Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers Flavorful Grilling Recipe

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Looking to impress at your next cookout? These Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers are a must! Bursting with zesty flavor and super easy to make, they’ll be your new go-to dish. With just a handful of ingredients and simple grilling steps, you can create a delightful meal in no time. Ready to elevate your grilling game? Let’s dive into this tasty recipe!

Why I Love This Recipe

1. Flavorful Marinade: The combination of fresh lemon juice, garlic, and herbs creates a zesty and aromatic marinade that infuses the chicken with incredible flavor.
2. Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
3. Healthy Option: Chicken breast is a lean protein, and grilling minimizes the need for excess oil, making this dish a healthy choice for any meal.
4. Customizable: You can easily adjust the marinade ingredients to suit your taste or add vegetables to the skewers for a colorful and nutritious addition.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes

– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

– 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

– Zest of 1 lemon

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– 1 teaspoon dried thyme

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

– Skewers (wooden or metal)

Optional Ingredients

– Cherry tomatoes

– Grilled vegetables

When I make Greek lemon chicken skewers, I love to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. They truly make a difference in flavor.

First, the chicken breast is the star. It should be tender and juicy. I cut it into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. The olive oil adds richness and helps the chicken stay moist.

Next, lemon juice and lemon zest bring brightness. They give the dish its signature tangy flavor. Fresh garlic adds depth and a savory note.

I add dried oregano and thyme for herbs. These spices are classic in Greek cooking and enhance the dish’s aroma. Finally, I season with salt and pepper to taste.

If you want to add more color and flavor, consider cherry tomatoes and grilled vegetables. They pair well with the chicken and add a nice touch.

Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to grill!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinating the Chicken

To start, gather your ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together these items:

– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

– 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

– Zest of 1 lemon

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– 1 teaspoon dried thyme

– Salt and pepper to taste

Mix them well until combined. Then, add 1 pound of chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes. Make sure each piece gets a good coat of the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Place it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. For more flavor, let it marinate for up to 4 hours.

Preparing the Skewers

If you choose wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This step is key to avoid burning them on the grill. If you have metal skewers, you can skip this soaking step. They are ready to use right away.

Grilling the Chicken

Now it’s time to grill! Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge. Carefully thread the chicken cubes onto the prepared skewers. Make sure to leave a small gap between each piece. This helps them cook evenly and get nice grill marks.

Once your grill is hot, place the skewers on it. Cook the chicken for about 10 to 12 minutes. Turn them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. Use a meat thermometer to check. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating.

After grilling, let the skewers rest for a few minutes. This step keeps the chicken juicy. Enjoy your flavorful Greek lemon chicken skewers!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Marinade

To make your chicken shine, marinate it for at least 1 hour. If you have time, let it soak for up to 4 hours. This longer marination adds depth to the flavor. The mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs brings out the best in the chicken. The acid from the lemon helps tenderize the meat, making it juicy.

Achieving Grill Marks

When you skewer the chicken, leave space between each piece. This small trick allows the heat to circulate. It helps cook the chicken evenly. The spaces also give you those beautiful grill marks we all love. Turn the skewers occasionally for that perfect char on all sides.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish your skewers with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve with lemon wedges to add a zesty touch. For a creamy contrast, pair them with tzatziki sauce. This cool dip balances the warmth of the grilled chicken. You can also add cherry tomatoes or grilled veggies for extra flavor and color on your plate.

Variations

Vegetable Skewers

You can make your Greek lemon chicken skewers even better by adding vegetables. Bell peppers, onions, and zucchini work well. They add color and crunch. Just cut them into similar sizes as the chicken. This way, they cook evenly. The veggies soak up the lemon flavor too, making every bite tasty.

Different Proteins

Want to mix things up? Try different proteins instead of chicken. Shrimp is a great option. It cooks fast and absorbs flavors well. You can also use a mix of meats like beef or lamb. This adds variety to your meal. Each protein brings its own taste and texture to the skewers.

Spicy Lemon Chicken Skewers

If you like some heat, add red pepper flakes to your marinade. This gives the chicken a nice kick. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. You can always add more if you want it spicier. This variation adds a fun twist to the classic recipe. Enjoy the balance of zesty lemon and spicy notes!

Storage Info

Leftover Storage

After enjoying your Greek lemon chicken skewers, cool the leftovers. Place them in an airtight container and store in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about three days. This way, you can have a tasty meal ready for later.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. This keeps the chicken juicy and warm. You can also pop them in the microwave. Just make sure to heat them until hot throughout. This ensures that every bite is still full of flavor.

Freezing Options

If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooked skewers. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Before reheating, thaw them in the fridge overnight. This helps maintain the chicken’s texture and taste. Enjoy your meal anytime with these simple storage tips!

FAQs

How long should I marinate the chicken?

You should marinate the chicken for a minimum of 1 hour. However, if you want the best flavor, marinate it for up to 4 hours. This lets the chicken absorb all the tasty juices and herbs.

Can I use wooden skewers without soaking them?

It is best to soak wooden skewers before using them. Soaking helps prevent burning on the grill. If you forget to soak them, your skewers may catch fire. Just soak them in water for about 30 minutes before you start grilling.

What should I serve with Greek lemon chicken skewers?

You can pair these skewers with rice, salad, or grilled vegetables. They taste great with tzatziki sauce for dipping. This creamy sauce adds a fresh taste and balance to your meal. You can also serve them with lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

In this blog post, we explored the key ingredients for Greek lemon chicken skewers. You learned about marinating techniques, grilling tips, and variations, such as using different proteins. Remember, marinating longer boosts flavor, and leaving space on skewers helps with cooking. Don’t forget that you can store leftovers in the fridge or freeze them for later. With these tips, you can create a tasty meal that’s sure to impress. Now, grab those skewers and enjoy your grilling adventur

Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers

Delicious marinated chicken skewers with a zesty lemon flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Greek

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• to taste Salt and pepper
• for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped
• as needed Skewers (wooden or metal)

Instructions

 

• In a spacious bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until combined. Add the cubed chicken breast to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the chicken for a minimum of 1 hour, allowing it to soak in the flavors. For an enhanced taste, marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours.
• If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling. If you have metal skewers, you can skip this step.
• Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Carefully thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the prepared skewers, making sure to leave a small gap between each piece.
• Once your grill is hot, place the skewers on it. Cook the chicken for approximately 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally to achieve uniform cooking and those tantalizing grill marks. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
• After cooking, carefully remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes to retain moisture. Garnish your delicious chicken skewers with freshly chopped parsley and serve them alongside lemon wedges.

Notes

For extra flavor, serve with tzatziki sauce and grilled vegetables.

Keyword chicken, Greek, grilled, lemon, skewers

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