These Greek-style chicken kebabs, also known as souvlaki, are juicy and full of flavor! Marinated in lemon, garlic, and herbs, they’re a treat grilled to perfection.
They’re perfect for a quick dinner or a fun barbecue. I love serving them with warm pita and fresh veggies—it’s like a little party on a plate! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is perfect for kebabs due to its lean texture. If you want a different flavor, try using chicken thighs instead; they stay juicy and tender when grilled.
Bell Peppers: Red and green bell peppers not only add color but also sweetness and crunch. If you prefer, use yellow or orange peppers, or even mushrooms for a tasty alternative.
Zucchini: Sliced zucchini adds a mild flavor and good texture. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash works well too, or even cherry tomatoes for a bit of sweetness.
Olive Oil: This is key in the marinade for moisture and flavor. For a lower-fat option, you could use a light amount of cooking spray. Avocado oil is another great substitute.
Greek Yogurt: Essential for tzatziki, Greek yogurt gives that creamy texture. For a lighter version, use regular yogurt or vegan yogurt. Just make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
How Do I Marinate Chicken Effectively?
Marinating is crucial to infuse flavor and tenderize the chicken. Here’s how to get it right:
- In a large bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and dried herbs together. This gives the chicken a punch of flavor.
- Add the chicken cubes and ensure they are fully coated. This is where you can add a little spice by adjusting the paprika or adding cayenne pepper for heat!
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. If you can let it sit overnight, that’s even better for flavor.
Marinating not only adds flavor but can also keep your chicken juicy. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Greek-style Chicken Kebabs (Chicken Souvlaki)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kebabs:
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
- 2 zucchinis, sliced into rounds or half-moons
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes for preparation and marinating time, plus 20-30 minutes for grilling and preparing the tzatziki sauce. Total time is around 1 hour if you marinate the chicken for just 1 hour, or you can leave it overnight for better flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
Start by making the marinade. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix it well until everything is combined. This will make your chicken flavorful!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade in the bowl, making sure they are all coated nicely. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the refrigerator. If you have time, let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for a stronger flavor.
3. Prepare the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before grilling. This will help to prevent them from burning on the grill.
4. Assemble the Kebabs:
Now it’s time to build your kebabs! Take the marinated chicken and thread it onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini. Make them colorful; it’s more fun to eat!
5. Grill the Kebabs:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the assembled skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes. Remember to turn them occasionally so they cook evenly and get those lovely char marks. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked through.
6. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
While the kebabs are grilling, let’s whip up the tzatziki sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure it’s well-drained), minced garlic, olive oil, fresh dill, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until it’s all mixed well. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary!
7. Serve:
Once the kebabs are done, carefully take them off the grill. Serve them hot alongside your fresh tzatziki sauce and some lemon wedges for that extra zesty flavor. Enjoy your delicious Greek-style chicken kebabs!
Can I Use Different Vegetables for the Kebabs?
Absolutely! You can mix and match with your favorite vegetables. Consider using cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or even eggplant for a delicious twist. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.
Can I Substitute Chicken with Another Protein?
Yes! You can easily swap chicken for beef, pork, or shrimp. Just adjust the marinating time: pork and beef should marinate for at least 2 hours, while shrimp only needs about 30 minutes. Be sure to adjust grilling times accordingly, as shrimp cooks much faster!
How Should I Store Leftover Kebabs?
Store any leftover kebabs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can place them on a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or use a microwave until warmed through. Enjoy them in wraps or over salads!
Can I Make the Tzatziki Sauce Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the tzatziki sauce a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even tastier when you serve it!
