These Easy Greek Chicken Souvlaki Kebabs are tasty bites of marinated chicken on skewers. With fresh herbs and lemon, they are bursting with flavor and super easy to grill.
Who doesn’t love food on a stick? They’re perfect for a fun dinner or a backyard cookout. I love serving them with warm pita and a side of tzatziki sauce to dip—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer boneless thighs for their juiciness, but breasts work too! If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using turkey breast. Just adjust cooking time as turkey can dry out faster.
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for the best flavor, but any light olive oil will do. If you’re out, avocado oil is a great alternative due to its high smoke point.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brings vibrant flavor. If you’re short on fresh lemons, bottled juice can work, but the taste won’t be as bright.
Oregano: If you can’t find Greek oregano, use regular dried oregano. You might also try Italian seasoning for a different twist. For fresh flavor, nothing beats using fresh herbs if you have them on hand!
Vegetables: Feel free to mix in other veggies like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers in different colors, or mushrooms. Just make sure they are cut to a similar size for even cooking.
How Do You Marinate Chicken for the Best Flavor?
Marinating is crucial for juicy and flavorful chicken. This recipe uses a simple marinade that does the trick well. Your chicken should marinate for at least 30 minutes; however, 1-2 hours allows more flavor to soak in.
- Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Add in optional spices like onion powder and thyme, depending on your taste.
- Coat the chicken well and let it sit in the fridge. Make sure to cover it!
The longer you marinate, the richer the flavor. Just don’t overdo it—keeping it under 24 hours helps maintain texture!
Easy Greek Chicken Souvlaki Kebabs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano (Greek oregano if possible)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
For the Kebabs:
- 1 medium red onion, cut into chunks
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into thick rounds or half-moons
- 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into chunks
For Serving:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Feta cheese, crumbled (for garnish)
- Tzatziki sauce (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 30 minutes of active preparation time plus at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken, with an option to marinate for up to 2 hours for better flavor. Cooking on the grill takes around 10-12 minutes. So, in total, you can expect about 1 to 2 hours, depending on how long you choose to marinate your chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, onion powder, and dried thyme until everything is well mixed. This marinade is packed with flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, let it marinate for 1-2 hours.
3. Prep the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden or bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to keep them from burning on the grill.
4. Preheat the Grill:
Get your grill or grill pan ready by preheating it to medium-high heat. This ensures a nice sear on the chicken and veggies.
5. Assemble the Kebabs:
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, alternating with chunks of red onion, slices of zucchini, and pieces of red bell pepper. This makes for a colorful and delicious kebab!
6. Grill the Kebabs:
Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally so each side gets beautifully grilled and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Let Them Rest:
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices inside the chicken!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the chicken souvlaki kebabs to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley, crumbled feta cheese, and serve with lemon wedges and tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping. Pair with warm pita bread or your favorite Greek side dishes.
This recipe perfectly captures the tasty and vibrant flavors of Greek cuisine. Enjoy your meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option for souvlaki as they tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if necessary, but generally, it should be about the same.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. For maximum flavor, aim for at least 1 hour. Just remember not to marinate for more than 24 hours to keep the chicken from becoming too soft and mushy due to the acidity in the lemon juice.
What Vegetables Can I Use for the Kebabs?
Feel free to get creative with your vegetable choices! In addition to red onion, zucchini, and bell peppers, you can use cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or even eggplant. Just keep the sizes uniform for even cooking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through for the best texture.
