Lemon Greek Marinated Chicken Kabobs recipe

Lemon Greek Marinated Chicken Kabobs are a delicious and vibrant dish that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean right to your table. These kabobs are perfect for grilling season and make for a healthy, flavorful meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

To make these mouth-watering chicken kabobs, you’ll need:

• Chicken and Marinade:
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Skewers and Vegetables:
  • Wooden or metal skewers
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 red onion, cut into wedges
  • 1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds

Preparation

Marinating the Chicken:

1. Place the chicken cubes in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
2. Gather the ingredients for the marinade.

Making the Marinade:

1. Combining the Marinade Ingredients:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
   • Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
2. Marinating Time:
   • Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more intense flavor.

Assembling the Kabobs:

1. Skewering the Chicken and Vegetables:
   • If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
   • Thread the marinated chicken, bell peppers, onion, and zucchini onto the skewers, alternating between chicken and vegetables.
2. Tips for Even Cooking:
   • Ensure that the pieces are not too tightly packed on the skewers to allow for even cooking.

Cooking the Kabobs:

1. Grilling Instructions:
   • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
   • Place the kabobs on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
2. Oven Instructions:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Place the kabobs on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

Preparing the Lemon Sauce:

1. Mixing the Sauce Ingredients:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano.
2. Serving the Sauce:
   • Serve the sauce alongside the kabobs for drizzling or dipping.

Combining Everything:

1. Coating the Kabobs with Sauce:
   • Brush the cooked kabobs with the lemon sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
2. Garnishing and Serving:
   • Garnish with fresh parsley or dill and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

Pair the Lemon Greek Marinated Chicken Kabobs with a side of tzatziki sauce, pita bread, or a fresh Greek salad. For a complete meal, serve with a side of rice or quinoa.

Storage Tips

• Keeping Leftovers Fresh:
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating Instructions:
  • Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain moisture.

Variations

• Using Different Proteins: Try this recipe with boneless pork cubes, shrimp, or tofu for a delicious twist.
• Adding Different Vegetables: Experiment with cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or eggplant for added variety.

Tips for Success

• Achieving Juicy Chicken: Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it tender and juicy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.
• Balancing Flavors: Taste the marinade and sauce as you go, adjusting the lemon, garlic, and herbs to suit your preferences.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to a day in advance and assemble the kabobs just before cooking.
2. How do I store leftovers?
   • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I bake the kabobs instead of grilling?
   • Yes, bake the kabobs at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through.
4. What if I don’t have skewers?
   • You can cook the marinated chicken and vegetables directly on a grill or in a skillet without skewers.
5. How long do these kabobs last?
   • The cooked kabobs will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

Lemon Greek Marinated Chicken Kabobs are a delightful and flavorful dish that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your kitchen. They’re easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious combination of lemon, garlic, and herbs!

Yield: 7

Lemon Greek Marinated Chicken Kabobs recipe

Print

Lemon Greek Marinated Chicken Kabobs are a delicious and vibrant dish that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean right to your table. These kabobs are perfect for grilling season and make for a healthy, flavorful meal that everyone will love.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Marinade Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs. chicken breast, boneless, skinless, cut in 1 1/2 inch chunks
• 1 cup red bell pepper, cut in 1 1/2 inch chunks
• 1 cup green bell pepper, cut in 1 1/2 inch chunks
• 1 cup zucchini, cut in 1 1/2 inch chunks
• 1 large red onion, cut in 1 1/2 inch chunks
• 1 tsp. sea salt
• 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
• Juice of a lemon
• Zest of a lemon
• 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 3/4 cup greek yogurt
• Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions

1. Add the chicken, bell pepper, green bell pepper, zucchini, red onion, sea salt, ground black pepper, juice of a lemon, zest of a lemon, extra virgin olive oil, garlis powder, cayenne pepper and Greek yogurt in a large ziplock bag or a large mixing bowl. Use tongs or your hands and coat the chicken and vegetables in the marinade. Cover and marinate for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
2. Remove the chicken and the vegetables from the fridge.
3. If you are using wooden skewers, soak 10 of them in cold water for an hour.
4. Thread the chicken and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating until the chicken is gone. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the skewers.
5. Heat the grill over medium high heat.
6. Brush the grill with the remaining olive oil and place the skewers on the grill. Grill for 6 minutes on each side. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
7. Remove the kabobs from the grill and serve warm with fresh cilantro or parsley and green onion.