Easy Chicken Souvlaki Recipe (Grilled to Perfection!)

There’s something incredibly nostalgic about the sizzling sound of chicken on the grill, isn’t there? Chicken souvlaki takes me back to sunny days filled with laughter and shared meals. It’s one of those simple recipes that not only brings joy to your taste buds but is also quick to whip up. Whether you are planning a weekend gathering or just a cozy dinner at home, this chicken souvlaki recipe is bound to become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love Chicken Souvlaki

• Fast
• Easy
• Giftable
• Crowd-pleasing

Ingredients

Here’s what you will need to create this delicious dish:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Cut into 1-inch cubes for easy grilling.
• 1/4 cup olive oil – This adds richness and helps the marinade stick.
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice – Freshly squeezed is best for that zesty flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Because garlic makes everything better!
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano – A classic in Mediterranean cooking.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Adds depth and a lovely aroma.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning.
• Skewers (wooden or metal) – For threading the chicken, soaking wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes helps prevent burning.

How to Make Chicken Souvlaki

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this delightful dish:

1. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. This marinade is where the magic starts!
2. Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for better flavor. Trust me, the longer it marinates, the more flavorful it gets!
3. Preheat the grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. You want that perfect sear on your chicken.
4. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving some space between each piece for even cooking.
5. Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. You’ll know it’s done when the juices run clear.
6. Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep the chicken juicy!

Substitutions & Additions

If you’re looking to mix things up, here are a few ideas:

• Try using chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier bite.
• Add bell peppers or onions to the skewers for extra flavor and color.
• For a kick, sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the marinade.

Tips for Success

Here are some helpful hints to ensure your chicken souvlaki turns out perfect:

• Don’t rush the marinating process; it’s key for flavor.
• Make sure your grill is hot enough before adding the chicken; this helps prevent sticking.
• If you’re grilling wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to keep them from burning.

How to Store Chicken Souvlaki

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), here’s how to store them:

• Place the chicken souvlaki in an airtight container.
• They will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, simply warm them on the grill or in a skillet until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make chicken souvlaki in the oven?
Yes, you can! Just preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the skewers on a lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Absolutely! You can freeze the marinated chicken before grilling. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

So there you have it! A simple, delicious chicken souvlaki recipe that you can easily make at home. For more delightful recipes, check out my collection of quick and easy meals or my favorite grilling recipes for treats you will love!

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to follow my Pinterest for more tasty inspiration!

Chicken Souvlaki

This chicken souvlaki recipe brings the joy of grilling to your home with its flavorful marinade and easy preparation. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner, it’s bound to be a favorite!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Marinade

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper
• Skewers

Equipment

• Large Bowl
• Grill or Grill Pan
• Skewers

Method

 

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. This marinade is where the magic starts!
2. Step 2: Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for better flavor.
3. Step 3: Preheat the grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. Step 4: Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving some space between each piece for even cooking.
5. Step 5: Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
6. Step 6: Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Make sure to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.