Greek Chicken Kabobs

By Maria Lichty

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Quick Summary

These Greek Chicken Kabobs are juicy, tender, and packed with fresh Mediterranean flavor. The easy Greek yogurt marinade infuses every bite with lemon, garlic, oregano, and olive oil while keeping the chicken incredibly moist. Grill them for an easy weeknight dinner, backyard BBQ, or summer entertaining. Serve with creamy tzatziki, warm pita, and a fresh Greek salad for a meal everyone will love.

Greek chicken kabobs on plate with pita and Greek salad.

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Greek Chicken Kabobs Are Always a Summer Favorite

The second grilling season arrives, these Greek Chicken Kabobs go straight onto our menu rotation. I mean, who doesn’t love kabobs? They are such a fun meal! Our steak kabobs are super popular and I know you will love these chicken kabobs too!

We have been making them for years because they’re simple, healthy, and packed with bright, fresh flavors. The marinade only takes a few minutes to whisk together, but it transforms ordinary chicken into juicy, flavorful kabobs that taste like something you’d order at your favorite Greek restaurant.

The secret is the Greek yogurt marinade. The yogurt gently tenderizes the chicken while the lemon, garlic, oregano, and olive oil add classic Mediterranean flavor. Every bite is juicy, flavorful, and perfectly charred from the grill.

I also love how versatile these kabobs are. They work just as well for an easy family dinner as they do for entertaining. I usually serve them with homemade tzatziki, warm pita, and a big Greek salad, but they’re also delicious over rice bowls, tucked into wraps, or served with grilled vegetables. If you’re looking for an easy grilled chicken recipe that never disappoints, this is one you’ll make all summer long.

Ingredients (with Helpful Notes)

Greek chicken kabobs.

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make the best Greek Chicken Kabobs.

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into evenly sized 1-inch pieces so they cook evenly. Chicken thighs also work if you prefer darker meat.
  • Plain Greek yogurt: The key to tender, juicy chicken. Use plain, full-fat or low-fat Greek yogurt, not flavored yogurt.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the marinade its bold flavor.
  • Olive oil: Helps carry all of the Mediterranean flavors and keeps the chicken moist.
  • Lemon zest: Adds bright citrus flavor that’s more concentrated than juice alone.
  • Fresh lemon juice: Fresh is always best for the brightest flavor.
  • Red wine vinegar: Adds a little tang and balances the richness of the yogurt.
  • Dried oregano: A classic Greek seasoning that gives the kabobs their signature flavor.
  • Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and beautiful color.
  • Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken.
  • Feta cheese: Sprinkle over the grilled kabobs for extra salty, creamy flavor.
  • Fresh parsley: Adds freshness and color right before serving.
  • Tzatziki sauce: Highly recommended for serving. It’s creamy, cool, and the perfect finishing touch.

How to Make Greek Chicken Kabobs

  • Make the marinade. Whisk together the Greek yogurt, garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
  • Marinate the chicken. Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces and place them in a large zip-top bag, bowl, or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss until every piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. It’s a great recipe to prep ahead before dinner or your next cookout.
  • Prepare the skewers. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 20 minutes so they don’t burn on the grill. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece so the heat can circulate evenly. Discard any leftover marinade.
  • Fire up the grill. Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to help prevent sticking.
  • Grill the kabobs. Cook the skewers for about 10 minutes, turning them every couple of minutes, until the chicken is nicely charred on the outside and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Finish and serve. Transfer the kabobs to a serving platter and sprinkle with crumbled feta and fresh parsley. Serve warm with plenty of tzatziki and your favorite Greek-inspired sides.

Tips for the Best Greek Chicken Kabobs

These simple tips will help you make juicy, flavorful kabobs every time.

Don’t skip the marinade. Even 30 minutes makes a big difference, but 2 to 4 hours gives the chicken the best flavor. Avoid marinating overnight, as the yogurt and lemon juice can start to break down the chicken and make it mushy.

Cut the chicken into even pieces. Aim for 1-inch cubes so everything cooks at the same rate and stays juicy.

Preheat and oil the grill. A hot, well-oiled grill helps prevent sticking and creates those beautiful grill marks.

Leave a little space between the chicken pieces. Packing the skewers too tightly prevents the heat from circulating, so the chicken won’t cook as evenly.

Don’t overcook the chicken. Chicken breasts cook quickly. Remove the kabobs when they reach 165°F with an instant-read thermometer to keep them tender and juicy.

Let the kabobs rest. A few minutes of resting before serving helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.

Finish with the toppings. Crumbled feta, fresh parsley, and a generous dollop of homemade tzatziki take these kabobs from great to absolutely irresistible.

