken skewers paired with tzatziki and pita bread perfect! I love your recipes I often use them for their simplicity and delicious taste.
This is absolutely the best marinade I have ever tasted. .Just the right amount of spices, heat and flavor. Just perfect! A huge hit! Thank you!!
Wow! Delicious! I let the chicken thigh marinate overnight and bbq’d them. Best chicken I’ve ever made! I was so proud and my family loved it. Great recipe
I used chicken breast and it was so tender and damndelicious.
How do i make that platter?
What a disappointment. I marinated for 3.5 hours and it must need much more, and possibly another acid like white vinegar or wine. We regrettably found the flavor – flat. I’m glad I grilled a few test skewers, which allowed me to add much more seasoning to the remainder. The look and tenderness was there, but not a depth of flavor.
My new favorite marinade for chicken – loved it on both grilled and baked chicken. Thanks!
I just made and finished eating this and it is absolutely going to become one of my staple summer meals! The chicken was tender and that marinade!!!!!! My husband couldn’t get enough! Thank you – so yummy!
Absolutely fantastic – I ate a couple hours ago, yet thinking about them for this review is making my mouth water!
OMG! This was SO GOOD! Will be a staple in our rotation of meals!!!!
I had this chicken at my son’s home. My daughter in law did the marinade, he did the grilling. I have a new grill and can’t wait to try it. She sent me the link to your recipe. It was soooo good, very tender.
Omg! The marinade for the chicken is BOMB! This turned out amazing for a summer dinner. My husband and I will be making it again soon.
SUPERB. IM IMPRESSED. VERY EASY. LOTS OF FLAVOR. AMZING! THANKS FOR SHARING. =)