This Easy Chicken Souvlaki is a quick and tasty dinner option! Tender chicken pieces are marinated with herbs and lemon, then grilled to perfection. Who doesn’t love a little Greek flavor?
I love serving it with warm pita and tzatziki sauce—it’s like a mini holiday on a plate! Plus, it takes hardly any time to make, so it’s perfect for busy nights.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: You can use either chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. I prefer thighs for their juiciness, but breasts work well too. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey could be a delicious substitute, just adjust the cooking time since it cooks faster.
Olive Oil: This adds a rich flavor to the marinade. If you don’t have olive oil, you can use avocado oil or even vegetable oil. Just make sure to choose an oil that can handle medium-high heat for grilling.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish. If you’re out of lemons, bottled lemon juice is a decent substitute. Lime juice can work too if you want a slightly different tang.
Herbs: Dried oregano is key for that authentic Greek taste. If you’re missing it, Italian seasoning can work in a pinch. Fresh herbs, like parsley or cilantro, can also be a nice addition. Just add more at the end for freshness!
What’s the Best Way to Marinate Chicken for Souvlaki?
Marinating chicken is crucial for flavor and tenderness. Start by mixing your marinade ingredients well. To really get those flavors in:
- Use a glass or ceramic bowl for marinating, as metal can react with the acid.
- Cover tightly to prevent any odors from your fridge seeping in.
- Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes; however, 1-2 hours is ideal. If you have time, marinate overnight for even more flavor!
- Don’t forget to use a little leftover marinade to brush on the chicken as it cooks for extra flavor.
Easy Chicken Souvlaki Recipe for Quick Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh finely chopped thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
For Grilling:
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes prior)
Optional Sides:
- Cooked rice or pita bread
- Sliced cucumber
- Sliced tomato
- Sliced red onion
- Tzatziki sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This quick chicken souvlaki recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time and at least 30 minutes for marinating. Overall, you can have a delicious dinner ready in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights or a tasty weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and gently toss them until they’re completely coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For extra flavor, let it marinate for 1-2 hours if you have the time!
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. This ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and gets those lovely grill marks.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Once marinated, take the chicken out of the fridge. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a bit of space between each piece to promote even cooking. This is a great time to get everyone involved and make it a fun activity!
5. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
6. Let Them Rest:
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy and flavorful!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your chicken souvlaki skewers on a bed of cooked rice or nestled in warm pita bread. Add fresh cucumber, tomatoes, and red onions for crunch and brightness. Don’t forget a dollop of tzatziki sauce for that perfect creamy finish!
Enjoy your quick and flavorful Greek chicken souvlaki dinner!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken is traditional, you can also use lamb, beef, or even shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, especially for shrimp, which cooks much faster than chicken.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, aim for 1-2 hours. If you have more time, marinating overnight in the fridge is even better, but avoid marinating for more than 24 hours as the acid in the marinade can start to break down the chicken too much.
What if I don’t have skewers?
No worries! If you don’t have skewers, you can grill the chicken pieces directly on the grill or in a grill pan. Just be sure to turn them regularly for even cooking and to help achieve those beautiful grill marks!
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken souvlaki in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. You can also enjoy it cold in salads or pita wraps!
