Greek Style Grilled Chicken Skewers
These chicken skewers are marinated in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, and a hint of yogurt for tenderness. Grilled until golden and slightly charred, they’re a classic Greek street food and a great addition to any Mediterranean meal.
Time:
Prep time: 15 minutes
Marinate: 30 minutes to 4 hours
Cook time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: ~45 minutes to 1 hour+
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
For the Chicken & Marinade:
700g (1.5 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
3 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 large lemon
2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
Optional for Serving:
Tzatziki sauce
Lemon wedges
Warm pita or flatbread
Sliced red onions, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, or feta
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, yogurt, garlic, vinegar, oregano, salt, pepper, and paprika. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (ideally 2–4 hours for best flavor).
2. Thread the Skewers:
Remove chicken from marinade and thread onto skewers, spacing slightly to allow even cooking.
3. Grill the Chicken:
Grill: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes, until nicely charred and internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
Oven broil option: Broil on high for 10–12 minutes, turning once.
4. Serve:
Transfer skewers to a platter. Squeeze fresh lemon over the top and sprinkle with a bit more oregano if desired. Serve with tzatziki, pita, or salad.
Tips:
Chicken thighs give a juicier result, but breasts are leaner and still delicious when marinated properly.
Add vegetables like red onion, zucchini, or bell peppers to the skewers for color and variety.
Don’t overcook — keep the grill hot and turn frequently for even charring without drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I bake these instead of grilling?
A: Yes! Bake at 220°C (425°F) for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Broil for the last 2–3 minutes for color.
Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Grill and store cooked skewers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q: What’s a good side dish?
A: Greek salad, lemon rice, herbed couscous, or roasted potatoes all pair beautifully.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 280
Protein: 30g
Fat: 15g
Carbs: 2g
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 320mg