It’s that moment when the aroma of sizzling marinated chicken wafts through the air, and you can’t help but drool a little. The warm sun is shining down as you imagine yourself on a picturesque Greek island, surrounded by friends and laughter. This is what Greek Chicken Souvlaki is all about – juicy pieces of marinated chicken threaded onto skewers that are perfect for grilling.
a gathering with family or friends where everyone digs into these beautifully charred skewers while sharing stories and laughter. Each bite bursts with flavor—marinated in zesty lemon juice, aromatic garlic, and fragrant herbs—that transports you straight to the Mediterranean coast. Trust me; you’ll want this dish at every barbecue!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This amazing Greek chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
One time at a family BBQ, I served these delectable Greek Chicken Souvlakis, and let’s just say my uncle Larry was practically doing the happy dance after the first bite.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts for tender bites; feel free to substitute with thighs if you prefer darker meat.
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor; it’s like liquid gold in your marinade.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Use freshly squeezed juice for that zesty kick; bottled lemon juice just doesn’t cut it.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds depth; always choose firm cloves for maximum flavor.
- Dried Oregano: This herb brings authentic Mediterranean vibes; don’t skimp on it!
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate all flavors; adjust to taste.
- Pita Bread: Serve your souvlaki in warm pitas for an extra touch of deliciousness.
- Optional Vegetables (Bell Peppers, Onions): Add colorful veggies onto your skewers for extra crunch and flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended; your kitchen will smell divine.
Cut the Chicken: Dice your boneless skinless chicken breasts into even cubes—about one-inch pieces work best for even cooking.
Marinate the Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the marinade. Cover with plastic wrap and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight). The longer you marinate, the better!
Skewer the Chicken (and Veggies!) : Thread marinated chicken onto skewers alternately with bell peppers or onions if using. Aim for about 5-6 pieces per skewer.
Preheat Your Grill : Heat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Grill Until Perfectly Cooked : Place skewers on the grill and cook for about 12-15 minutes total. Turn occasionally until golden brown and cooked through—no one likes dry chicken!
After all this work of marinating and grilling perfectly seasoned bites of goodness, it’s time to serve!
Serve these tasty souvlakis wrapped in warm pita bread with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, or tzatziki sauce if you’re feeling fancy! Enjoy your culinary masterpiece while reminiscing about how delicious life can be!
You Must Know
- This amazing Greek chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating your chicken for at least two hours, then skewering it while your grill heats up to about 400°F for optimal cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chicken breast with thighs or use zucchini and bell peppers as veggie options for skewering.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on medium heat in a skillet or oven until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure your chicken is at room temperature before grilling; this helps it cook evenly.
- Always soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- A squeeze of lemon juice before serving brightens the flavors beautifully.
Sharing this delicious Greek chicken souvlaki recipe reminds me of a family barbecue where everyone raved about the flavors, and I couldn’t stop smiling at their joy.
FAQ
What is Greek chicken souvlaki?
Greek chicken souvlaki consists of marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection, often served with tzatziki.
Can I use other meats for souvlaki?
Absolutely! Lamb, beef, or even firm tofu work wonderfully as alternatives in this recipe.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate the chicken for at least two hours for maximum flavor infusion and tenderness.
Greek Chicken Souvlaki
Enjoy the vibrant flavors of this Easy Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe, featuring juicy marinated chicken skewers that are perfect for grilling and sharing with loved ones.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 2 fresh lemons
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 pita breads
- Optional: 1 cup bell peppers and onions, cut into chunks
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes and add it to the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
- If using, prepare bell peppers and onions for skewering.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers alternately with any vegetables if desired.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400°F). Lightly oil the grates.
- Grill skewers for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- Substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a richer flavor.
- Add zucchini or cherry tomatoes for extra variety in your skewers.
- Ensure wooden skewers are soaked in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (150g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
