Description
Chicken Souvlaki is a classic Greek dish that is simple, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. With tender marinated chicken, fresh lemon, garlic, and oregano, this recipe delivers a burst of Mediterranean flavor in every bite. It’s quick to prepare, easy to cook on the grill, and makes a healthy and delicious meal when paired with pita bread, fresh salad, or rice.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed into 1-inch cubes (about 1 ½ lbs)
- ½ onion (optional)
For the Marinade
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl or freezer bag, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken (and onion if using) and toss well to coat.
- Refrigerate and allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and discard the marinade. Thread chicken and onion onto skewers.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook skewers, turning often, for 10 to 15 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked and reaches 165°F.
Notes
- Serving: Chicken souvlaki tastes best hot off the grill, served with warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a fresh Greek salad. You can also serve it over rice, couscous, or roasted potatoes for a hearty meal. Garnish with lemon wedges for extra brightness.
- Meal prep: Cooked souvlaki can be portioned into meal prep containers with rice and vegetables for a balanced lunch or dinner.
- Storage: Store leftover chicken souvlaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the marinated raw chicken (before grilling) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
- Reheating: Reheat on a skillet, in the oven at 350°F until warm, or lightly grill again to maintain tenderness. Avoid overcooking in the microwave, as it may dry out the chicken.