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
- 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.
- 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.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally for 4-6 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. If using metal skewers, skip this step.
- Once marinated, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and thread the pieces onto the skewers, leaving space between each piece.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Arrange the skewers on the wire rack, ensuring they do not touch.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- For a charred finish, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Remove the skewers from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Warm the pita bread in the oven or on a skillet until soft.
- Serve by placing chicken souvlaki on pita bread, adding toppings like tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and lettuce.
- 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