This Easy Chicken Souvlaki is perfect for a quick dinner! Juicy chicken pieces are marinated in tasty spices and then grilled to perfection. Serve with pita and your favorite dips!
What I love most is how fast it comes together. Just mix, skewer, and grill! It’s a handy meal for when you’re short on time but still want something delicious.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs add more flavor and stay juicy, but breasts are leaner. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey can be a great substitute!
Olive Oil: This ingredient adds richness to the dish. If you don’t have olive oil, you can use avocado or canola oil as alternatives. Just ensure they’re not extra virgin for grilling!
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors, but bottled lemon juice works too in a pinch. Lime juice is a nice alternative if you’d like a different zing!
Herbs and Spices: Dried oregano is essential for a classic taste. If you want, mix in fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. You can also leave out the thyme or rosemary if you prefer something simpler.
How Do You Grill Chicken Souvlaki to Perfection?
Grilling chicken souvlaki can be easy if you follow a few steps for perfect results:
- Ensure your chicken is evenly cubed for consistent cooking. About 1-inch pieces work well.
- Don’t skip marinating! It lets the chicken absorb flavors and keeps it juicy. A few hours is best, but even 30 minutes helps.
- Make sure to preheat your grill! A hot grill gives those lovely sear marks and helps lock in juices. Medium-high heat works great.
- Rotate your skewers every few minutes to cook evenly. This prevents burning and helps them cook through completely.
Following these steps, you’ll have tender and flavorful chicken souvlaki every time. Enjoy your meal! 🍽️
Easy Chicken Souvlaki Recipe for Quick Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs (about 900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary or 1 tbsp fresh, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before grilling)
- Cooked rice or pita bread, for serving
- Optional sides: sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and tzatziki sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 1 hour total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes for prep work, with at least 30 minutes for marinating. After that, grilling takes about 10-12 minutes. It’s a quick and delicious dinner option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper until well mixed. This flavorful marinade is what will make your souvlaki taste amazing!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, tossing them well to cover every piece. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you have extra time, letting it marinate for 1-2 hours will enhance the flavors even more.
3. Preheat the Grill:
While your chicken is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Make sure to lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Once marinated, thread the chicken cubes onto the skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between the pieces to cook evenly and get great grill marks.
5. Grill the Chicken:
Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally. The chicken should become golden brown and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.
6. Serve:
Remove the skewers from the grill and let them cool for a minute. Serve the chicken souvlaki hot over a bed of fluffy rice or wrapped in warm pita bread. Don’t forget to garnish with your favorite sides like sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce for that authentic Greek twist!
Enjoy your quick and flavorful chicken souvlaki dinner!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Souvlaki
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice as they tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just cut them into 1-inch cubes the same way as you would with breasts.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
For the best flavor, aim to marinate the chicken for at least 1-2 hours. However, if you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will help. You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours for maximum flavor if you keep it in the fridge.
What Should I Serve with Chicken Souvlaki?
Chicken souvlaki pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice or warm pita bread. You can also add sides like sliced cucumbers, fresh tomatoes, red onions, and tzatziki sauce for a refreshing and authentic Greek meal.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken in advance. Just keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill. Cooked chicken souvlaki can also be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it great for meal prep!
