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GET IT NOWMy Grilled Chicken Kabob Recipe Is A Juicy, Summery Taste Of The Mediterranean
My inspiration for these chicken kabobs was an unusual combination. I ran with these childhood memories I have of care-free lake afternoons eating kabobs, and then drew on my days working at a Greek restaurant to put a Mediterranean spin on my own version. Here’s why these do so much more for your summer dinner routine than most chicken recipes:
- Classic Mediterranean flavors – Think vibrant fresh herbs, rich olive oil, and a splash of zingy lemon. If you like these flavors, you’ll love my Mediterranean chicken kabobs.
- Juicy chicken and tender veggies – Thanks to my easy 5-ingredient marinade, all the components grill up tender and flavorful. And it’s the perfect mix of textures!
- Super customizable – This chicken kabob recipe adapts to your taste. You can certainly swap the veggies, but I’ve also got 7 seasoning variations for you below.
- Convenient to prep ahead – The prep only takes me 15-20 minutes or so, but the best part is that you can do it in advance. If you’re like me, it’s much more appealing to get everything ready in the morning or the night before, and spend your evening relaxing.
- Food on a stick – A.k.a. always more fun! Like my shrimp skewers and lamb kofta kebab, these grilled chicken kabobs are perfect for gatherings where you want to keep the vibe laid-back.
Even if this grilled chicken kabob recipe isn’t quite the same as the ones you remember from your childhood, maybe they’ll take you right back, too. Make them with me!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my grilled chicken kabobs, what each one does in my recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
- Chicken – I usually go for boneless skinless chicken breast, but boneless skinless chicken thighs work great, too. Fold them over if they’re floppy. If you prefer beef, check out my shish kabob recipe!
- Vegetables – I always use bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions. Feel free to customize your veggies to make this chicken kabob recipe your own! Cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, yellow squash, eggplant, or even pineapple pieces all grill beautifully on skewers.
- Olive Oil – The base of the chicken kabob marinade. I usually use regular olive oil, but extra virgin olive oil gets you a deeper flavor, or avocado oil works, too.
- Lemon Juice – For bright flavor, but more importantly, it tenderizes the chicken. Feel free to add the lemon zest, too. If you don’t have lemons on hand, you can use balsamic vinegar instead, for a flavor similar to my Mediterranean chicken.
- Garlic – Nothing beats fresh minced garlic, but if you need to use the pre-minced stuff from a jar, I get it.
- Herbs – Dill and parsley are perfect for summer! In the fall, I make my chicken kabobs with thyme and rosemary instead. I highly recommend fresh herbs, but if you must substitute dried herbs, replace the 4 tablespoons of fresh herbs with 4 teaspoons of dried.
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper
How To Make Chicken Kabobs
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
- Prep the chicken and vegetables. Cut all the chicken and veggies (except the zucchini) into 1.5-inch bite-size pieces. For the zucchini, slice it into rounds.
- Mix up the marinade. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dill, parsley, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Thread the chicken skewers. Skewer the chicken pieces and vegetables, alternating for variety.
- Let it all marinate. Place skewers in a casserole dish or on a rimmed baking sheet, and pour the marinade on top. Cover with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Fire up the grill. After preheating, place the chicken kabobs on the grill and close the lid. Grill, flipping once, until the chicken is cooked through and your veggies have a little char to them. I like to garnish with extra fresh herbs, just because!
My Recipe Tips
- Cut all the pieces to the same size. I cut my chicken and veggies into 1.5-inch pieces, so they all cook at the same rate and aren’t so small that they dry out. I find that zucchini works best in rounds rather than cubes to ensure that it gets tender.
- Marinate for longer if you have time. My chicken kabob recipe sets 30 minutes as the bare minimum, but you can go up to 24 hours! And the closer you get to that 24-hour mark, the juicier and more flavorful your chicken will be. Just a heads up though, don’t go over 24 hours or you might end up with mushy meat.
