Ah, Greek-style Chicken Kebabs, or as we lovingly call them, Chicken Souvlaki! Every time I whip up this dish, I’m transported back to a sun-drenched summer on the Mediterranean coast. I can almost hear the cheerful clink of glasses and the joyous laughter of friends gathered around a table filled with delicious food. What’s not to love? Tender marinated chicken, vibrant veggies, and a smoky kiss from the grill—talk about a flavor fiesta!
This recipe is a go-to for me because it’s simple yet incredibly delicious. Whether I’m hosting a summer barbecue or just enjoying a sunny afternoon with family, these kebabs always steal the show. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) make the best lunches throughout the week. So, let’s dive into making these scrumptious kebabs!
What’s in Greek-style Chicken Kebabs?
Chicken Breast: The star of our show! Lean and juicy, I prefer using boneless chicken breast for this recipe as it soaks up the flavors of the marinade beautifully.
Olive Oil: A staple in Mediterranean cuisine that adds richness to the marinade. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
Lemon Juice: This bright citrus adds a refreshing zing. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is ideal—it makes a world of difference compared to bottled juice!
Garlic: Oh, the aroma of minced garlic is irresistible! It infuses the chicken with a delightful depth of flavor.
Dried Oregano: A fragrant herb that’s key to achieving that authentic Greek taste. Trust me, don’t skip it!
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors coming together.
Bell Peppers: Vibrant red and green bell peppers add a pop of color and sweetness. They grill beautifully, becoming tender and smoky.
Red Onion: This veggie brings a delightful crunch and a mild sweetness when grilled.
Zucchini: Sliced into rounds, zucchini complements the chicken with its subtle flavor and lovely texture once grilled.
Wooden Skewers: Perfect for threading all these tasty ingredients together. Just remember to soak them in water for 30 minutes if you’re grilling, so they don’t catch fire!
Is Greek-style Chicken Kebabs Good for You?
Absolutely! These kebabs are not only delicious but also packed with health benefits.
Chicken Breast: It’s a fantastic source of lean protein, helping build muscle and keep you full longer.
Olive Oil: Besides adding great flavor, it’s rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, which are good for your heart.
Veggies: The array of vegetables adds vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to your meal—plus a nice dose of fiber which is always a bonus!
The only consideration I’d mention is to keep watch on the portion size of the skewers if you’re watching your caloric intake, especially when pairing with dips like tzatziki or serving with bread.
Ingredients
– 2 pounds chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 3 tablespoons lemon juice
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 teaspoons dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
– Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if grilling)
*Serves 4-6 people.*
How to Make Greek-style Chicken Kebabs?
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to create a marinade. It’s so fragrant at this stage; I could just breathe it in!
2. Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it hang out in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you have the time for those flavors to really meld together.
3. When you’re ready to cook, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot so those grill marks make their entrance.
4. Thread the marinated chicken, bell peppers, onion, and zucchini onto the skewers, alternating between chicken and veggies. These are going to look so colorful and inviting!
5. Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. I like to take a peek occasionally—you know, for quality control!
6. Remove the kebabs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy!
7. Serve the chicken souvlaki with tzatziki sauce, lemon wedges, and fresh herbs, if desired. Dig in and enjoy the flavors of Greece in the comfort of your home!
Grilling Genius: Tips and Variations
– If you want to add a twist, try marinating the chicken with some spices like paprika or cumin for a different flavor profile.
– Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on your preferences or what’s in season. Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or eggplant would all be scrumptious!
– For a complete meal, serve these kebabs with a side of warm pita bread and a fresh Greek salad.
I hope this recipe brings a bit of the Mediterranean sunshine into your home! Cooking is all about sharing love, flavors, and joy with those around you. I can’t wait for you to try making these Greek-style chicken kebabs. Once you do, please come back and share your experience—I’d love to hear how they turned out! Happy cooking!
