Description
Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a classic Mediterranean grilled chicken dish marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano, delivering tender, flavorful skewers perfect for a quick and healthy meal. Served traditionally with pita, tzatziki, and fresh vegetables, this recipe brings vibrant Greek flavors to your table in under 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into chunks
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish and Serving
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Pita bread (for serving)
- Tzatziki sauce (for serving)
- Sliced vegetables (such as cucumber, tomato, onions, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined, creating a bright and aromatic marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken chunks to the marinade and toss thoroughly to ensure each piece is coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Skewer the Chicken: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces evenly onto the skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking.
- Preheat and Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally so the chicken cooks evenly and develops a slightly charred exterior.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the cooked skewers from the grill, sprinkle with fresh parsley for added color and freshness. Serve hot with warm pita bread, cool tzatziki sauce, and sliced fresh vegetables for a complete, authentic Greek meal.
Notes
- Marinate chicken longer for more intense flavor, but do not exceed 8 hours to avoid texture breakdown.
- Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving on the grill compared to breast meat.
- Soak wooden skewers before grilling to prevent burning.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding extra lemon juice or oregano if desired.
- For indoor cooking, this recipe can be adapted for stovetop grilling using a grill pan.
