Name: Easy Greek Marinated Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1/4 cup olive oil; 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional); 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into 1.5-inch cubes); 1 medium red onion (chopped into large chunks, optional); 1 bell pepper (chopped into large pieces, optional); 1 zucchini (sliced into thick rounds, optional); Wooden or metal skewers

Jump to Recipe

Imagine juicy, flavorful chicken with a punchy Mediterranean marinade, sizzling on the grill and skewered alongside vibrant veggies. That’s exactly what you get with Easy Greek Marinated Chicken Kabobs—an absolute crowd-pleaser that brings sunshine to any table. This dish is all about bold Greek flavors and effortless, weeknight-friendly prep, making it perfect for busy evenings, backyard gatherings, or anytime you want something a little special without the stress.

Easy Greek Marinated Chicken Kabobs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The brilliance of Easy Greek Marinated Chicken Kabobs lies in using a handful of fresh, everyday ingredients that come together for a stunning result. Every item on this list brings a unique element—whether it’s tang, tenderness, color, or that unmistakable garlicky zing.

Olive oil: The essential Mediterranean base that keeps the chicken moist and coats every bite with richness.
Fresh lemon juice: Adds a burst of brightness and helps tenderize the chicken as it marinates.
Red wine vinegar: Delivers gentle acidity to balance and lift all the flavors.
Garlic (minced): For that bold, classic Greek punch—use fresh for the tastiest results.
Dried oregano: The secret ingredient that brings in authentic herby flavor and aroma.
Salt: Seasoning is key to drawing out every bit of flavor from the marinade and chicken.
Black pepper: Just enough heat and depth to keep things exciting without overpowering.
Paprika (optional): Offers a gentle smokiness and a lovely hint of color.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose your favorite—thighs stay extra juicy, breasts are leaner but still tasty once marinated.
Red onion (optional): Adds sharp-sweet crunch and vibrant color to your kabobs.
Bell pepper (optional): Brings sweetness and another pop of color—choose your favorite hue!
Zucchini (optional): Gives your skewers a fresh, summery dimension and extra texture.
Wooden or metal skewers: Essentials for threading everything together; soak wooden ones first to avoid burning.

How to Make Easy Greek Marinated Chicken Kabobs

Step 1: Make the Marinade

Grab a medium-sized bowl and whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and paprika if you like a touch of warmth. You’ll notice the aromas come alive instantly—this lively mixture is the backbone of your kabobs, delivering all that signature Greek flavor you crave.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your cubed chicken in a large mixing bowl or a zip-top bag for easy cleanup. Pour the marinade right over the top, tossing everything with a spatula or your hands until each piece is well coated. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (even better, 2 to 8 hours if you have the time) so every bite gets infused with those amazing flavors.

Step 3: Prepare Skewers

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for around 30 minutes to keep them from burning on the grill. Now, alternate threading chicken with chunks of red onion, bell pepper, and zucchini for color, texture, and classic kabob flair. Don’t pack them too tightly—leaving some space helps everything cook evenly.

Step 4: Cook the Kabobs

Whether you’re firing up the grill, using your oven, or grabbing a stovetop grill pan, Easy Greek Marinated Chicken Kabobs are a cinch to cook. For grilling, preheat to medium-high and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning once for those gorgeous grill marks. In the oven, lay kabobs on a foil-lined sheet, bake at 425°F for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway. On the stovetop, cook in a grill pan for 10–12 minutes, turning so all sides are nicely browned and cooked through.

Step 5: Serve

Once your kabobs are sizzling and golden, slide them off the grill and onto a serving platter. They’re best enjoyed hot, with a side of cool tzatziki, fluffy pita, lemony rice, or a crisp Greek salad to round out your Mediterranean feast.

How to Serve Easy Greek Marinated Chicken Kabobs

Garnishes

A little garnish can take these kabobs from simple to stunning. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or dill over the top, add a wedge of lemon for a last-minute squeeze, or even crumble a little feta for salty richness. It’s all about adding fresh, complementary flavors that make each bite pop.

Side Dishes

Easy Greek Marinated Chicken Kabobs pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Think homemade tzatziki for dipping, toasted pita wedges, a classic Greek salad brimming with tomatoes, cucumber, olives and feta, or a bed of lemon rice to soak up all those savory juices. Pick your favorites and let your meal transport you to the Mediterranean!

Creative Ways to Present

For casual gatherings, serve the kabobs straight from the grill on a vibrant platter alongside bowls of toppings so guests can build their own wraps. For a fun twist, slide the chicken and veggies off the skewers onto a salad, or pile them into a grain bowl with herbs and yogurt. The possibilities are nearly endless—get creative and let the colors and flavors shine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have kabobs left over, simply remove them from the skewers and transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, making them perfect for next-day lunches or easy meal prep.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the already-cooked kabobs (or just the marinated raw chicken!). Lay them out on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll be good for up to 2 months, ready to thaw and enjoy whenever you need a Greek-inspired pick-me-up.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the kabobs in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered loosely with foil, for about 10 minutes or until hot. You can also warm them gently on the stovetop or microwave in 30-second bursts, just until heated through so the chicken stays juicy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Easy Greek Marinated Chicken Kabobs?

Absolutely! Thighs are extra juicy and forgiving, making them a fantastic option—just trim any excess fat and follow the recipe as written for the perfect results.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for the full 8 hours?

While a longer marinate time deepens the flavors, even 30 minutes does wonders. If you’re short on time, don’t skip the marinade altogether, just let it soak as long as you can before cooking.

Can I make Easy Greek Marinated Chicken Kabobs indoors if I don’t have a grill?

Yes! They come out beautifully under the broiler, in the oven at 425°F, or cooked on a stovetop grill pan. You’ll still get gorgeous browning and those classic flavors.

How can I make the kabobs ahead for entertaining?

You can marinate the chicken and chop your veggies up to a day ahead. Thread onto skewers just before cooking, or better yet, skewer them in advance and keep refrigerated until you’re ready to grill.

Are the veggies required for Easy Greek Marinated Chicken Kabobs, or can I make them with just chicken?

The veggies are completely optional! They add color and a touch of sweetness, but the chicken alone is just as flavorful and satisfying if you prefer a simpler kabob.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a taste of Greece with minimal effort and major flavor payoff, Easy Greek Marinated Chicken Kabobs are the answer. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking for an easy weeknight dinner, you’ll love how quickly they disappear. Give them a try, and let these sunny flavors brighten up your table!

Easy Greek Marinated Chicken Kabobs Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 28 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These easy Greek marinated chicken kabobs are a delicious and flavorful dish perfect for grilling season. Tender chicken, marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon juice, and Mediterranean spices, is skewered with colorful vegetables for a complete meal on a stick.

Instructions

Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken pieces in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour marinade over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2–8 hours.
Prepare Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, alternating with onion, bell pepper, and zucchini if desired.
Cook the Kabobs: Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway, until chicken is cooked through and has grill marks. Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil. Bake kabobs for 18–22 minutes, turning once halfway through. Stovetop: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook skewers, turning occasionally, until browned and fully cooked, about 10–12 minutes.
Serve: Serve warm with tzatziki, pita, rice, or salad.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling, Baking, Stovetop
Cuisine: Greek