Description
These Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers feature tender chicken marinated in a zesty blend of lemon, garlic, olive oil, and Mediterranean herbs, then grilled to perfection. Juicy and flavorful, they’re an ideal weeknight dinner served with traditional accompaniments like pita, tzatziki, and Greek salad.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Soak Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and onion powder until well combined.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss them until all are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more intense flavor.
- Thread Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, spacing them slightly apart to allow even cooking.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the skewers from the grill and let the chicken rest for a few minutes to retain juices. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
- Serve: Serve the chicken souvlaki with lemon wedges, tzatziki sauce, warm pita bread, or a fresh Greek salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Chicken thighs stay especially juicy, while chicken breasts provide a leaner option.
- Marinate chicken at least 30 minutes but avoid over-marinating (more than 4 hours) to prevent texture change from citrus.
- Add chopped red onion or bell peppers to skewers for extra vegetables and flavor.
- Serve with tzatziki, warm pita, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta for an authentic Greek experience.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and gently reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