- If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30-60 minutes first. This prevents them from catching fire on the grill. (When I forget, I just soak the skewers while I marinate the food in a large bowl instead, then thread the chicken and vegetables right before grilling.) You can also just use metal skewers to avoid this soaking step.
- Grilling times can vary based on your grill and how big you’ve cut your chicken pieces. I always use my meat thermometer! The ideal internal temperature for chicken breast is 165 degrees F, but I usually pull them a few degrees sooner and let them reach 165 from the residual heat as they rest. If you’re using chicken thighs, I recommend 170 degrees F instead, because that’s when the collagen breaks down and they get extra tender.
- Weather not cooperating? You can use your oven. Just bake the chicken kabobs for 13-15 minutes at 450 degrees F, until the chicken reaches 160 degrees F. Then, place them under the broiler for a couple of minutes to brown the chicken and reach 165 degrees F.
Chicken Kabobs (Mediterranean Style)
Make my juicy grilled chicken kabobs with vegetables and fast 5-ingredient Mediterranean marinade! This easy recipe is a perfect summer meal.
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Ingredients
Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.
Chicken & Vegetables:
Marinade:
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
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If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 30-60 minutes before using them on the grill, to prevent burning.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dill, parsley, sea salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
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Thread the chicken and vegetables onto the skewers.
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Place the kabobs in a casserole dish or on a sheet pan, and pour the marinade on top. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for a least 30 minutes.
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When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
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Place the chicken kabobs on the grill and close the lid. Cook for 5-8 minutes per side, until the chicken is cooked through.
LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 skewer
- Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the juiciest chicken, evenly cooked veggies, my indoor alternative if it rains, and more.
- Variations: If you want something different from the Mediterranean vibe here, try one of my other flavor variations below.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I love them in a bowl over cauliflower rice (or you can use regular rice) with a drizzle of basil pesto the next day!
- Meal prep: Since you can marinate these up to 24 hours in advance, they are super convenient to prep the day before. You can also grill chicken kabobs ahead and portion them into separate containers for quick lunches.
- Reheat: You can certainly warm up the kabobs on the grill again (I recommend indirect or lower heat this time), but I usually pop them in my air fryer. The microwave is okay, but more dry.
- Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing the raw chicken kabobs in marinade, because the vegetables lose their texture. You can freeze the cooked chicken and veggies for up to 3 months, or freeze the chicken in marinade without the vegetables.
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy.
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Chicken Kabobs
Flavor Variations
I love the Mediterranean flavors in this version the most, but you can definitely change it up. Try one of my other ways to make chicken kabob recipes:
- Middle Eastern – Jazz up the marinade above with 1 teaspoon each of paprika and cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric, and a kick of red pepper flakes.
- Italian – Think chicken, onions, eggplant, mushrooms, and bell peppers. I swap out the usual herbs for a tablespoon of my Italian seasoning, so this version is a bit faster.
- Teriyaki – This combo is fun: chicken, pineapple, onions, and bell peppers all soaked in a cup of my favorite teriyaki sauce. It’s sweet, it’s tangy, and it grills up beautifully.
- Sweet & Savory – Want something a bit sweet? A cup of my maple salmon marinade is surprisingly delicious on these chicken kabobs.
- Ranch – You can marinate your chicken and vegetables in a cup of my ranch dressing along with a splash of lemon juice, or just replace the fresh herbs in my marinade above with 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning mix.
- Cajun – Add a tablespoon of my Cajun seasoning! I like this spin with mellow veggies, like zucchini, yellow squash, and bell peppers.
- Fajita – For a Tex-Mex twist, use chicken, onions, and bell peppers with 2 tablespoons of my fajita seasoning in the marinade. So good!
Serving Ideas
One of the reasons I love these Mediterranean chicken kabobs is they are pretty much a complete (light) meal all on their own. But here’s what else you can add for a little something extra:
- Sauces – Tzatziki sauce (pictured above) is my fave to dip the chicken, but my tahini sauce also pairs beautifully. Both are creamy, dreamy, and just perfect with these kabobs.
- Starches – If you need something hearty, you can grill potatoes alongside your chicken kabobs, or make rice ahead of time. I usually just whip up a quick bag of frozen cauliflower rice for my husband and me, and regular rice for my kids.
- Salads – For a light and fresh side with flavors that compliment the main dish, try my tomato cucumber avocado salad, quinoa salad, or Greek salad.
- Other Grilled Dishes – If you’re grilling chicken kabobs for guests, oftentimes it makes sense to make multiple dishes to suit different tastes. I make grilled salmon for one of my best friends who is pescatarian, burgers or grilled steaks for the meat lovers, and maybe grilled asparagus or grilled broccoli for extra veggies.
More Easy Grilled Chicken Recipes
I love experimenting with grilling recipes, especially now that I live in Florida and can do it all year. Try one of my other tasty chicken options for your next barbecue:
57 Comments
Renee
1Maya,
These kabobs are the absolute BEST EVER!!! My daughter and son-in-law came over and he actually grilled the kabobs. There were five of us – three adults and two tweens and it was a hit with all. My daughter got me started on Keto and I have been able to get off insulin as a result.
One question – would this marinade work on fish??? I eat fish on Friday’s and would like to give this a go. Not fish on a stick but on the grill and the veggies in the grill pan.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0I’m so glad you liked them, Renee! Yes, you can definitely use the marinade for grilled or baked fish. You’d need to cook it within 30 minutes, otherwise it will turn into ceviche from the lemon juice.
Erin
1This looks wonderful! Tip for marinade containing citric acid (i.e. lemon juice and similar acidic ingredients): poultry tends to “close it’s pores” when it comes in contact with citric acid. Before you marinade, soak the cut chicken in salt water for about 10 minutes. rinse, pat dry, and THEN marinade. It allows the wonderful flavors of the marinade to permeate the chicken rather than just sitting on top.
Nicole
1Kebobs are my favourite thing to grill during the summer. I’m obsessed with these mediterranean flavours and all those colourful veggies. Tzatziki is the best for dipping, too!
Debbie Pozzobon
0I made these and my husband said they were the best kabobs he’s ever had. Thank you, now I’m going to try beef and shrimp!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Wow, thanks, Debbie! I’m honored. Hope you like my beef kabobs just as much!
Victoria
0Where is the Greek yogurt? Taste not good.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Victoria, I’m not sure I understand the question. This recipe does not have any Greek yogurt. I’m happy to help troubleshoot if you can explain a bit more what these chicken kabobs tasted like for you. I, and many of my readers who have reviewed the recipe, think they taste great! Maybe something went wrong that I can help with?
A. Vigil
0These sound amazing! Could I do these in the oven?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Thank you! Yes, you can bake these chicken kabobs in the oven, although you won’t get the browning that you get from grilling. I have instructions in my tips here.
Duane Lyon
0Excellent!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Thanks, Duane!
Valerie Brown
0I had never made any kabobs before. I made these with fresh from the garden cherry tomatoes onions and zucchini. OMG they were delicious and now my family wants them all the time. Great idea for something different to eat. I can even make on an indoor grill in winter.
Nicole Anderson
0Tried this the other day and it was super easy and so good.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Thank you so much, Nicole! Enjoy!
Lori Bickel
0So looking forward to trying this, looks so good!!
Jeannette
0This was VERY delicious. I don’t often find good kabob recipes, but this is my favorite by far.
Louie
0I grilled these skewers for a family BBQ, and they were a big hit. The marinade made the chicken so flavorful and juicy.
Collin
0I tried these last night, pretty good recipe. One thing that I will do next time is double the marinade. If you skewer the ingredients then the skewers need a big pan to marinade in. I also added mushrooms.
Sha
0This is perfect for outdoor parties! Sooo easy to make and incredibly delicious!
Kristyn
0These kabobs are amazing!! They are so full of flavor & great as an appetizer or hearty enough as your meal!
Mel
0Could not love this recipe more! So easy to make and was DELICIOUS!
Gina
0Last weekend, we grilled these chicken and veggie skewers for a backyard barbecue. The marinade was so flavorful, and the combination of juicy chicken and grilled veggies was absolutely delicious!
