The first time I made Lemon Greek Marinated Chicken Kabobs Recipe, I truly felt like I had captured the essence of Mediterranean cooking.The bold flavors of lemon, garlic, and dried herbs in the marinade instantly transported me to memories of sunny days by the sea.
The tenderness of marinated chicken paired with a creamy drizzle of tzatziki sauce was pure perfection. What I love most is how simple and quick this recipe is to create, while the taste makes it seem like you spent hours in the kitchen. Fire up the grill, because this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Your Ingredients for a Mediterranean Feast
Just a few simple ingredients come together to pack these kabobs with flavor.
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Provides a juicy and tender base for the kabobs.
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice: Adds a bright, zesty flavor at the heart of Greek cuisine.
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Lends a slight acidity to balance the richness of the chicken.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Helps bind the marinade and prevents the chicken from drying out when grilled.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the chicken with a robust, savory aroma.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A must for authentic Greek flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Brings an earthy herbaceousness.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Complements the other herbs for a balanced seasoning mix.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the flavors in the marinade.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth to the chicken.
Note: Serves 4. Adjust marinade quantities as needed to serve more or less.
Variations to Suit Your Style
Looking to make this recipe your own? Here are some easy ways to switch things up! For more dinner ideas, check out our collection of dinner recipes to inspire your next meal.
- Lime Twist: Use lime juice instead of lemon for a slightly tangier flavor.
- Fresh Herb Boost: Substitute dried oregano or parsley with fresh herbs for added aromatics.
- Veggie Additions: Alternate zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers with the chicken for vibrant kabobs.
Cooking Time: Quick Yet Transformative
This dish comes together with minimal time spent in the kitchen.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Marinating Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Essential Equipment for Perfect Kabobs
Here’s the gear you’ll need to make this recipe stress-free and delicious.
- Skewers (metal or wooden): To hold the chicken securely. Remember to soak wooden skewers to prevent burning.
- Grill or Grill Pan: For those beautiful grill marks and a smoky finish.
- Meat Thermometer: Ensures your chicken is safely cooked to 165°F.
How to Make Lemon Greek Marinated Chicken Kabobs?
Transform these pantry staples into kabobs that will wow your taste buds.
Step 1: Create the Flavorful Marinade
Start by whisking the marinade ingredients in a medium bowl. Mix fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper until everything is fully combined. I always like to take a moment here to taste the marinade, adjusting salt or lemon if necessary. Trust me, it’s worth perfecting before it hits the chicken!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Pieces
Cut the chicken into roughly 1-inch cubes and place them in a large bowl or Ziploc bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure all pieces are coated evenly. Allow the chicken to soak up those Mediterranean flavors in the fridge for about 45 minutes. Want deeper flavor? Marinate for up to 4 hours, but no longer, as the lemon’s acidity can break down the meat.
Step 3: Assemble the Kabobs
Once the chicken has marinated, thread the chunks onto skewers. You can add vegetables for variety, though I find it’s better to skewer them separately since they often cook faster than the chicken. This step is a fun one to involve friends or family in!
Step 4: Grill to Golden Perfection
Heat your grill to medium-high and give the grates a light coat of oil to prevent sticking. Place the kabobs on the grill and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, flipping occasionally. Keep basting the kabobs with any remaining marinade for extra flavor. They’re ready when golden brown and the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.

Additional Tips for Making These Kabobs Even Better
I’ve learned a lot from making these kabobs multiple times. Here are some tips to ensure yours turn out fantastic!
- Marinate Smart: Don’t skip the marinating step. Even 45 minutes makes a big difference in flavor.
- Separate Vegetables and Chicken: Cooking veggies on their own skewers prevents overcooking or undercooking.
- Avoid Dryness: Always oil your grill beforehand to lock juices in the chicken.
- Rest Before Serving: Cover kabobs loosely with foil after grilling to allow juices to settle.
How to Serve Lemon Greek Chicken Kabobs?
Make your kabobs shine by pairing them with delicious sides and garnishes. Serve on a platter of warm pita bread, paired with a crisp cucumber salad, or atop fragrant rice pilaf. A generous dollop of creamy tzatziki on the side takes these kabobs to the next level. Don’t forget to top with fresh dill sprigs or parsley and add lemon wedges for a bright, fresh look. You can also enjoy similar recipes like Italian Chicken Skewers for a different twist on grilled chicken.
Nutritional Information
This meal is not just flavorful but also nutritious!
- Calories: 241
- Protein: 33g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 10g
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
Prepping ahead and storing leftovers has never been easier.
Refrigeration: Store cooked kabobs in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave for a quick meal.
Freezing: Freeze marinated chicken in resealable bags for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the fridge and follow grilling instructions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This dish is loved for many reasons! Here’s why it’ll be your go-to anytime.
- Bold Mediterranean Flavors: Every bite is a refreshing combination of bright lemon, garlic, and herbs.
- Quick Prep Time: Perfect for weeknights with its speedy preparation and cook time.
- Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with lean protein and low in carbs.
- Customizable: Make it your own with different veggies, sauces, or herbs.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a dinner party or family meal, everyone will ask for seconds.
Capture the flavors of the Mediterranean with these irresistible Lemon Greek Marinated Chicken Kabobs. Easy to prepare and packed with fresh, zesty flavors, they’re sure to bring sunshine to your table any day of the week! Enjoy the aroma, savor the taste, and share the joy with family and friends.

Lemon Greek Marinated Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Start by whisking the marinade ingredients in a medium bowl. Mix fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper until everything is fully combined. I always like to take a moment here to taste the marinade, adjusting salt or lemon if necessary. Trust me, it’s worth perfecting before it hits the chicken!
- Cut the chicken into roughly 1-inch cubes and place them in a large bowl or Ziploc bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure all pieces are coated evenly. Allow the chicken to soak up those Mediterranean flavors in the fridge for about 45 minutes. Want deeper flavor? Marinate for up to 4 hours, but no longer, as the lemon’s acidity can break down the meat.
- Once the chicken has marinated, thread the chunks onto skewers. You can add vegetables for variety, though I find it’s better to skewer them separately since they often cook faster than the chicken. This step is a fun one to involve friends or family in!
- Heat your grill to medium-high and give the grates a light coat of oil to prevent sticking. Place the kabobs on the grill and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, flipping occasionally. Keep basting the kabobs with any remaining marinade for extra flavor. They’re ready when golden brown and the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
Notes
- Don’t skip marinating! Even 45 minutes makes a big difference in flavor.
- Separate the vegetables from the chicken to avoid uneven cooking.
- Rest kabobs with foil after grilling to allow the juices to settle