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Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 59 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 17 minutes (including marinating time)
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Greek

Description

This Chicken Souvlaki recipe features tender, marinated chicken pieces grilled to perfection on skewers. Infused with garlic, oregano, lemon juice, and olive oil, this Greek-inspired dish offers a flavorful and quick meal perfect for outdoor grilling or a weeknight dinner.


Ingredients

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)

Other

  • Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 1-2 hours)


Instructions

  1. 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 up to overnight to maximize flavor.
  2. Prepare Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for 1-2 hours before grilling to prevent them from burning during cooking.
  3. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it is properly preheated for even cooking.
  4. Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving about ½ inch of space at each end to handle them safely.
  5. Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for approximately 3 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and has appealing grill marks.
  6. Rest and Serve: Transfer the skewers to a plate and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices and enhance flavor before serving.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken overnight will deepen the flavor and tenderize the meat further.
  • Make sure to soak the wooden skewers thoroughly to avoid burning on the grill.
  • If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or broil the skewers in the oven under the broiler.
  • Serve with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a Greek salad for an authentic meal.
  • Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.