Description
Succulent Greek chicken souvlaki brings Mediterranean flavors straight to your kitchen with minimal effort. Marinated tender chicken skewers deliver authentic Greek taste that transports you to sunny coastal landscapes in mere bites.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite size pieces)
Seasonings and Flavoring:
- 3 tablespoons Greek seasoning
- 4 large garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 large lemon (juiced)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Cooking Liquid:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Craft a robust marinade by blending olive oil, vinegar, minced garlic, Greek seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a large ziplock bag. Submerge chicken pieces completely, ensuring thorough coating. Seal and gently massage to distribute marinade evenly. Refrigerate for minimum 6 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
- Prepare grill or grill pan by heating to medium-high temperature. Allow outdoor grill 10-15 minutes to reach optimal cooking temperature, ensuring consistent heat distribution.
- Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Carefully thread meat onto pre-soaked wooden or metal skewers, maintaining slight spacing between pieces to promote uniform cooking.
- Position skewers on heated cooking surface. Grill approximately 10-12 minutes, rotating periodically to achieve consistent charring and golden-brown exterior. Apply gentle pressure if using grill pan to create distinct grill marks. Confirm doneness when internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Transfer grilled skewers to foil and let rest 5 minutes. This crucial resting period allows meat juices to redistribute, guaranteeing succulent, tender chicken with enhanced flavor profile.
Notes
- Wooden skewers should be soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and potential fire hazards.
- Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the most tender and flavorful souvlaki, cutting them into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Enhance marinade depth by adding fresh herbs like oregano or rosemary, which complement the traditional Greek flavor profile and boost nutritional value.
- For gluten-free or low-carb options, serve the grilled chicken over a crisp salad or wrapped in lettuce leaves instead of traditional pita bread.
- Prep Time: 6 hours
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg