Description
This authentic Chicken Souvlaki recipe features tender, marinated chicken breasts grilled to perfection on skewers. Infused with garlic, oregano, lemon juice, and olive oil, this quick and flavorful Greek dish makes for a perfect meal that’s ideal for grilling season or anytime, delivering juicy, savory bites with a refreshing citrus note.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
Additional
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 1-2 hours)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine chicken, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice in a large freezer bag or airtight container. Seal and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight to allow flavors to penetrate the meat deeply.
- Prepare Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for 1-2 hours to prevent them from burning during grilling.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure an even cook and nice sear on the chicken.
- Thread Chicken onto Skewers: Remove the chicken from the marinade and thread pieces onto the soaked skewers, leaving about ½ inch of space at each end to handle them safely while cooking.
- Grill the Souvlaki: Place skewers on the grill and cook for about 3 minutes on each side until the chicken is thoroughly cooked, juicy, and slightly charred.
- Rest Before Serving: Transfer skewers to a plate and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices and enhance flavor before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate chicken overnight if time allows.
- Soaking skewers is essential to prevent burning on the grill.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with tzatziki sauce, pita bread, or a fresh Greek salad.
- For an indoor alternative, you can use a grill pan or broiler, adjusting cooking time as needed.
