Summer evenings call for fast, fresh meals that don’t heat up the house. These Greek chicken skewers are exactly what your family needs right now. They are tender, zesty, and so easy to pull together. You can get that vacation feeling right in your own backyard. Every bite is full of bright citrus and savory herbs. It is the perfect way to enjoy a warm night.
You do not need many ingredients to make this flavorful dinner happen tonight. It uses simple pantry staples that you likely already have in your kitchen. This meal is light yet satisfying for everyone at your table. It is a great way to kick off the grilling season right. Your family will love how fresh and light these taste.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This recipe for Greek chicken skewers is a winner because it is so versatile. It is perfect for a healthy reset after a busy or indulgent weekend. The lemon and oregano marinade makes the chicken breast meat incredibly juicy. You will love how the bright flavors wake up your taste buds instantly. It is a crowd-pleasing dinner that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy.
Another reason to love this dish is the minimal cleanup required after cooking. You only need one bowl for the marinade and your grill or pan. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when time is short. It also works beautifully for a summer BBQ with your friends. You can prep everything ahead of time and just grill when ready.
Simple Cooking Steps
Making these Greek chicken skewers is a very straightforward and easy process. You simply whisk the marinade together and let the chicken soak up the flavor. Threading the meat onto sticks is a quick task that kids can help with. Even if you are a beginner, you will find this fail-proof method simple. The grill does all the hard work of adding a smoky char.
What You Need
This recipe uses fresh ingredients and mostly pantry staples for a clean flavor profile.
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 8 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Step-by-Step
- In a non-reactive bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Place chicken cubes into a resealable plastic bag or glass dish and coat thoroughly with the marinade; refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, leaving minimal space between pieces to retain moisture.
- Preheat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat (approximately 400°F).
- Place skewers on the grill grate and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning every 3 to 4 minutes to ensure even browning and internal doneness.
- Verify chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using an instant-read thermometer.
- Transfer skewers to a platter and allow the meat to rest for 3 minutes before service.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these warm skewers with soft pita bread and cool tzatziki sauce. A fresh cucumber and tomato salad adds a nice crunch to the plate. This meal is perfect for a leisurely weekend lunch on the patio. You can also slide the meat off the sticks into a bowl. Pair it with rice or quinoa for a more filling dinner option. It is a fresh Mediterranean meal everyone will love.
Keep It Fresh
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days. To reheat, place the meat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. This helps keep the chicken from becoming rubbery or dry. You can also chop the cold chicken for a quick meal prep salad. It is a great way to have lunch ready for tomorrow.
Tips for Best Results
- Soak your wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before you start.
- Do not skip the resting period to keep the chicken juices inside.
- Avoid overcooking the chicken to ensure every bite stays tender and moist.
- Swap the lemon juice for red wine vinegar if you want more tang.
- Marinate the chicken for a full hour to get the best flavor.
- For a summer feast, add red onion chunks between the chicken pieces.
- Use a meat thermometer to pull the chicken at exactly 165 degrees.
- Double the recipe if you are hosting a large backyard gathering.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Use extra-firm tofu cubes for a delicious vegetarian or vegan option.
- Swap the dried oregano for fresh mint for a brighter spring flavor.
- Try using chicken thighs for a richer and even juicier result.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat.
Common Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours. This makes it a great option for busy weeknight meal planning. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you are ready.
What if I do not have an outdoor grill?
You can easily use an indoor grill pan or a heavy skillet. Set it to medium-high heat to get those nice char marks. It will still taste amazing and stay very juicy.
Will kids enjoy the lemon flavor?
Most kids love this recipe because the lemon is mild and bright. It is not too spicy or overwhelming for young palates. It is a very kid-approved dinner staple.
I hope these skewers bring a little sunshine to your dinner table. They are a staple in my house during the warmer months. Give them a try and enjoy every fresh bite.
— Alex
focusKeyword: Greek chicken skewers
metaTitle: Easy Greek Chicken Skewers Recipe | AllRecipesPro
metaDescription: Make juicy Greek chicken skewers in minutes. This fresh, healthy dinner is perfect for busy summer nights. Try this family-friendly recipe today!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 8 wooden skewers , soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions
- In a non-reactive bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Place chicken cubes into a resealable plastic bag or glass dish and coat thoroughly with the marinade; refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, leaving minimal space between pieces to retain moisture.
- Preheat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat (approximately 400°F).
- Place skewers on the grill grate and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning every 3 to 4 minutes to ensure even browning and internal doneness.
- Verify chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using an instant-read thermometer.
- Transfer skewers to a platter and allow the meat to rest for 3 minutes before service.
