Lemon Oregano Chicken Souvlaki
Tender chicken pieces marinated in a bright lemon and oregano mixture, then skewered and grilled to perfection. A classic Greek dish, simple to make and full of fresh flavors for two.
Marinate the chicken
In a medium bowl, combine 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken pieces (cut into 1-inch cubes), 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well to coat all the chicken. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Marinating allows the flavors to soak into the chicken and tenderizes it. Souvlaki is a term for skewered grilled meat.
💡 Pro Tips:
- •Marinating longer, up to 2 hours, enhances flavor.
- •Souvlaki means skewered grilled meat.
Prepare skewers and preheat grill
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes prior to prevent burning during grilling. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto 2-4 skewers, making sure not to pack them too tightly so they cook evenly. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. A hot grill prevents sticking and helps create good grill marks (the browned lines left by hot grill grates).
💡 Pro Tips:
- •Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning.
- •Preheating the grill ensures even cooking and good browning.
Grill the chicken
Place the chicken skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through, lightly charred (lightly browned and blackened in spots), and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Charred means lightly browned and blackened in spots from cooking.
💡 Pro Tips:
- •Do not overcrowd the grill; cook in batches if needed.
- •Cooking until lightly charred adds smoky flavor.
Serve
Remove the chicken souvlaki from the grill. Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing. This dish is excellent on its own, or served with a Greek salad, rice, or warm pita bread (note that pita bread and tzatziki sauce contain dairy and gluten, respectively).
💡 Pro Tips:
- •Fresh parsley adds brightness and color.
- •Lemon juice enhances the flavors.
- Medium bowl (for marinade)
- Whisk
- Metal or wooden skewers
- Grill or grill pan
- Tongs
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- 💡For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade.
- 💡If you do not have an outdoor grill, these skewers can also be cooked under a broiler (cook directly under a top heating element) for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally.
- 💡Serve with a side of homemade tzatziki sauce (a yogurt-cucumber sauce) if dairy is not a concern, and warm pita bread for a complete Greek meal.
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