Greek Chicken Kebabs have become a staple in our home because they check so many boxes: they’re healthy, full of vibrant Mediterranean flavors, and incredibly satisfying. My wife and I are huge fans of Mediterranean cuisine, from its emphasis on fresh herbs to its simple, bold ingredients. This recipe perfectly captures everything we love about it—tangy yogurt, zesty lemon, and a blend of spices that make each bite feel like a little escape to the Greek Isles.
What sets these kebabs apart is the yogurt-based marinade. It’s not just about flavor (although the tanginess from the yogurt, brightness from the lemon, and warmth from the spices are unbeatable)—it’s also about texture. The yogurt tenderizes the chicken, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth tender. Paired with the sweetness of bell peppers and the slight bite of red onions, these skewers are a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
This recipe is as practical as it is delicious. Whether you’re baking them in the oven, grilling them outside, or even using a stovetop grill pan, the chicken comes out juicy, the veggies get just a little caramelized, and the whole thing pairs beautifully with a warm pita and creamy tzatziki sauce. It’s a meal that feels special but is simple enough for a busy weeknight.
What I love most about these kebabs is how they bring people together. They’re great for a dinner party, a family meal, or even meal prep for the week ahead. Everyone can customize their skewers, and the combination of flavors is always a crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with Mediterranean flair and easy to make, these Greek Chicken Kebabs are it. I hope they bring as much joy to your table as they do to ours!
IN THIS RECIPE...
What do I need to make these skewers?
For the Marinade:
- HERBS AND SPICES: Dried oregano, mint, thyme, and paprika give the kebabs their signature Mediterranean flavor. If you have fresh herbs, feel free to use them—just double the quantity compared to dried.
- KOSHER SALT AND BLACK PEPPER: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing all the flavors in the marinade.
- GREEK YOGURT: The base of the marinade, Greek yogurt is essential for its creamy texture and natural acidity. It tenderizes the chicken while helping the marinade cling to each piece. If you don’t have Greek yogurt, regular plain yogurt will work as well!
- OLIVE OIL: Adds richness to the marinade and helps keep the chicken moist while cooking. Choose a good-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- LEMON JUICE: The acidity of fresh lemon juice brightens the marinade and balances the richness of the yogurt. If you’re out of lemons, lime juice can be a suitable substitute.
- RED WINE VINEGAR: A touch of red wine vinegar enhances the tanginess of the marinade and adds depth to the flavor. White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar are good alternatives.
- HONEY: A little sweetness from honey balances the tanginess and brings out the natural flavors of the chicken. You can replace it with maple syrup or even a pinch of sugar if needed.
For the Skewers:
- CHICKEN BREAST: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is lean and absorbs the marinade beautifully. If you prefer darker meat, boneless chicken thighs are an excellent option for even juicier kebabs.
- BELL PEPPERS: Bell peppers add sweetness and a pop of color to the skewers. Red, yellow, or orange varieties work best, but green bell peppers are also a great choice if you like a slightly bitter flavor.
RED ONIONS: Red onions are mild and slightly sweet when grilled, making them a perfect complement to the chicken. Yellow or sweet onions can also be used if you prefer.
Vegetable Alternatives for the Skewers
Looking to switch up the vegetables on your kebabs? Here are some other great options:
- ZUCCHINI OR YELLOW SQUASH: These are quick-cooking veggies that pair wonderfully with the marinade and add a tender texture to the skewers.
- MUSHROOMS: Button or cremini mushrooms bring an earthy flavor and meaty texture to the skewers.
- EGGPLANT: Small cubes of eggplant grill beautifully and soak up the flavors of the marinade.
- ASPARAGUS: Trimmed asparagus spears can be threaded onto skewers or served alongside the kebabs as a side dish.
PINEAPPLE: For a sweet and tangy twist, add chunks of pineapple. It pairs surprisingly well with the savory chicken and herbs.
These ingredients and variations make Greek Chicken Kebabs as versatile as they are flavorful. Whether you stick to the classic bell peppers and onions or mix it up with other veggies, these kebabs are sure to be a hit at your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. PREPARE THE MARINADE
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, honey, and all the herbs and spices. The marinade should be creamy and slightly tangy, with a balanced aroma from the dried herbs. Set it aside while you prepare the chicken.
2. MARINATE THE CHICKEN
Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch pieces, ensuring uniform size for even cooking. Place the chicken in a large resealable bag or bowl, pour the marinade over the top, and mix thoroughly to coat each piece. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—but for the most flavorful results, aim for 4 hours.
3. SOAK YOUR SKEWERS (IF USING WOODEN)
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent them from burning during cooking. Metal skewers are a great alternative if you want to skip this step.
4. PREPARE THE VEGETABLES
While the chicken marinates, chop your bell peppers and red onions into 1-inch chunks. If you’re using alternative vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms, prepare them accordingly to ensure they’ll cook evenly alongside the chicken.
5. ASSEMBLE THE SKEWERS
Thread the chicken pieces, bell peppers, and red onions onto the skewers in an alternating pattern. Try to leave a small gap between each piece to ensure they cook thoroughly on all sides. Repeat until all the chicken is used.
6. PREHEAT YOUR OVEN OR GRILL
If baking, preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet with a wire rack to allow even airflow. If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
7. COOK THE KEBABS
For the oven, place the skewers on the wire rack and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning. If grilling, cook the skewers directly on the grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
8. FINISH AND SERVE
Once cooked, remove the kebabs from the oven or grill. Sprinkle with flaky salt for an extra burst of flavor and serve immediately with warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, or your favorite sides. Enjoy!
Related Recipes
Greek Chicken Kebabs (Tender and Delicious)
Ingredients
Marinade
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried mint
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 3½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Skewers
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- 3 bell peppers cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 red onion cut into 1-inch chunks
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients for the marinade.½ cup plain Greek yogurt, ¼ cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, ½ teaspoon dried mint, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon paprika, 3½ teaspoons kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch pieces and place in a large resealable plastic bag or large mixing bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours.2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes prior to using them. Skip this step if you are using metal skewers.
- Once the chicken has marinated, you're ready to make the skewers. Thread a piece of chicken onto the skewer, followed by a piece of bell pepper and a piece of red onion. Repeat until the skewer is full then repeat on a new skewer until all the chicken has been used.3 bell peppers, 1 red onion
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Prepare a baking sheet by covering it in aluminum foil and then placing a wire wrack on top. Spray the wire rack with nonstick spray so the chicken does not stick to the pan. Place your prepared skewers on the wire rack.
- Baking for 15-20 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through to ensure even cooking. Ensure the chicken is cooked through to 165°F then remove from the oven. Season with flaky salt as it comes out of the oven.
- Serve with pita bread and tzatziki sauce and enjoy!