Description
Tender and juicy Greek Chicken Souvlaki marinated in a flavorful blend of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and traditional Greek seasoning, then grilled to perfection. This classic Greek street food is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a Mediterranean-inspired meal anytime.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 4 large garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons Greek seasoning
- 1 large lemon, juiced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a ziplock bag or a tightly covered bowl, combine the olive oil, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, Greek seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create a flavorful marinade base.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade, seal the bag or cover the bowl, and shake or stir well to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Refrigerate and allow the chicken to marinate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, to absorb all the Mediterranean flavors.
- Preheat the Grill or Grill Pan: When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any leftover marinade. Preheat an outdoor grill or a stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat to get it hot and ready for cooking.
- Thread Chicken onto Skewers: Carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, ensuring they are spaced slightly apart for even cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the preheated grill or grill pan. Cook the chicken, turning occasionally, until it is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This usually takes about 12 to 15 minutes depending on the heat and size of pieces.
- Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken skewers from the heat and tent them loosely with foil. Let them rest for 5 minutes. This resting step helps retain juices and ensures the chicken remains tender and juicy.
- Serve: Serve the chicken souvlaki as desired, traditionally with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a fresh Greek salad for an authentic experience.
- Optional Cooking Methods: For alternatives, the chicken can also be cooked in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for 15-20 minutes or air fried at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until cooked through.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 6 hours or overnight for best flavor and tenderness.
- Discard leftover marinade to avoid contamination, do not reuse as a sauce without cooking it.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked to 165°F.
- Resting the chicken after grilling allows the juices to redistribute, making it more juicy and tender.
- For a gluten-free dish, ensure the Greek seasoning blend is gluten-free, as some store-bought mixes may contain additives.
- Can be served with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or a yogurt-based tzatziki for a complete meal.
