If you’ve ever craved a meal that bursts with Mediterranean sunshine and packs a punch of flavor, this Chicken Souvlaki Recipe is your new go-to. Combining juicy, tender chicken pieces marinated in vibrant herbs, zesty lemon, and a garlicky embrace, it’s an absolute celebration on a skewer. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or just treating yourself to a fresh, simple dinner, this dish is all about effortless joy and amazing taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is where the magic begins. Each component in this Chicken Souvlaki Recipe plays a crucial role, contributing to its bright, aromatic, and savory layers. Don’t think of these as just simple parts; they come together like a symphony.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show, chicken that’s tender and perfect for quick grilling.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a wonderfully bold and aromatic punch that wakes up every bite.
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano: Brings that unmistakable herbal Mediterranean flavor that defines the dish.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and helps balance the marinade.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Offers a subtle heat and depth without overpowering the chicken.
- ¼ cup olive oil: Keeps the meat juicy and acts as a flavor carrier for the herbs and spices.
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice: Injects a zingy brightness that tenderizes and lifts the entire dish.
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 1-2 hours): Essential for grilling, preventing burning while holding the morsels perfectly.
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by tossing those bite-sized chicken pieces into a large freezer bag or airtight container, then add minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, pepper, olive oil, and the fresh lemon juice. Seal it up and let the flavors infuse for at least 2 hours in the fridge—or treat yourself with an overnight soak for even more depth. This simple marinade tenderizes the meat while layering it with classic Mediterranean notes.
Step 2: Prepare the Skewers
While your chicken is soaking up all that amazing flavor, don’t forget to soak your wooden skewers in water for 1 to 2 hours. This step is crucial—no one wants charred skewers masking the taste of perfectly grilled meat. This little trick keeps the skewers moist and safe on the grill to give you that flawless cooking experience.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
Once the chicken has marinated sufficiently, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, leaving a bit of space at each end for easy handling and even cooking. These little gaps also help the heat circulate, ensuring juicy, beautifully charred chicken without dryness.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 3 minutes on each side, carefully turning them to develop those appealing grill marks and ensure they’re cooked through. Chicken transforms under this heat—turning golden, fragrant, and so inviting that you can barely wait to dig in. Just watch that cooking time closely to keep the chicken moist.
Step 5: Rest and Get Ready to Serve
After grilling, let the skewers rest on a serving plate for about 5 minutes. This resting time is the secret weapon for juicy meat; it allows all the internal juices to redistribute, so every bite is as flavorful and tender as possible. Then, you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Chicken Souvlaki Recipe masterpiece!
How to Serve Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or mint adds a lively color and herbal freshness that perfectly complements the grilled chicken. A drizzle of extra lemon juice or a dollop of creamy tzatziki—a garlicky cucumber yogurt sauce—is a match made in heaven. These simple touches elevate the dish from delicious to unforgettable.
Side Dishes
Serve your Chicken Souvlaki with warm pita bread, fluffy rice pilaf, or a vibrant Greek salad for a complete, balanced meal. Roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers also work beautifully, adding both texture and earthiness that contrast the bright marinade flavors. This combination turns a simple skewer into a satisfying feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Try serving the skewers deconstructed on a platter with various toppings, allowing your guests to build their own wraps or bowls. Another fun idea is to serve the chicken over a bed of couscous with herbs and lemon zest, turning it into a colorful and enticing Mediterranean-inspired plate. The Chicken Souvlaki Recipe is versatile enough to dress up any way you like!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover skewers in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days. The flavors intensify after a day or two, making them just as enjoyable in a quick lunch or light dinner.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, ungrilled marinated chicken pieces can be frozen in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before threading onto skewers and grilling for best results. This way, your Chicken Souvlaki Recipe is always ready whenever you crave it.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the cooked skewers in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Avoid using the microwave if you can, as it can dry out the chicken and dull those vibrant fresh flavors you’ve worked so hard to build.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add even more flavor, but they may require slightly longer grilling time to ensure they are cooked through.
Do I have to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
Yes, soaking helps prevent the skewers from burning or catching fire on the grill, ensuring your chicken cooks evenly without any smoky bitter taste.
Can I make the marinade ahead and freeze it?
While freezing the marinade itself isn’t recommended, you can freeze the chicken already marinated in it. Just place it in a freezer-safe bag and thaw before grilling for convenience.
Is it possible to cook Chicken Souvlaki indoors?
Certainly! You can use a grill pan or broiler in your oven to achieve similar delicious results if an outdoor grill isn’t available.
What can I use instead of lemon juice?
If you don’t have fresh lemons on hand, a splash of white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can add a similar tangy brightness.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Souvlaki Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings the sunny flavors of Greece right to your table with minimal fuss. Rich in herbs, bright with lemon, and grilled to juicy perfection, it offers both simplicity and soulfulness in every bite. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and enjoy the vibrant flavors that only a great souvlaki can deliver. Trust me, once you try this, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dinners!
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Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 17 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
This authentic Chicken Souvlaki recipe delivers tender, marinated chicken pieces grilled to perfection on skewers. Bursting with garlic, oregano, lemon, and olive oil flavors, this Greek-inspired dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful addition to any barbecue gathering.
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)
Additional
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 1-2 hours)
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Combine chicken pieces, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice in a large freezer bag or airtight container. Seal and mix thoroughly to coat the chicken well. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to infuse deeply.
- Soak Skewers: Place wooden skewers in water and soak them for 1-2 hours before grilling. This prevents the skewers from burning during cooking.
- Assemble Skewers: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, leaving about ½ inch of space at each end for handling.
- Grill Chicken: Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for approximately 3 minutes on each side. Continue grilling and turning until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Transfer the cooked skewers to a serving plate and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Serve warm with your favorite sides or sauces.
Notes
- Marinating overnight intensifies flavor and tenderizes the chicken better.
- Ensure skewers are soaked well to prevent burning on the grill.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness and prevent overcooking.
- These skewers pair well with tzatziki sauce, pita bread, and fresh salad.
