Greek Chicken Skewers
These ultra tender greek chicken skewers get their refreshing flavor from a rich marinade made of yogurt, olive oil, lemon, lime, garlic, and seasonings.
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Table of Contents
- About Greek Chicken Skewers
- What is greek chicken?
- How long are chicken skewers good for?
- Can you freeze chicken skewers?
- What kind of skewers should you use?
- Can you bake these skewers in the oven?
- What vegetables can you add to a skewer?
- How many lemons and limes do you need?
- What to serve with greek chicken skewers
- Notes & tips for Greek chicken skewers
- More great recipes with chicken
- How to make greek chicken skewers
- Recipe Details
About Greek Chicken Skewers
Thanks to a delightfully refreshing flavor from a simple marinade, these greek chicken skewers are a must-make as a fun appetizer, a quick dinner, or for feeding a crowd at a cookout.
What is greek chicken?
“Greek chicken” typically means chicken that’s been marinated in a yogurt or oil-based sauce that’s flavored with hints of citrus and seasonings. This isn’t a rule, though – sometimes the marinate omits the yogurt, or the oil, or sometimes it has both (like this recipe does) – but the end result is typically the same: ultra-tender chicken with a fresh, flavorful taste.
How long are chicken skewers good for?
Once prepared, these chicken skewers should remain good in a sealed container in the refrigerator for one or two days.
Can you freeze chicken skewers?
Yes, you totally can!
Once prepared and cooled, arrange the chicken skewers on a plate and allow them to freeze until solid (about three hours.) Wrap each individual frozen skewer in aluminum foil, then store them in a sealed container or freezer bag in the freezer for up to three months.
What kind of skewers should you use?
For this recipe, you can either use metal skewers (I have a set similar to these) or you can use wooden bamboo skewers.
However, I tend to prefer using bamboo skewers for easier cleanup and a more classic look. And the trick with using bamboo skewers is that you should soak them in water first to prevent them from burning while the meat is being cooked.
To soak bamboo skewers:
- In a long, shallow dish, fill it with about 1/4 inch of water.
- Arrange the skewers in the water.
- Let them soak for a minimum of 30 minutes or ideally overnight.
- Pat skewers dry, then thread on the meat as directed.
Can you bake these skewers in the oven?
This recipe is written for grilling, but it’s possible to bake these skewers in the oven instead.
To do this, follow these instructions:
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. If you have a baking rack, feel free to use that as well, setting it on top of the aluminium foil.
- Prepare the greek chicken skewers per recipe instructions, then arrange them in a single layer on the aluminum foil (or baking rack).
- Bake skewers for 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Once done, set the oven to broil and place the baking sheet on the top rack. Broil skewers until the far edges start to brown, about 1 minute.
What vegetables can you add to a skewer?
This recipe leaves the options open for which vegetables to use, but if you’re unsure which would be best, I would recommend:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Zucchini
- Squash
- Peppers, such as bell or banana
- Onions
- Mushrooms
How many lemons and limes do you need?
This recipe calls for juice and zest from both lemons and limes. You should be able to get everything you need from one medium or large lemon and one large lime.
What to serve with greek chicken skewers
Greek chicken has a delicious, refreshing flavor, making these skewers pair well with just about any side dish. But if you’re looking for suggestions, I would personally recommend:
- Baked Mexican Corn
- Waldorf Salad
- Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta
- Cucumber Salad
- Spaghetti Pasta Salad
- Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
- Cilantro Lime Rice
- Italian Pasta Salad
- Garlic Parmesan Broccoli
- Orzo Pasta Salad
- Cowboy Caviar
- Best Egg Salad
- Crock Pot Creamed Corn
Notes & tips for Greek chicken skewers
- As mentioned above, you can use either metal skewers or bamboo skewers. If using wooden skewers, see above for how to soak them before baking.
- Be careful not to marinate the chicken for too long. Lemon and lime are very acidic and can toughen the chicken if it’s left to soak in the juices for too long.
More great recipes with chicken
How to make greek chicken skewers
This next part is only a photo tutorial of the recipe steps. If you’re looking for the full recipe measurements and instructions, scroll down to Recipe Details.
Step 1 – In a large bowl, whisk together the following ingredients: yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lime juice, onion powder, rosemary, lemon zest, lime zest, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Step 2 – Add the chicken to the bowl with the sauce, toss to coat, then cover the bowl and marinate for one to four hours.
Step 3 – When ready to cook, fire up your grill to medium-high. And if you’re using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for about 20 minutes first (to help keep them from catching fire on the grill.)
Step 4 – Thread the cubes of chicken on the skewers. You should be able to fit anywhere from six to eight cubes of chicken on each skewer. If you’re using vegetables, thread them between or around the chicken as you see fit.
Step 5 – Grill the skewers until the insides are no longer pink or the internal temperate is 165 degrees F.
Step 6 – Serve immediately with fresh yogurt or tzatziki sauce for dipping.
Greek Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup yogurt, plus more for dipping (optional)
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons lime zest
- 1 1/2 pound chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, trimmed of fat and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
- vegetables of your choice, optional
- tzatziki sauce, for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add together yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lime juice, onion powder, rosemary lemon zest, lime zest, garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are incorporated.1/2 cup yogurt, 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, 2 teaspoons lemon zest, 2 teaspoons lime zest, 1 teaspoon fresh minced garlic, 1 pinch salt, 1 pinch black pepper
- Add chicken to bowl with sauce and toss to coat.1 1/2 pound chicken breasts
- Cover bowl and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
- When ready to cook, preheat grill to medium-high. If using wooden skewers, prepare them by soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes.
- To prepare chicken: thread marinated chicken on metal or water-soaked wooden skewers. Each skewer should be able to hold anywhere from 6-8 cubes of chicken. If using vegetables, thread on skewers as desired between or around chicken. Repeat this step until all the chicken is threaded on a skewer. Discard any extra marinade.
- Grill assembled skewers until the chicken is fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes per side. Chicken is done when inside is no longer pink and internal temperature is 165 degrees F.
- Arrange chicken skewers on a serving plate with fresh yogurt or tzatziki sauce for dipping (optional).vegetables of your choice, tzatziki sauce
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition
I do my best to provide nutrition information, but please keep in mind that I’m not a certified nutritionist. Any nutritional information discussed or disclosed in this post should only be seen as my best amateur estimates of the correct values.
