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
- 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.
- Prepare Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for 1-2 hours before grilling to prevent them from burning during cooking.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it is properly preheated for even cooking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.