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Authentic Chicken Souvlaki Oven: A Delicious Recipe for Greek Flavor at Home


  • Author: Maria
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Greece with this easy Chicken Souvlaki recipe. Marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon, and spices, these tender chicken skewers are perfect for grilling or baking. Serve with warm pita bread and creamy tzatziki for a delightful meal!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Pita bread (for serving)
  • Greek tzatziki sauce (for serving)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined.
  2. Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to a resealable plastic bag.
  3. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally for 4-6 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
  4. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  5. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. If using metal skewers, skip this step.
  6. Once marinated, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and thread the pieces onto the skewers, leaving space between each piece.
  7. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
  8. Arrange the skewers on the wire rack, ensuring they do not touch.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  10. For a charred finish, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  11. Remove the skewers from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
  12. Warm the pita bread in the oven or on a skillet until soft.
  13. Serve by placing chicken souvlaki on pita bread, adding toppings like tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and lettuce.
  14. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and garnish with chopped parsley. Wrap and enjoy!

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use fresh herbs if possible. Fresh oregano can be substituted for dried oregano, and fresh garlic can enhance the marinade.
  • Customize the marinade by adding spices like coriander or chili flakes for heat.
  • Add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to the skewers, cutting them to similar sizes as the chicken.
  • Serve with Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Leftover chicken souvlaki can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes