Grilled Chicken Souvlaki
Grilled Chicken Souvlaki is a classic Greek dish featuring marinated chicken chunks infused with vibrant herbs, citrus, and garlic, then grilled to smoky perfection. This healthy and flavorful meal is easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, and pairs wonderfully with pita, salads, or rice bowls.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken and Marinade
- 1.5 pounds boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into chunks
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Additional Supplies
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water 20 minutes) or metal skewers
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined. This marinade will infuse the chicken with bright and earthy traditional Greek flavors.
- Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken into evenly sized cubes for uniform cooking. Toss the chicken pieces thoroughly in the marinade until fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
- Skewer the Chicken: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving space between pieces for even heat distribution.
- Grill to Perfection: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the exterior is nicely charred.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and let the chicken rest for a few minutes to retain its juices. Serve hot with your choice of sides and garnishes.
Notes
- Marinate overnight for maximum flavor infusion if time allows.
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and juiciness.
- Keep the grill clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking and create perfect grill marks.
- Avoid overcrowding the grill to ensure proper heat circulation and a beautiful char.
- Let the chicken rest after grilling to enhance tenderness and retain juices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (about 4 oz chicken)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Grilled Chicken Souvlaki, Greek chicken skewers, Mediterranean chicken, easy grilled chicken, healthy chicken recipe, chicken kebabs, summer grilling, herb marinated chicken