Name: Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with Fresh Herbs and Lemon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 3 tbsp fresh oregano (or 1.5 tbsp dried oregano); 1 tbsp garlic, minced; 3 tbsp olive oil; ¼ cup lemon juice (from about 1 lemon); ½ tsp cumin powder; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; ½ tsp chili flakes; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper (freshly cracked); Chicken breast or thigh, cut into 1-2 inch pieces (approximately 1 lb or 450 g); Grilled pita (for serving); Oil spray (for grilling)

Description

This Chicken Souvlaki recipe delivers tender, juicy pieces of marinated chicken grilled to perfection, infused with fresh herbs and zesty lemon. Perfect for a quick Mediterranean-inspired meal, it pairs wonderfully with warm pita bread and vibrant salads.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade Ingredients

3 tbsp fresh oregano (or 1.5 tbsp dried oregano)
1 tbsp garlic, minced
3 tbsp olive oil
¼ cup lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
½ tsp cumin powder
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
½ tsp chili flakes
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper (freshly cracked)

Chicken and Serving

Chicken breast or thigh, cut into 1-2 inch pieces (approximately 1 lb or 450 g)
Grilled pita (for serving)
Oil spray (for grilling)

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl or sealable bag, combine oregano, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, cumin powder, chopped parsley, chili flakes, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken into 1-2 inch pieces. Add the chicken pieces into the marinade and toss to coat them evenly. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to allow flavors to infuse. For deeper flavor, marinate overnight.
Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers or use a grill pan sprayed lightly with oil to prevent sticking. Grill the chicken for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and a nice char on all sides. Confirm chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serve: Serve the grilled chicken souvlaki hot with grilled pita bread, alongside rice or a fresh Greek salad. Garnish with extra chopped parsley for a burst of freshness.

Notes

Marinating overnight intensifies the flavor and tenderizes the chicken more effectively.
Use chicken thighs if you prefer juicier meat; chicken breasts provide a leaner option.
Grilling skewered chicken helps cook evenly and prevents pieces from falling through the grill grates.
Can be cooked using a grill pan or outdoor grill depending on availability.
Leftover souvlaki can be stored in the refrigerator up to 2 days.