Description
This Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe features tender, marinated chicken pieces grilled to perfection with a flavorful blend of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and traditional Greek seasoning. Perfect for a quick dinner or entertaining guests, this dish brings the vibrant tastes of Greece right to your table. Easy to prepare and versatile, it can be grilled, air fried, or baked to suit your cooking preferences.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 4 large garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons Greek seasoning
- 1 large lemon, juiced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large ziplock bag or tightly covered bowl, combine olive oil, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, Greek seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Shake or stir well to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl tightly, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the cooking device: If using an outdoor grill or grill pan on the stovetop, preheat to medium-high heat. Alternatively, preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C) or your oven to 400°F (204°C) if using these methods.
- Prepare the chicken for cooking: Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade and discard any leftover marinade. Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers, spacing them evenly for uniform cooking.
- Cook the chicken: Grill the skewers on the outdoor grill or stovetop grill pan until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), approximately 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. For the air fryer, cook the skewers at 370°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. To bake, place chicken in a baking dish and cook at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping once halfway, until cooked through.
- Rest the chicken: Once cooked, wrap the chicken skewers in foil and let them rest for 5 minutes. This resting period helps the chicken retain its juices, making it tender and flavorful.
- Serve: Serve the chicken souvlaki as desired, alongside traditional sides like pita bread, tzatziki sauce, or a fresh Greek salad.
Notes
- To Store: Store cooked chicken souvlaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s best to remove the chicken from the skewers for easier storage and keep it separate from toppings or sauces.
- To Freeze: Marinate the chicken and freeze it in a freezer-safe ziplock bag with the marinade. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking as per recipe directions.
- Cooking Variations: For air fryer cooking, set temperature to 370°F and cook for approximately 20 minutes, flipping halfway. For oven baking, cook at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping once midway, until fully cooked.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
