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Grilled Chicken Souvlaki

Grilled Chicken Souvlaki
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This easy Grilled Chicken Souvlaki recipe brings authentic Mediterranean flavors to your table with tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant blend of lemon, herbs, and garlic, then grilled to smoky perfection. Quick to prepare and versatile to cook, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or backyard barbecues, served with pita, salad, or your favorite sides.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

  • Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soaked in water for 30 minutes before use)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, crushed garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create a bright and flavorful marinade.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Cut chicken thighs into evenly sized bite-sized chunks. Toss the chicken pieces in the marinade until fully coated, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
  3. Thread Chicken onto Skewers: If using wooden skewers, ensure they have been soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces tightly but without overcrowding onto the skewers for even grilling.
  4. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F (205°C). Clean and oil the grates well to prevent sticking.
  5. Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side. Turn carefully and frequently to achieve even cooking and a beautiful charred finish. Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes to retain juiciness. Serve with warm pita bread, Greek salad, tzatziki, or your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking and juiciness.
  • Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but avoid longer than 4 hours to prevent texture breakdown.
  • Preheat and oil grill grates well to avoid sticking.
  • Rotate skewers frequently while grilling for even cooking and avoid burning.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Leftover souvlaki can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen up to 2 months.
  • Reheat gently in oven or on stovetop; avoid microwaving to maintain juiciness.
  • Optional variations include adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, red pepper flakes for spice, or substituting some olive oil with Greek yogurt for a creamier marinade.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken souvlaki, grilled chicken, Greek chicken, Mediterranean, skewers, easy dinner, healthy chicken, barbecue recipe

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/grilled-chicken-souvlaki/