Authentic Greek Souvlaki Chicken (No Hours of Marinating Needed!)
Author May 22, 2024
Indulge in the ultimate flavour fest with this Souvlaki Chicken! Soaking in classic Greek goodness – olive oil, garlic, oregano, parsley, and lemon juice – it’s a quick and easy sensation! Yes, the marinade is so ‘full of it’ that you don’t even need to wait hours. Ready in just 25 minutes!
Say hello to juicy, zesty perfection on your plate! Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or seeking easy weeknight healthy main dishes, this one is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Healthy and Delicious: Greek Souvlaki Chicken for Your Next Meal Prep!
After a short week of rejuvenation, brimming with brainstorming sessions for my upcoming Summer Series on The Morning Show Canada, I’m feeling incredibly fortunate. As both a dietitian and a passionate home chef, I can’t wait to share some of my all-time favourites to dazzle your taste buds.
And where better to begin our culinary journey than the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean? Picture yourself transported to quaint Greek tavernas, with the aroma of sizzling authentic souvlaki filling the air. It’s a slice of Mediterranean paradise right in your kitchen.
And speaking of palate-pleasing delights, let’s not overlook the sheer versatility and mouthwatering allure of chicken across diverse culinary traditions. From the iconic Tandoori Chicken Tikka, its fiery flavours charred to perfection, to the comforting embrace of a fragrant Chicken Dhansak curry, there’s no denying the global appeal of this humble yet extraordinary protein.
Okay, let’s talk nutrition.
Nutrition highlights
Nutritionally, this Greek Souvlaki offers:
Lean, high-quality protein from chicken breasts.
Healthy fats, provided by extra virgin olive oil.
A Boost of Vitamin C, courtesy of lemon juice.
Chicken souvlaki ingredients
Simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a dish that’ll have you coming back for seconds, I promise!
So, fire up the grill – and here’s what you’ll need:
Skinless and boneless chicken breasts, cut into medium 1.5-inch pieces (total 25 pieces)
Extra virgin olive oil
Fresh lemon juice
Fresh garlic
Dried oregano
Dried parsley
Salt and pepper
How to make it
Alright, let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Cut the Chicken & Prepare the Marinade
Here’s my technique for cutting the chicken into uniform chunks. Use your discretion to slice the chicken into 25 pieces, each about 1.5 inches thick.
In a bowl, combine oil, lemon juice, garlic, dried oregano, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
Whisk well to mix everything! This aromatic blend is the secret sauce that’ll infuse your chicken with irresistible Mediterranean flavour.
Step 2: Soak the Chicken in Greek flavours
It’s time to give those chicken breast cubes a spa day! Place them in a bowl and pour the marinade over them.
And make sure every nook and cranny is coated in that deliciousness.
Step 3: Skewer ‘Em Up
No waiting is required! Gather your skewers of choice (large), a plate and your chicken.
Simply skewer the cubes onto your grill sticks. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for 30 to 45 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. You can alternate with colourful veggies if you’re feeling a little fancy.
Step 4: Grilling on an Outdoor Grill
Get your outdoor grill (or griddle) ready for action! Give the grates a quick brush with oil and heat them up over medium-high heat until they’re nice and toasty. Next up, it’s time to introduce those chicken skewers to the grill (or you can cook them in batches on the griddle). Grill for 3-4 minutes, turn and cook for another 2-3, until the chicken is cooked through and nicely charred.
If Using your Home Oven
If you’re planning on using your home oven, broil the skewers (top shelf). You only need to cook for 8 minutes, turn the skewers for 2 minutes ensuring they’re cooked through and succulent. To be sure, you can use a thermometer to check the internal temperature – it should be 165°F (74°C).
Once your Chicken Souvlaki skewers are cooked to golden perfection, it’s time to dig in! Serve them hot off the grill alongside some fluffy pita bread, tangy tzatziki sauce, and a crisp Greek salad for the ultimate Mediterranean feast.
Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!
For a complete list of ingredient measurements and detailed step-by-step instructions, you can find everything you need in the printable recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
A perfect pairing for your grilled chicken
Creamy tzatziki made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill pairs wonderfully with grilled souvlaki. Serve it alongside warm, fluffy pita bread and grilled veggies for a satisfying and balanced diabetes-friendly plate. Bon appetit!
Food safe storage
For best results, store any leftover Souvlaki Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. The best part? The flavours mature beautifully, enhancing the taste even more by the next day. Enjoy it straight from the fridge or gently reheat for a quick and delightful meal!
If you try this easy healthy Summer recipe, I’d love to hear from you! Share your rating, leave a comment, and be sure to tag me on Instagram @DesiliciousRD! Seeing your creations makes my day!
Desi~liciously Yours, Shahzadi
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Authentic Greek Souvlaki Chicken (No Hours of Marinating Needed!)
Indulge in the ultimate flavour fest with this Souvlaki Chicken! Soaking in classic Greek goodness – olive oil, garlic, oregano, parsley, and lemon juice – it’s a quick and easy sensation! Yes, the marinade is so ‘full of it’ that you don’t even need to wait hours. Ready in just 25 minutes!
Course Main
Cuisine Mediterranean
Diet Diabetic, Gluten Free, Halal, Hindu, Low Lactose, Low Salt
Keyword BBQ, chicken breast, grilling, summer
Health Benefit Staying Power
Prep Time 15 minutesminutes
Cook Time 10 minutesminutes
Total Time 25 minutesminutes
Servings 5skewers
Calories 289kcal
Author Shahzadi Devje
Cost $25
Equipment
1 BBQ Grill or home oven
Ingredients
800gchicken breastskinless, boneless, cut into 25 medium pieces about 1.5 inch thick
¼cupolive oil
3tbsplemon juicefreshly squeezed
5clovesgarlicminced
3tsporeganodried
1½tspparsleydried
1tspsaltsea salt
1tspblack peppercoarse
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
Add the cubed chicken breast to the marinade and toss until evenly coated.
Prep your outdoor grill (or griddle); brush the grates with oil and heat over medium-high until sizzling hot. If using your oven, preheat to broil.
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30-45 minutes to prevent burning. Then, thread the chicken onto skewers (5 per skewer).
Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 4 minutes, turn and cookfor another 2-4, until the chicken is cooked through and nicely charred on all sides. When using your home oven, broil the skewers (top shelf); cook for 8 minutes, turn and cook for 2 minutes ensuring they’re cooked through and succulent.
Once cooked, remove the souvlaki from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
Tips for “succulent” success
Even Cube Size: Cut the chicken into uniform 1.5-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. This will help prevent smaller pieces from overcooking while larger pieces are still raw.
Monitor Grilling Time: Keep a close eye on the chicken while grilling to prevent overcooking. Chicken breast can dry out quickly if overcooked, so aim to grill the skewers until they are just cooked through and juicy.
A perfect pairing for your grilled chicken
Creamy tzatziki made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill pairs wonderfully with grilled souvlaki. Serve it alongside warm, fluffy pita bread and grilled veggies for a satisfying and balanced diabetes-friendly plate. Bon appetit!
Food safe storage
For best results, store any leftover Souvlaki Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. The best part? The flavours mature beautifully, enhancing the taste even more by the next day. Enjoy it straight from the fridge or gently reheat for a quick and delightful meal!
