This Easy Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki is packed with flavor and made with simple ingredients like juicy chicken, garlic, and fresh herbs. It’s grilled to perfection for a delicious meal!
Pair it with warm pita bread and a side of tzatziki, and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser! I love making this on weekends for a fun family dinner. It’s tasty and oh-so-easy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: You can use boneless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs are juicier and more flavorful, but breasts are leaner. If you’re looking for a lean protein option, go for chicken breasts. For a different twist, try using shrimp or cubed lamb!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is key for its rich flavor. If you’re out, avocado oil can also work. It’s a bit milder but still gives great results for grilling.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled juice will do, but the taste won’t be quite as fresh and vibrant.
Oregano: Greek oregano is best as it brings authentic flavor. If you can’t find it, regular oregano works, just adjust the amount to taste. You can also mix dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for different flavors.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Souvlaki Stays Juicy?
To keep your chicken juicy while grilling, marinating is a crucial step. It infuses flavors and tenderizes the chicken. Here’s how:
- Mix all marinade ingredients well before adding the chicken. Make sure every cubed piece is coated.
- Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, but 2-3 hours is even better for maximum flavor.
- Preheat your grill properly — it should be hot before the chicken touches it! This helps create a nice sear without drying out the meat.
And remember to monitor the cooking time closely! Overcooked chicken can become dry. Just aim for 4-5 minutes per side until it reaches that perfect internal temperature.
Easy Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-1.5 inch cubes
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano (preferably Greek oregano)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water 30 minutes before grilling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus at least 1 hour to marinate the chicken (2-3 hours is even better for flavor). Cooking on the grill will take about 10-15 minutes. So, set aside about 1 to 3 hours total depending on your marinating time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. This mixture is your marinade, which adds lots of flavor to the chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken to the bowl with the marinade. Stir everything together to make sure the chicken pieces are fully coated in that delicious marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and pop it into the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, but 2-3 hours would be even better for maximum flavor!
3. Preheat the Grill:
Now, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This ensures a great sear on the chicken when it hits the grill.
4. Thread the Chicken onto Skewers:
Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge. Thread the chicken cubes onto your skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. This helps them cook evenly.
5. Grill to Perfection:
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a nice golden-brown char on the outside and juicy meat on the inside. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe eating!
6. Let It Rest:
Once done grilling, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and juicy.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish the chicken souvlaki with chopped fresh parsley if you like. Serve hot with warm pita bread, a side of tzatziki sauce, and some sliced onions and tomatoes for a truly authentic Greek meal!
Enjoy your delicious, tender, and authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki!
FAQ for Easy Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Yes, absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, making them an excellent choice for souvlaki. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if the pieces are larger or thicker.
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil, you can use avocado oil or canola oil. They both work well in marinades and have a mild flavor that won’t overwhelm the dish.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for anywhere from 1 hour to up to 24 hours in the fridge. The longer you marinate, the more flavor the chicken will absorb, but avoid going beyond 24 hours to maintain texture.
Can I Cook This in the Oven Instead of Grilling?
Definitely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned.
