Description
Chicken Souvlaki is a classic Greek dish featuring tender, marinated pieces of chicken grilled to perfection. Infused with lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and red wine vinegar, this flavorful and juicy chicken is perfect served on skewers, alongside fresh lemon wedges and parsley. Ideal for a quick, healthy Mediterranean main course, this recipe is gluten-free and packed with protein.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Additional
- Wooden or metal skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if wooden)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to evenly coat. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to develop.
- Soak skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
- Skewer the chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the prepared skewers, distributing them evenly but not overcrowding.
- Preheat the grill: Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, ensuring it is hot before cooking.
- Grill the chicken: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally to char all sides evenly. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is no longer pink inside.
- Rest and serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Serve garnished with lemon wedges and chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Chicken souvlaki pairs wonderfully with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, fresh tomatoes, and onions for a traditional Greek wrap.
- Alternatively, serve over rice with a simple salad for a wholesome meal.
- For an indoor cooking option, bake the skewers in a preheated oven at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through until thoroughly cooked.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 1-4 hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer portion
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
