Description
This Chicken Souvlaki recipe offers a quick and flavorful taste of Greek street food. Marinated in a blend of oregano, garlic, lemon juice, and spices, the chicken is skewered and grilled to perfection, delivering tender, juicy bites with a slightly charred exterior. Perfect for serving with warm grilled pita, rice, or a fresh Greek salad for a delightful Mediterranean meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- 3 tbsp fresh oregano (or 1.5 tbsp dried oregano)
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp chili flakes
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper (freshly cracked)
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thigh, cut into 1–2 inch pieces
For Serving
- Grilled pita
- Oil spray (for grilling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl or sealable plastic bag, combine fresh oregano, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, cumin powder, chopped parsley, chili flakes, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir or shake well to fully blend all the flavors.
- Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken into 1-2 inch cubes and add them to the marinade. Toss everything together so each piece of chicken is evenly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 20-30 minutes. For best results and deeper flavor, marinate overnight.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking. Lightly spray the grill or grill pan with oil to prevent sticking. Grill the chicken for 10-12 minutes total, turning occasional to get a nice char and to cook evenly through. The chicken should be opaque and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve: Remove the chicken souvlaki from the grill and serve immediately. Accompany with warm grilled pita, fragrant rice, or a crisp Greek salad. Garnish with extra chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for more intense flavor.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat if preferred over breast.
- To avoid flare-ups on the grill, trim excess fat from chicken pieces.
- Can be cooked under a broiler or on a grill pan if outdoor grilling is unavailable.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
