Grilled Chicken Souvlaki
Grilled Chicken Souvlaki is a vibrant Greek classic featuring tender, marinated chicken grilled to perfection with fresh herbs, lemon zest, and earthy spices. This healthy and easy-to-prepare dish is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, delivering bold Mediterranean flavors and juicy, smoky grilled goodness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed or minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before use)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, crushed garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create a fragrant and zesty marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces gently in the marinade; cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours, to absorb all the flavors.
- Thread the Chicken onto Skewers: Skewer the marinated chicken evenly, leaving small gaps between pieces to ensure even cooking and a perfect char on all sides.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, making sure the grates are clean and oiled to prevent sticking and to create beautiful grill marks.
- Grill the Chicken Souvlaki: Cook the skewers for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning every couple of minutes until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown on all sides.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the grilled chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in the juices and keep it tender.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juiciness and more flavorful results.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Do not overcrowd the skewers; leave space between pieces for even cooking and a smoky char.
- Marinate properly for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 to 4 hours, for better flavor penetration.
- Test grill temperature by holding your hand 4-5 inches above the grill; 4-5 seconds indicates medium-high heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (about 4 oz of chicken)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Grilled Chicken Souvlaki, Greek chicken, grilled chicken skewers, Mediterranean recipe, healthy chicken, easy grilled chicken, gluten-free chicken
Find it online: https://marybaking.com/grilled-chicken-souvlaki/