Description
Greek street food magic comes alive with this chicken souvlaki recipe that delivers Mediterranean flavors in minutes. Simple marinated chicken skewers grill quickly, promising a delicious meal you can enjoy with warm pita and cool tzatziki sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 500 grams (1.1 pounds) chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
Liquid Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
Seasoning and Aromatics:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Equipment:
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- Create a vibrant marinade by whisking olive oil, lemon juice, crushed garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
- Immerse chicken cubes thoroughly in the aromatic marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Seal and refrigerate for 30-120 minutes to intensify flavor profiles.
- Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature, allowing surface to reach optimal cooking conditions.
- Carefully skewer marinated chicken pieces, maintaining slight gaps between chunks to promote uniform heat distribution and consistent browning.
- Position skewers on heated grill, rotating periodically to achieve golden exterior and perfectly cooked interior. Cook approximately 10-12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 75°C/165°F.
- Allow skewered chicken to rest momentarily after grilling, enabling juices to redistribute and enhance overall tenderness.
- Plate souvlaki alongside traditional accompaniments like tangy tzatziki, warm pita bread, and crisp fresh vegetables for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Notes
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor infusion, allowing chicken to absorb more Mediterranean herbs and citrus notes.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and potential fire hazards.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender, juicy results that cook evenly and quickly.
- Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a delicious vegetarian version that maintains the classic Greek seasoning profile.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 405
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 590 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg