Greek Lemon Chicken Kebabs

$To make Greek lemon chicken kebabs, gather these main items: - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Zest and juice of 2 large lemons - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces - 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces - 1 red onion, cut into wedges These ingredients will create a tasty base for your kebabs. The right spices make all the difference. You'll need: - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Salt and pepper to taste These spices add depth and flavor to the chicken. Oregano brings a nice herb taste, while cumin adds warmth. Feel free to get creative. You can add: - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Chopped parsley not only looks nice, but it also adds a fresh taste. You can also serve the kebabs with pita bread or a crisp Greek salad for a full meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering your ingredients. You need olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. In a large bowl, mix these ingredients well. The olive oil adds richness, while lemon gives it a fresh kick. Garlic adds depth, and spices bring warmth. This marinade will make your chicken super tasty. Cut your chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces. Next, add them to the bowl with the marinade. Stir well to coat every piece. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least one hour. If you have time, letting it sit overnight improves the flavor. While the chicken marinates, soak wooden skewers in water for about 15 minutes. This prevents burning when grilling. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken, bell peppers, and onion onto the skewers. Alternate the chicken and veggies for color and taste. Once the grill is hot, place the skewers on it. Cook for about 12 to 15 minutes. Turn them occasionally to ensure even cooking. You want beautiful grill marks and juicy chicken. When done, take them off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle. Enjoy your delicious kebabs with a sprinkle of fresh parsley! Marinating chicken is key for flavor. Use a large bowl for mixing. Combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a tasty marinade. Add chicken pieces next. Make sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and chill it in the fridge. Marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight. Longer marinating gives better flavor. Get your grill hot! Preheat it to medium-high heat. This helps the chicken cook evenly. If you use a grill pan, heat it the same way. Place the kebabs on the grill carefully. Cook them for 12-15 minutes. Turn kebabs occasionally for even cooking. Look for nice grill marks and check the chicken's doneness. It should reach 165°F inside. For great kebabs, use soaked wooden skewers. Soak them in water for 15 minutes before grilling. This prevents burning. Alternate chicken, red and yellow peppers, and onion on the skewers. This mix adds color and flavor. Keep an eye on the grill. Avoid overcooking; it can dry out the chicken. Let the kebabs rest for a few minutes after grilling. Garnish with parsley for a fresh touch. Serve with pita or Greek salad for a complete meal. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Flavor: For even more flavorful chicken, marinate the pieces overnight. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more the flavors will infuse. Use Fresh Herbs: While dried oregano works well, using fresh herbs can elevate the dish. Consider adding fresh oregano or thyme for a vibrant flavor. Check Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to mix and match vegetables based on your preference. Zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes can also be delicious additions to your kebabs. {{image_2}} You can switch out chicken for other proteins. Try shrimp or beef cubes. Both add unique tastes. Tofu is great for a vegetarian option. You can also use firm vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. They soak up the marinade well and grill nicely. The marinade is key to great flavor. Try adding yogurt for creaminess. You can mix in fresh herbs like dill or mint. A splash of red wine vinegar adds punch. If you want heat, add some red pepper flakes. This can spice up your kebabs. Serve these kebabs in many fun ways. Wrap them in warm pita bread for a sandwich. You can also lay them on a bed of rice. Top with a drizzle of tzatziki sauce for a cool touch. Pair with a crisp Greek salad for a full meal. To store leftover kebabs, let them cool to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. To reheat the kebabs, you can use a microwave or oven. If using a microwave, place them in a microwave-safe dish. Heat for about 1-2 minutes. Check to ensure they are warm throughout. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the kebabs on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. If you want to freeze the kebabs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. To cook from frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use chicken breast. Just cut it into 1-inch pieces like the thighs. Chicken breasts are leaner, so they cook faster. This means you should check them earlier to avoid drying out. The marinade will still add great flavor to chicken breast. I recommend marinating for at least one hour. This helps the flavors soak in. For even better taste, marinate overnight. Just remember to cover the chicken well in the fridge. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Many sides go well with these kebabs. Consider serving with: - Pita bread - Greek salad - Tzatziki sauce - Roasted vegetables - Rice pilaf These sides will enhance the meal and add more flavor. Each one brings a nice balance to the dish. Enjoying them together makes for a great dining experience! Greek lemon chicken kebabs are simple and tasty. We covered the main ingredients, spices, and how to add garnishes. I shared steps for preparing the marinade, marinating the chicken, and grilling it right. You learned tips to perfect your kebabs, variations to try, and how to store leftovers. With these insights, you can create kebabs that impress. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$

Delicious and flavorful chicken kebabs marinated in lemon and herbs, perfect for grilling.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 1 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Greek

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 large lemons, zest and juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
to taste salt and pepper
1 red bell pepper cut into 1-inch pieces
1 yellow bell pepper cut into 1-inch pieces
1 red onion cut into wedges
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure they are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
While the grill is heating, soak wooden skewers in water for about 15 minutes to prevent burning (if using).
Thread the marinated chicken pieces, red and yellow bell pepper pieces, and onion wedges onto the skewers, alternating between the ingredients.
Once the grill is hot, carefully place the skewers on the grill. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
Remove the kebabs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an aromatic touch, and serve with pita bread or alongside a refreshing Greek salad.

Notes

Marinate overnight for deeper flavor.

Keyword chicken, grilling, kebabs, lemon, Mediterranean