
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken with bright citrus notes and herbal undertones. The marinade is simple yet flavorful, and grilling adds a smoky char that enhances the dish. These kabobs are versatile, easy to assemble, and pair well with a variety of sides for a complete meal.
Ingredients
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2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
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1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
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1/4 cup olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried oregano)
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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Wooden or metal skewers, soaked if wooden
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
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Add chicken cubes to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2-4 hours.
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Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
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Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers.
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Grill kabobs for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
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Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes.
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Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite sides.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation and marinating take about 1-4 hours, with grilling time of 10-12 minutes.
Variations
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Add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or cherry tomatoes to skewers.
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Use dried herbs if fresh oregano is unavailable.
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Marinate chicken with added lemon zest for extra citrus flavor.
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Serve over rice, couscous, or with pita bread and tzatziki.
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Sprinkle with fresh parsley or mint before serving.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover chicken kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the grill.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs are juicier and more flavorful, perfect for kabobs.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 1 hour, but 2-4 hours is ideal for best flavor.
Can I cook kabobs indoors?
Yes, use a grill pan or broil in the oven.
Are these kabobs gluten-free?
Yes, naturally gluten-free.
Can I prepare kabobs ahead?
Assemble and store covered in the refrigerator; grill when ready.
How do I prevent kabobs from sticking to the grill?
Oil the grill grates or brush kabobs with oil before grilling.
Can I freeze marinated chicken?
Freeze before assembling kabobs for up to 3 months.
How do I check if chicken is cooked?
Use a meat thermometer; internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C).
Can I add spice to the marinade?
Yes, add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
What sides go well with lemon oregano chicken kabobs?
Serve with Greek salad, grilled vegetables, or rice pilaf.
Conclusion
Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs are a bright, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for grilling season or anytime you crave fresh Mediterranean flavors. Juicy, tender, and aromatic, these kabobs are sure to be a favorite at your table.
Print
Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs
- Total Time: 1 hour 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs are juicy chicken pieces marinated in zesty lemon juice and fresh oregano, then grilled to perfection. This vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish is perfect for barbecues, quick dinners, or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried oregano)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Wooden or metal skewers, soaked if wooden
Instructions
In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken cubes to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2-4 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers.
- Grill kabobs for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
- Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes.
- Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite sides.
Notes
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or cherry tomatoes to skewers.
- Use dried herbs if fresh oregano is unavailable.
- Marinate chicken with added lemon zest for extra citrus flavor.
- Serve over rice, couscous, or with pita bread and tzatziki.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley or mint before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg