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Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

4.8 from 223 reviews

Chicken Souvlaki is a classic Greek dish featuring tender, juicy chicken marinated in a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano, then grilled to perfection. This easy-to-make recipe delivers flavorful skewered chicken that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual outdoor barbecue.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade and Chicken

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (Extra virgin preferred for better flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (Freshly squeezed recommended)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (Adjust amount based on preference)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (Feel free to add additional herbs)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 1 pound chicken breast, cut into cubes (Can substitute with other proteins)
  • Skewers (wooden or metal) (Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes before use)

Instructions

  1. Preparation of Marinade: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade base.
  2. Marinating the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken breast into the marinade and stir thoroughly to ensure every piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to infuse flavors, or up to 4 hours for a more intense taste.
  3. Preparing the Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot enough to sear the chicken well and develop those characteristic grill marks.
  4. Skewering the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers evenly, making sure not to overcrowd to allow for even cooking.
  5. Grilling the Souvlaki: Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning every few minutes to cook the chicken evenly and achieve a nice char on all sides.
  6. Resting and Serving: Remove the skewers from the grill and let the chicken rest for a few minutes to retain its juices before serving.

Notes

  • Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prevents burning during grilling.
  • For extra flavor, you can add other herbs like thyme or rosemary to the marinade.
  • Serve with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and fresh salad for a complete meal.
  • Chicken can also be substituted with lamb, pork, or vegetables as preferred.
  • Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Keywords: Chicken Souvlaki, Greek Chicken Skewers, Grilled Chicken, Mediterranean Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe