If you are craving something bright, flavorful, and downright irresistible, this Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture tender chicken pieces marinated to perfection with garlic, oregano, and fresh lemon juice, then grilled until juicy and slightly charred on the edges. This dish is a celebration of simple Mediterranean flavors that come together effortlessly, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts with friends. Once you try this Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe, it’s sure to become one of your all-time favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and staple, yet each plays a crucial role in building that classic Greek flavor profile. Fresh garlic and oregano bring aromatic notes, while lemon juice adds a zesty brightness that wakes up the chicken beautifully. Olive oil keeps everything moist and tender throughout grilling.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 ½ pounds): Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and easy skewering.
- Garlic (5 cloves, minced): Provides a pungent kick that infuses the chicken with bold flavor.
- Dried oregano (2 tablespoons): The signature herb that delivers that authentic Mediterranean taste.
- Salt (½ teaspoon, or to taste): Essential for enhancing and balancing all the flavors.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon, or to taste): Adds a subtle heat that complements the garlic and lemon.
- Olive oil (¼ cup): Keeps the chicken juicy and helps distribute the marinade evenly.
- Lemon juice (3 tablespoons, about 1 lemon): Brings freshness and a slight tang that lifts the whole dish.
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 1-2 hours): Prevent burning on the grill and make handling the chicken easier.
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining your bite-sized chicken pieces with minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, pepper, olive oil, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Use a large freezer bag or airtight container to ensure every piece is well-coated. Let this marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or, even better, overnight. This step infuses the chicken with intense flavor and tenderizes it, so be patient—you’ll be rewarded!
Step 2: Prepare the Skewers
While your chicken marinates, soak your wooden skewers in water for about 1 to 2 hours. This simple trick prevents the skewers from catching fire or splitting while on the grill, keeping your cooking process smooth and stress-free.
Step 3: Thread the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, leaving a little space at each end for easy handling. This spacing also helps ensure even cooking all around each piece.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for around 3 minutes per side. Keep an eye on the chicken and turn the skewers gently to get those beautiful grill marks on each side. When the chicken looks opaque and has reached a safe internal temperature, it’s done—juicy and bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once off the grill, give the Chicken Souvlaki Skewers a few minutes to rest. This step lets the juices redistribute back into the meat, guaranteeing every bite is as moist as can be. Now you’re ready to dig in!
How to Serve Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate your Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe from simple to spectacular. Sprinkle chopped parsley or dill for a fresh green pop, or add a few lemon wedges on the side for an extra citrus burst. A drizzle of creamy tzatziki is a classic touch that pairs perfectly with the charred chicken flavor.
Side Dishes
Consider serving your skewers with fluffy pita bread, a crisp Greek salad full of tomatoes and cucumbers, or some roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs. These sides complement the zingy flavors of the Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe and make the meal feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your skewers on a bed of herby rice or alongside grilled vegetables. You can also assemble them into a deconstructed pita wrap with all the fixings for a hands-on dining experience that’s perfect for casual gatherings or family meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, the skewers will stay fresh for up to 3 days. This makes for an excellent next-day lunch or quick dinner option when reheated gently.
Freezing
You can freeze your uncooked marinated chicken skewers by placing them in a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight before grilling.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Chicken Souvlaki Skewers either in the oven at low heat or quickly on a grill pan. Be careful not to overcook, as the chicken can dry out easily. A gentle warm-up will keep them tender and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and tend to stay juicier when grilled. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking in the Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
The chicken should marinate for at least 2 hours to absorb all those lovely flavors, but marinating overnight really takes the taste to the next level. Just remember to keep it refrigerated during this time.
Do I have to use wooden skewers?
Wooden skewers are traditional and easy to use, but if you prefer, metal skewers work well too and don’t require soaking. Just be mindful as metal can get very hot on the grill.
Can I cook these skewers indoors?
Yes! If grilling outdoors isn’t an option, you can use a grill pan or broiler indoors. Just watch closely to avoid overcooking the chicken and aim for those nice grill marks or slight charring.
What if I don’t have dried oregano?
If you’re out of dried oregano, try substituting with fresh oregano if you have it, or a mix of dried basil and thyme for a slightly different but still delicious flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe enough if you want a simple, fresh, and deeply flavorful meal that wins heart after heart. Its timeless combination of herbs, garlic, and lemon makes grilling at home feel like a Mediterranean escape. Trust me, once you try these skewers, they’ll be a star at every dinner table.
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Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 17 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
This Chicken Souvlaki recipe features tender, marinated chicken breast pieces grilled to perfection on skewers. Bursting with garlic, lemon, and oregano flavors, these juicy chicken kebabs make a perfect main dish for a Mediterranean-inspired meal or a flavorful barbecue treat.
Ingredients
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)
Other
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 1-2 hours)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine chicken, garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice in a large freezer bag or airtight container. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for more flavor.
- Prepare Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for 1-2 hours to prevent burning during grilling.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure even cooking and grill marks.
- Thread Chicken onto Skewers: Remove chicken from marinade and thread the pieces onto the soaked skewers, leaving about half an inch space at each end for safe handling.
- Grill the Chicken: Place skewers on the grill and cook for approximately 3 minutes per side, turning carefully until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred.
- Rest and Serve: Transfer skewers to a plate and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juiciness before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier result, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- For extra flavor, add chopped fresh herbs like parsley when serving.
- Serve with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a fresh salad for a complete Greek meal.
- Ensure skewers are soaked thoroughly to avoid burning on the grill.
- Marinating longer than 2 hours enhances the flavor and tenderness.
