Grilled Greek Chicken Skewers
Summer is here, and that means it’s time to fire up the grill! If you’re looking for a new recipe to try, you’ll love these Greek-inspired chicken skewers. Packed with flavorful herbs, tangy lemon, and savory feta, these Grilled Greek Chicken Skewers are the perfect way to add some Mediterranean flair to your next BBQ.
They’re easy to prepare, and grilling them gives them a delicious char that makes them irresistible. So, grab your skewers, and let’s get grilling!
Grilled Greek Chicken Skewers
- ¼ c. extra virgin olive oil
- 3 T. fresh lemon juice
- 2 t. organic lemon zest
- 1 T. fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 T. fresh oregano, chopped and crushed to release oils
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary, broken into small pieces and crushed to release oils
- 2-3 cloves garlic, smashed, peeled, and roughly chopped
- ½ t. salt
- ½ t. black pepper
- 1¼ lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1” cubes
- 9 cherry or grape tomatoes
- 6 10-inch wood or metal skewers
- 2 large lemons, cut in half
These Greek chicken skewers can be deliciously served with a side of tzatziki sauce or hummus. They also pair well with a Greek salad, or with a side of grilled pita bread. For a refreshing drink, try serving them with a cold glass of Greek wine or beer.
If it’s not winter where you are but you wanna give this recipe a try, this grill pan is what you need. Get those beautiful grill marks indoors without all the extra cleanup.
The Greek chicken skewers recipe is a popular dish from the Mediterranean region, typically made with chicken or lamb, vegetables, and a flavorful marinade. The use of herbs such as oregano and thyme, along with lemon juice or even feta cheese crumbled on top after grilling, gives it a distinctly Greek flavor.
Nutrition-wise, these skewers are a good source of protein and vitamins from vegetables. You can add bell peppers and zucchini to the skewers along with red onions for a flavorful kick. To make it a healthier option, you can use lean cuts of meat (or fattier cuts if following a keto diet) and use less oil in the marinade.
If you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them on the grill or in a skillet to enjoy them again. You can also serve the skewers cold in a Greek-style salad with a side of tzatziki sauce.
For a make-ahead option, you can prepare the marinade and marinate the skewers in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before grilling. This will allow the flavors to meld together and make the skewers even more delicious.
Grilling Tips
Here are some tips for grilling to ensure that your meat remains flavorful and juicy:
- Use the right cut of meat: For best results, use cuts of meat that are known for being tender and flavorful, such as chicken breast, pork tenderloin, or ribeye.
- Don’t overcook: Overcooking meat can make it dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the meat reaches the appropriate temperature for doneness.
- Marinate the meat: Marinating the meat before grilling helps to add flavor and can also help to keep it moist.
- Let the meat rest: After grilling, let the meat rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy final product.
- Use a meat brush: Use a brush to apply marinade or sauce to the meat while it’s grilling. This will help the flavors to penetrate the meat, and also prevent the marinade from burning.
- Avoid over-flipping: Over-flipping the meat can cause it to dry out and lose juices. Flip it only once or twice while cooking.
- Keep an eye on the heat: Make sure your grill is at the right temperature to prevent burning or undercooking the meat.
- Use a meat injector: Meat injectors allow you to inject marinades and flavorings directly into the meat. This will help to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Use foil: If your meat is taking too long to cook and you’re afraid it will dry out, wrap it in foil to trap the moisture.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to grill meat that is both flavorful and juicy. Happy grilling!
Grilled Greek Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
- Marinade Ingredients:
- ¼ c. extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp organic lemon zest
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano chopped and crushed to release oils
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary broken into small pieces and crushed to release oils
- 2-3 cloves garlic smashed, peeled, and roughly chopped
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Remaining Ingredients:
- 1¼ lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1” cubes
- 9 cherry or grape tomatoes
- 6 10- inch wood or metal skewers
- 2 large lemons cut in half
Instructions
- Place marinade ingredients in a large jar and seal it with a tight-fitting lid. Shake vigorously to combine and set aside.
- Place chicken breast cubes in a large glass bowl and pour the marinade on top. Gently toss to combine, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated on all sides. Cover and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to one hour.
- Remove chicken from the refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking. Drain and discard the marinade.
- Thread a tomato onto a skewer, followed by two pieces of chicken. Then add another tomato, two more pieces of chicken, and a third tomato at the end. Repeat with the remaining chicken and tomatoes on the remaining skewers. If there are additional chunks of chicken left over, place them on another skewer and cook with the rest.
- Spray a large grill pan with non-stick cooking spray (or brush with a neutral oil with a high smoke point) and set over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the skewers to the grill pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until they release easily from the surface. Flip each skewer and cook on the remaining side for another 4-5 minutes. Sear the remaining sides for 1 minute each.
- Transfer the skewers to a platter and set them aside. Add the lemon halves to the hot grill pan and press down on each with a spatula. Heat until the exposed surface is warm and nicely browned, approximately 2 minutes. Remove from heat and squeeze the warm lemon halves over the chicken skewers right before serving. Enjoy!
