Why Make This Recipe
Making chicken souvlaki at home means you can enjoy the fresh flavors of Greece any day of the week. This dish is not only delicious, but it is also healthy and quick to prepare. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, chicken souvlaki is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and stir well to coat all the pieces.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for more flavor).
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
- Remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Chicken Souvlaki
Chicken souvlaki can be served with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. You can also enjoy it on a salad or with rice for a complete meal.
How to Store Chicken Souvlaki
If you have leftovers, let the chicken souvlaki cool down completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the skewers for up to a month. To reheat, use an oven or grill to maintain the flavor and texture.
Tips to Make Chicken Souvlaki
- For extra flavor, try adding different herbs like thyme or rosemary to the marinade.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
- If you want a nice char, make sure your grill is hot enough before adding the chicken.
Variation
You can swap the chicken for other proteins like beef or shrimp. The marinade works well with veggies too, making it a versatile recipe for your gatherings.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely before marinating.
2. How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) or when it is no longer pink in the center.
3. Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
Chicken Souvlaki
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 3 tablespoons olive oil Extra virgin preferred for better flavor
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice Freshly squeezed recommended
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Adjust amount based on preference
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano Feel free to add additional herbs
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into cubes Can substitute with other proteins
- Skewers (wooden or metal) Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes before use
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and stir well to coat all the pieces.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for more flavor).
Cooking
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
- Remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.