Description
This Chicken Souvlaki recipe offers a delicious, traditional Greek grilled chicken skewers marinated in a vibrant blend of fresh oregano, garlic, lemon juice, and spices. Perfect for a quick 25-minute meal, it’s juicy, flavorful, and pairs beautifully with grilled pita or a fresh Greek salad, making it an excellent choice for a light yet satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- 3 tbsp fresh oregano (or 1.5 tbsp dried oregano)
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp chili flakes
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper (freshly cracked)
For Grilling
- Chicken (cut into 1-2 inch pieces) – approximately 1 lb (not listed but implied)
- Grilled pita (for serving)
- Oil spray (for grilling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl or sealable bag, combine fresh oregano, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, cumin powder, chopped parsley, chili flakes, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until evenly blended to create a vibrant marinade base.
- Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken into 1-2 inch pieces for even cooking. Add the chicken pieces into the marinade and toss well to ensure each piece is coated completely. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate the chicken for 20-30 minutes to infuse flavors. For a deeper, more robust taste, you can marinate overnight.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers or use a grill pan as an alternative. Lightly spray the grill or pan with oil to prevent sticking. Grill the chicken for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to cook evenly and develop a beautiful charred exterior, until fully cooked through and juicy inside.
- Serve: Remove the chicken souvlaki from the grill and serve hot with grilled pita bread, rice, or a fresh Greek salad. Garnish with extra fresh parsley to brighten the dish and add a pop of color.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to enhance the depth of flavor.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
- You can substitute chicken thighs or breasts depending on your preference, though thighs tend to remain juicier while grilling.
- Adjust the chili flakes to your desired spice level for mild to moderate heat.
- Serve with tzatziki sauce or a squeeze of extra lemon for added zest.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