How to Store

  • Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in a 325°F oven until heated through. Be careful not to overcook the chicken.
  • Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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Greek Chicken Kabobs

Tender, juicy Greek Chicken Kabobs marinated in a flavorful Greek yogurt marinade with lemon, garlic, oregano, and olive oil, then grilled to perfection. Serve with tzatziki, pita, and a fresh Greek salad for an easy Mediterranean meal.
4.71 from 95 votes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
  • Tzatziki Sauce, for serving

Instructions
 

  • Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces and place in a large Ziploc bag, bowl, or shallow baking dish. Set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the Greek Yogurt, garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
  • Pour the marinade over the chicken and stir to coat. If you are using a bag, add the marinade to the bag and seal it tight, removing as much air as possible. Move the chicken around, making sure it is well coated.
  • Place in the refrigerator and let marinate for 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
  • If you are using wooden skewers, make sure you soak them in water for 20 minutes before adding the chicken.
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade and thread on skewers, about 4 ounces of chicken per skewer. Discard remaining marinade.
  • Preheat the grill to a medium-high heat. You can also use a grill pan. Brush the grill or grill pan with olive oil to make sure the kabobs don’t stick.
  • Grill the chicken until fully cooked through, about 10 minutes, turning the skewers every couple of minutes.
  • Remove from the grill and place on a serving platter. Garnish with feta cheese and fresh parsley. Serve warm with tzatziki sauce. You can also serve hummus, pita bread, and a simple Greek salad on the side.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours for the best flavor and texture.
  • Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces so it cooks evenly.
  • If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes before grilling.
  • Grill until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts.
  • These kabobs are delicious served with tzatziki, hummus, pita bread, Greek salad, rice, or grilled vegetables.
  • Leftovers are great for salads, grain bowls, wraps, and pitas.

Nutrition

Calories: 405kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 51g, Fat: 20g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 12g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 146mg, Sodium: 946mg, Potassium: 921mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 207IU, Vitamin C: 9mg, Calcium: 60mg, Iron: 1mg
Keywords chicken, Greek yogurt, kabobs

Have you tried this recipe?

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Variations

  • Add chunks of red onion, zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes to the skewers.
  • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for even juicier kabobs.
  • Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade for a little heat.
  • Stir fresh dill into the marinade for extra herb flavor.
  • Serve the grilled chicken over lemon rice, quinoa, or orzo instead of on skewers.
  • Turn everything into Greek chicken bowls with rice, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, feta, and tzatziki.
  • Stuff the chicken into warm pita with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki for easy wraps.

Serving Suggestions

Turn these kabobs into a complete Mediterranean feast by serving them with:

Greek chicken kabobs on platter with tzatziki in bowl and lemon slices.

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Maria

I’m Maria Lichty, creator of Two Peas and Their Pod and two-time cookbook author.

On Two Peas & Their Pod, you will find recipes that are family friendly, affordable, approachable, and most importantly DELICIOUS. I share everyday recipes for everyone!

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4.71 from 95 votes (74 ratings without comment)

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Comments

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    1. I wouldn’t use vanilla since this is a savory recipe. It would be too sweet.

    2. 5 stars
      Excellent recipe, it has replaced my go to. Thanks for posting it.

      The red wine vinegar was missing from previous recipes I tried and it really improved the flavor.

  1. 5 stars
    These Greek Chicken Kabobs were incredible! Very authentic Greek tasting – paired with the Tzatzki sauce and Wow oh Wow! So.very.good!!! Highly recommend.

  2. 5 stars
    These Greek Chicken Kabobs were incredible! Very authentic Greek tasting – paired with the Tzatzki sauce and Wow oh Wow! So.very.good!!! Highly recommend.

    1. I wouldn’t because the acid in the lemon and vinegar might break down the chicken too much and make it mushy. You can make the marinade and prep your chicken. In the morning, combine them.

  3. 5 stars
    Can you freeze marinades with yogurt so I can use them in the future? Or even freeze it with the chicken so as it defrosts it marinades?

  4. 5 stars
    Have made multiple times. Hubs and son hate yogurt but love this chicken. Picky daughter loves it too. So good!!

  5. 5 stars
    Made this recipe for dinner for friends. Marinated the chicken for 4-5 hours and it was excellent! We will definitely make this again!

    1. We haven’t tried this recipe with steak. We do have a really good steak kabob recipe on our blog. Just search steak kabobs.

  6. 5 stars
    This is a very tasty marinade! We made the kabobs with a side of your Greek Tortellini Salad for our 4th of July dinner.

  7. 5 stars
    I followed the recipe exactly and it was amazing. The chicken was tender and flavorful and along with the tzatziki sauce, it was a wonderful meal. Will make this again!

  8. 5 stars
    Excellent recipe, I marinaded overnight and the yogurt simulated buttermilk, really made the chicken tender. Good crowd pleaser, many compliments. Go the extra mile with the homemade pita and the tzatziki sauce, it was worth it.

  9. If I were to use the oven instead of a stove top or grill, what temperature would you recommend I cook it at and for how long?

  10. followed the recipe exactly, this is loved by my entire family!! making it for a birthday party again this evening. Yum!

  11. 5 stars
    These were delicious. Taste and texture were perfect. So hard to find chicken breast recipes that deliver on both these things. Bravo

  12. 5 stars
    100% will eat again! I made it to the recipe all except the cooking instructions. After marinading my chicken breasts in the fridge for about 2 hours, I removed the chicken from the marinade and cooked it using a sous vide, preheated for 140°f for another 2 hours or so. Then finished it off by skewering the chicken (cooked chicken doesn’t skewer so well, btw) and browning in a pizza oven. The color wasn’t near as great on mine as your picture, but the taste was fantastic!
    Next time I’ll either grill them stovetop, like in the instructions, or if I use the sous vide again, just place the chicken pieces in a baking pan and broil them in the oven.

  13. 5 stars
    I made these last week and was very impressed, and I will be definitely making them again. Great flavour. I served over rice with fresh garden carrots 😋

  14. 5 stars
    I made the souvlaki and tzatziki for a family dinner and everyone loved it! The marinade on the chicken was flavourful and kept the chicken tender. I will never buy store bought tzatziki again!