Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki
This recipe delivers juicy and flavorful Greek chicken souvlaki, perfect for a summer barbecue or a light weeknight meal. The marinade infuses the chicken with bright Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
- * 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- * 4 cloves garlic minced
- * 1 green bell pepper seeded and diced
- * 1 red bell pepper seeded and diced
- * 1 red onion diced
- * 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- * 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- * 1/4 cup olive oil
- * 1/4 cup lemon juice
- * Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- * Wooden skewers soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, diced bell peppers, diced red onion, oregano, thyme, olive oil, and lemon juice. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Add the cubed chicken to the bowl and toss well to coat all pieces evenly in the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably for 2-4 hours to allow the chicken to fully marinate and absorb the flavors. The longer it marinates, the better!
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or preheat your broiler.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving a small space between each piece for even cooking.
- Grill the souvlaki skewers for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and nicely charred. Alternatively, broil the skewers 4-6 inches from the heat source, turning occasionally, until cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the skewers from the grill or broiler and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade. You can also substitute other vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes. Serve with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a Greek salad for a complete meal. If you don't have wooden skewers, metal skewers can be used. Just remember to oil them lightly to prevent sticking.