Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken Kabobs
These grilled Greek lemon chicken kabobs are perfect for backyard barbeques, family dinners, or when you simply want a taste of the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. The secret lies in the mouth-watering marinade infused with zesty lemon, spicy garlic, and earthy herbs that leaves every bite packed with flavor. And the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make and ready in under an hour!
Smoky Savory Grilled Goodness
If you’re like me and love grilled chicken, food on a stick, and recipes ready in 60 minutes (like my chicken shawarma plate), you’re going to love this irresistible combination that brings together the best of both worlds. Picture this: juicy chicken kissed by the grill’s smokey heat, with tangy lemon slices and sweet onion wedges nestled between each bite. The balance of the charred, savory goodness and bright citrus makes these skewers a true crowd-pleaser.
Why I Love This Recipe:
What You’ll Need
For these tasty Greek chicken skewers, we need boneless skinless chicken breast, onion, fresh lemons, garlic, olive oil, oregano, paprika, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and fresh parsley. In addition to the food, you’ll also need your favorite wooden or metal skewers. If using wood, don’t forget to soak them for 30 minutes to help prevent burning them on the grill. See the recipe card below for exact measurements.
Featured Ingredient: Fresh Lemons
Bright, zesty, and slightly tart, fresh lemons bring an essential burst of flavor to this dish. Yes, you really need to use fresh ones because we use the whole lemon, not just the juice.
The acid in the lemons helps tenderize the chicken while it marinades. Grilling the lemon slices caramelizes their natural sugars. The wedges served on the plate add a dash of color and a vibrant, fresh flavor. It all comes together to create that famous Greek citrus kick.
How to Make Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these Greek lemon chicken skewers is easier than you think! With just a bit of prep, you’ll have flavorful, juicy skewers ready for the grill. To make it easier to follow, I’ve broken it down into three simple steps: marinating, assembling, and grilling. The marinating takes the most time, but the actual cooking is quick and easy.
Tips for Success
- Watch the marinating time. So much of the flavor for these kabobs comes from the flavors in the marinade. You need a minimum of 30 minutes, but if you let them go too long, the acid in the lemon juice can start to make the meat mushy. Stick to a timeframe between 30 minutes and 2 hours.
- Get the grill hot before cooking. A properly preheated grill is your best friend. It creates that perfect char and keeps the chicken from sticking to the grate.
- Check the internal temperature. For chicken to be cooked safely, it must reach an internal temperature of 165ºF. If you are using metal skewers, be sure you are checking the meat and not the skewer temperature.
Serving Suggestions
These chicken kabobs are best served while still warm from the grill. After they have rested for a couple of minutes, sprinkle them with some chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra juicy burst of flavor.
Personally, I love pairing these with my Greek quinoa salad –– the fresh crunch of cucumbers and juicy tomatoes mixed with the warm, herby chicken is chef’s kiss. If I’m making them for a backyard cookout, I’ll set out warm pita bread and a bowl of Tzatziki sauce or creamy garlic dressing for drizzling. Afterall, who can resist the balance of creamy garlic with grilled chicken?
How to Store and Reheat
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If reheating, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until just heated through. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken juicy! You can also freeze the marinated (uncooked!) chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before assembling the skewers.
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Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 ½ lb chicken breast (boneless, skinless (680 g), cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 large onion (cut into wedges (6.3 oz | 180 g))
- 1 lemon (thinly sliced (4.2 oz | 120 g))
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (1 fl oz | 30 ml)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (1 fl oz | 30 ml)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.
Step 2: Assemble the Skewers
- Thread the chicken cubes onto the soaked wooden skewers, alternating with onion wedges and lemon slices.
Step 3: Grill or Cook the Skewers
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F | 74°C).
Step 4: Serve
- Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and is for general information purposes only. For the most accurate information, calculate using your select brands and exact measurements.
