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
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 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.