Beth
0These kabobs were a welcome and yummy change to the food I regularly grill. I used mushrooms, zucchini & red onions. Also, swapped out the herbs for rosemary & thyme. Delicious! Easy to prepare & grill. Nice enough to prepare for a cook out. Will definitely make again!!
Wendelin Jones
0Are you able cook this in an oven?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Wendelin, Yes that should work.
Robin
0Love all the recipes from this site. This is one of my very favorites. <3
Susan Odiseos
0For your recipe for Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Kabob with Vegetables, I need some help in converting the olive oil and lemon juice for 11 servings. When I enter the number of servings to 11, this is what happens for the olive oil and lemon juice:
It shows on the screen as 5/6 cup and when it prints out, it shows as 11/12 cup
I would be grateful for your interpretation in how to clarify and guide me in how much of each I should use. Thank you for all you do for us!
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Susan, I recommend entering 12 servings. Odd numbers are really hard to convert and sometimes give numbers that don’t make sense.
Susan Day
0What is the sodium content?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Susan, Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy, you’d have to manually calculate that.
Moop Brown
0These kabobs look incredibly vibrant, colorful and juicy- my mouth is watering!
Melanie
0I’m a big sucker for Mediterranean flavours and this chicken kabobs are no exception! It looks amazing, saving it to make it next weekend!
LaKita
0These chicken kabobs were so delicious, fresh, and so easy to put together and make! Love how quickly they came together to serve my family for dinner.
Anaiah
0Yum! Loving all the flavors in these kabobs. This has been our go to recipe all summer long!
Terri
0Can these be made under the broiler?
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Terri, I have not tested this recipe in the broiler, so I don’t know if you will get similar results. If you are wanting to try making your skewers in the oven, I recommend baking your prepared skewers until the chicken is cooked through (use a thermometer to test this) then finish in the broiler for the final charred texture. Please let us know how it turns out!
Chenée
0These chicken kabobs were so easy to put together, and they came out SO flavorful and juicy! Thanks for this recipe!
Sara
0These kabobs were delicious! My whole family loved them and asked me to make them again. Easy to make and very flavorful!
Leslie
0There’s nothing better than fresh, delicious veggies on the grill! Loving this Mediterranean Chicken Kabob recipe!
Cathleen
0This is making me want to get a grill! These kabobs look absolutely perfect, bookmarked to make when I eventually get a grill 😉
Aya
0I liked your version of chicken kabab; it was easy to make and delicious. I used coriander instead of dill because I didn’t have it, and it turned out great.
Liz
0This is delicious! The colors are so pretty!
Kristyn
0These kabobs are so tasty!! I love grilled chicken & veggies & the Mediterranean flavor is delicious!
Amy L Huntley
0SO juicy and SO flavorful! The perfect combo!
Natalie
0Juicy, tender, & so much flavor!! These are great appetizers & hearty enough as the main meal!
Heather
0I love the idea of using fresh herbs on kabobs! These sound amazingly flavorful and I cannot wait to try all of these different versions. Thanks for the great tips 🙂
Robin Donovan
0I love this recipe! So delicious and healthy!
Swathi
0This mediterranean chicken kabobs looks yumm
Laura
0Mmmmmm one of my FAVORITE cookout foods, they’re so easy to make ahead of time and marinate until ready to grill. These are PERFECT!
Kayla DiMaggio
0Yum! These kabobs were so delicious! It made the perfect easy dinner!
Bernice
0Wow! These skewers were stunning. My family just gobbled them up, veggies and all. We loved the flavour and how juicy the chicken was.
Toni
0This is really good! Packed full of flavors!
Beth
0I just love grilling and these skewers were so delicious! Incredible and bursting with so much flavor! I can’t wait to make these for a gathering soon!
Jennifer
0This is a great dinner for a busy weeknight! Light and full of flavor!
Scarlet
0Simple, wholesome, and delicious. I will be making these chicken kabobs again!
T
0Simple to make and delicious! SO much flavor!