Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers

Greek Chicken Souvlaki has been my go-to summer grilling recipe for years Its lemony marinade brings out the juiciest flavor in chicken and it always disappears at backyard dinners or lazy Sunday lunches piled into pita with all the fixings

Chicken Souvlaki was one of my first attempts at grilling and I have made every picnic better with it since The first time I served this friends devoured every last skewer in minutes

Ingredients

• Extra virgin olive oil: Brings richness and helps the marinade soak into the chicken Go for high quality oil for better flavor
• Fresh lemon juice: Adds bright citrus tang to tenderize the meat Freshly squeezed makes a difference
• Garlic: Intensifies the savory flavor Use finely minced or pressed garlic for the strongest impact
• Dried oregano: Gives that authentic Greek aroma Quality Greek oregano is noticeably more fragrant
• Salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing moisture into the meat Use a fine grain sea salt if you can
• Ground black pepper: Rounds out the seasoning with subtle heat Fresh cracked is best for a pungent kick
• Chicken breast: Lean and soaks up the marinade well Cut into even one inch pieces for uniform cooking Choose boneless skinless chicken breasts with minimal fat for the best bite

Step by Step Instructions

Make the Marinade:

Combine olive oil lemon juice minced garlic oregano salt and pepper in a zip top bag Use your hands to squish everything together so it blends evenly

Marinate the Chicken:

Add the chicken pieces to the bag Press out extra air and seal Massage gently until all the chicken is coated Place the bag in the fridge and let it marinate for a minimum of one hour and up to four hours

Soak Wooden Skewers:

If you are using wooden skewers submerge them in water for twenty to thirty minutes This keeps them from burning during grilling

Thread the Chicken:

Slide pieces of marinated chicken onto each skewer Leave a small gap between each to ensure even cooking

Preheat and Oil the Grill:

Turn your grill or grill pan to medium high heat Rub a little oil on the grill grates or the pan to stop the chicken from sticking

Grill the Chicken Skewers:

Place skewers on the hot grill Turn every three to four minutes Cook each side until the chicken is golden with char marks and no longer pink inside An instant read thermometer should register 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safety

Rest the Chicken:

Remove chicken skewers from the heat Let them sit for five minutes before serving Resting keeps the juices locked inside

Serve:

Enjoy hot straight from the grill with warm flatbreads a crisp Greek salad and a cool scoop of tzatziki sauce

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Nothing beats the hint of char from the grill paired with lemon and oregano I love the aroma that starts as soon as the skewers hit the heat It brings me back to sharing souvlaki with my family on breezy evenings in the backyard each bite transporting us straight to a Greek seaside village

Storage Tips

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for three to four days The chicken stays moist and makes easy lunches Just reheat briefly or enjoy cold sliced over salads Avoid freezing as the texture may become spongy after thawing

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor or even substitute with pork tenderloin or firm tofu for a different twist If you run out of lemon swap for a splash of white wine vinegar Dried oregano is classic but fresh oregano or thyme work in a pinch

Serving Suggestions

Serve chicken souvlaki tucked into pita bread with lettuce tomato red onion and plenty of tzatziki You can build a platter with grilled vegetables Greek salad feta and maybe a side of roasted potatoes It makes a festive meal for a crowd especially in summer

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Cultural Notes

Souvlaki is a staple of Greek street food known for its portable skewers and simple chargrilled flavor Each region has its own take but the classic marinade of lemon oregano and olive oil is at the heart of every bite It is as common at festivals as it is at family tables

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes Greek chicken skewers so flavorful?

The vibrant marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano infuses the chicken with classic Mediterranean flavors and tenderness.

→ How long should the chicken marinate?

For best flavor and texture, marinate the chicken for 1 to 4 hours. Too short and flavor won't develop; too long and the meat may become mushy.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for an even juicier result. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces.

→ How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning?

Soak the wooden skewers in water for 20-30 minutes before threading the chicken. This protects the wood during grilling.

→ What sides pair well with Greek chicken skewers?

Warm flatbreads, crisp Greek salad, and a creamy tzatziki sauce are classic and delicious accompaniments.

→ How can I ensure the chicken stays juicy?

Allow the skewers to rest for a few minutes after grilling before serving. This helps retain moisture and tenderness.