Description
Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki features juicy, tender chicken pieces marinated in olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and traditional Mediterranean seasonings. Grilled on skewers until golden and lightly charred, this classic Greek dish bursts with fresh, zesty flavor. Serve it alongside warm pita bread, creamy tzatziki, and a refreshing Greek salad for a delicious and satisfying Mediterranean meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried Greek oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
For Serving
- Warm pita bread
- Tzatziki sauce
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced red onion
- Fresh parsley or oregano
- Lemon wedges
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, paprika, and red wine vinegar until well combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the cubed chicken pieces to the marinade and toss until evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but preferably 2 to 4 hours to allow the flavors to deepen.
- Prepare the skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 to 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your outdoor grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking and prepare for cooking.
- Grill the chicken: Cook the chicken skewers on the grill for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning them occasionally for even charring. Grill until the chicken is golden and lightly charred, ensuring the thickest pieces reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Rest the chicken: Remove the skewers from the grill and let the chicken rest for 3 to 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and flavorful.
- Serve: Garnish the souvlaki with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. Serve warm alongside pita bread, tzatziki sauce, sliced tomatoes, and sliced red onions to create a traditional Greek meal experience.
Notes
- Chicken thighs stay juicier and more flavorful, whereas chicken breasts are leaner if you prefer a low-fat option.
- Marinate the chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, allow 2 to 4 hours. Avoid marinating longer than 24 hours to prevent texture degradation.
- If a grill is not available, you can use a grill pan or cook the skewers under a hot oven broiler, turning as needed for even cooking.
- Serve with complementary sides like lemon rice, roasted potatoes, Greek salad, or grilled vegetables for a full Mediterranean feast.
- Store leftover chicken souvlaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator; best eaten within 3 to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner, Grilling
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
