Juicy Chicken Souvlaki with Fresh Garlic and Lemon Recipe
Introduction
Chicken Souvlaki is a classic Greek dish featuring tender, marinated chicken grilled to perfection. Its bright lemon and garlic flavors make it a refreshing and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 500g chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and oregano. Add the chicken pieces and mix well to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for best flavor.
- Step 2: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, then grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges.
Tips & Variations
- For extra tenderness, marinate the chicken overnight. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Serve with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and fresh vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage
Store cooked chicken souvlaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the chicken tender.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes, chicken thighs work great and stay juicy during grilling. Just adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
Yes, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning on the grill.
PrintJuicy Chicken Souvlaki with Fresh Garlic and Lemon Recipe
Chicken Souvlaki is a classic Greek dish featuring tender, marinated chicken pieces skewered and grilled to perfection. Infused with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and oregano, this flavorful recipe captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine and is perfect for a tasty, healthy meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
For the Chicken Souvlaki Marinade
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until well blended.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, tossing them to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2-3 hours, to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving slight space between each piece for even cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and fresh salad for an authentic Greek meal.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier souvlaki.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Marinate longer for more intense flavor, up to overnight.
- Can be cooked on an outdoor grill, grill pan, or under a broiler as alternatives.
- Serve with traditional Greek sides like tzatziki, chopped salad, and warm pita bread.
Keywords: Chicken Souvlaki, Greek Chicken, Grilled Chicken Skewers, Mediterranean Chicken, Chicken Marinade
