Description
Grilled Chicken Souvlaki is a classic Greek dish featuring tender, marinated chicken pieces skewered and grilled to perfection. This recipe combines olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano to create a flavorful and juicy main course that pairs wonderfully with pita bread and fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Additional
- Wooden or metal skewers (soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before use)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create a vibrant marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss well to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to infuse the meat.
- Soak the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the soaked wooden or metal skewers, arranging them evenly.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and achieve a slightly charred exterior. Confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
- Serve: Remove from grill and serve the chicken souvlaki hot with warm pita bread, tzatziki, and sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions for an authentic Greek experience.
Notes
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the skewers to increase flavor and variety.
- For extra flavor, reserve some of the marinade before adding the chicken and brush it over the skewers during grilling.
- Ensure wooden skewers are thoroughly soaked to prevent burning on the grill.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
