These chicken souvlaki skewers are full of flavor, thanks to zesty lemon, garlic, and herbs. Perfect for grilling, they make a tasty treat for any gathering!
Best part? You can throw them on the grill in just minutes! I love serving them with fresh veggies or a little tzatziki on the side. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. You can use thighs for a richer flavor, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the marinating time for tofu.
Olive Oil: The heart of this dish! Extra virgin olive oil not only adds flavor but also helps with marination. If you’re low on olive oil, you can use avocado oil, which also has a nice taste.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors. You could substitute with lime juice or even vinegar in a pinch, but keep in mind the flavor will change slightly.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a kick to your marinade. If you’re in a hurry, garlic powder can also work, but fresh is always best. If you love garlic, feel free to add more!
Oregano and Cumin: These spices are classic in Mediterranean cooking. For a twist, try fresh oregano instead of dried, or mix in some Italian herbs if you don’t have oregano.
Red Pepper Flakes: They add a nice heat. If you prefer less spice, you can leave this out, or substitute with some paprika for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Make Sure the Chicken is Tender and Flavorful?
The key to tasty chicken skewers is marination! This step allows the flavors to soak in and keep the chicken moist. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Dice your chicken into even 1-inch cubes for consistent cooking.
- Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl and make sure they are well combined.
- Coat each chicken piece thoroughly with the marinade, ensuring all sides are covered.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 1 hour, but if you can, let it marinate for a few hours or even overnight.
Remember, the longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more flavorful it will be!
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Souvlaki Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Skewers:
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour to marinate the chicken (up to 4 hours for better flavor). Grilling will take another 10-15 minutes. So, set aside a total of about 1 hour 30 minutes to 4 hours for maximum deliciousness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until everything is well combined. This marinade is where the magic happens, adding lots of flavor to our chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Add these chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure each one is fully coated. It’s like giving your chicken a cozy spa treatment! Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or for even better flavor, let it sit for up to 4 hours.
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, which is about 400°F or 200°C. This will help to get our chicken nice and grilled!
4. Skewer the Chicken:
Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge. Thread the chicken pieces onto your skewers, packing them closely but not too tight. Leave a little space so they can cook evenly. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure they have been soaked in water—this prevents them from burning on the grill!
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook them for about 10-15 minutes. Make sure to turn the skewers every few minutes so that all sides get those beautiful grill marks. Your chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Rest and Serve:
Once the skewers are done grilling, carefully remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices stay in the chicken. Serve the delicious skewers with fresh sliced tomatoes, lemon wedges, and a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping. Enjoy your tasty Mediterranean meal!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra moisture and flavor to your skewers. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as thighs may take a minute or two longer to cook through compared to breasts. Be sure to check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for a minimum of 1 hour and up to 4 hours for optimal flavor. If you need to marinate overnight, it’s best to reduce the salt in the marinade slightly to avoid the chicken becoming too salty.
What Can I Substitute if I Don’t Have Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil on hand, you can use other types of oil with a high smoke point, like canola or avocado oil. Just keep in mind this may slightly alter the flavor of the skewers.
How to Store Leftover Chicken Souvlaki?
Store any leftover chicken souvlaki in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but be cautious not to dry it out!
