This Easy Chicken Souvlaki is packed with juicy chicken and fresh herbs that make each bite burst with flavor. Perfect for a quick dinner or fun grill-out!
I love to serve these skewers with warm pita and a dollop of tzatziki. You can’t go wrong with a tasty meal that’s a hit with everyone—pure win! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best for this recipe. If you want a richer flavor, chicken thighs can also be used—they stay juicy and tender when grilled.
Olive Oil: The olive oil helps the chicken stay moist and adds flavor. If you’d like to use a different oil, avocado oil or grapeseed oil also work well, but olive oil is my favorite for its taste.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh oregano and parsley bring so much flavor! If you’re out of fresh herbs, you can use dried ones. Just remember, dried herbs are more concentrated, so use a little less. I love adding a touch of fresh mint too for added freshness!
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds acid and bright flavor. If you’re in a pinch, bottled lemon juice can substitute, but fresh is always best for that zing.
Tzatziki Sauce: Adding tzatziki is optional, but I highly recommend it for a cooling touch! If you’re short on time, store-bought tzatziki works great.
How Do You Marinate Chicken for the Best Flavor?
Marinating chicken is key to getting tons of flavor into each bite! Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix together your marinade ingredients in a large bowl.
- Add the chicken pieces, making sure they’re all well-coated. This is where the magic happens!
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. If you can let it sit for 1-2 hours, even better—this helps the flavors deepen.
While you can’t rush marinating, it’s simple: the longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the yummier it becomes!
Easy Chicken Souvlaki with Fresh Herbs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
- Cooked white rice or pita bread, for serving
- Fresh cucumber slices, tomato slices, and red onion for garnish
- Optional: tzatziki sauce for serving
What’s the Total Time Required?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and at least 30 minutes to marinate. You can let the chicken sit in the marinade for up to 2 hours for even more flavor! Grilling takes about 10-12 minutes. So, in total, plan for about 1-2 hours including marinating time.”
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped oregano, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to combine everything into a delicious marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken to the marinade. Toss everything together so the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade. Once coated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, letting it sit for 1-2 hours will give you even more flavor!
3. Preheat and Prepare to Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Once your grill is hot, place the chicken skewers on the grill. Grill them for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally. You’ll want to see some nice charred spots and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
After grilling, remove the skewers from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve your delicious chicken souvlaki over cooked white rice or in warm pita bread. Garnish with fresh cucumber slices, tomato slices, and red onion. If you’re in the mood for something creamy, add a side of tzatziki sauce to dip those tasty bites in!
Enjoy your vibrant and flavorful chicken souvlaki, perfect for any day of the week!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Souvlaki with Fresh Herbs
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are great for souvlaki as they’re juicier and more flavorful. Just make sure they’re boneless and skinless, and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but for optimal flavor, aim for 1-2 hours. If you need to, marinating overnight in the fridge is also fine—just be cautious not to let it sit too long, as the lemon juice can start to “cook” the chicken.
What Can I Serve with Chicken Souvlaki?
Chicken souvlaki pairs wonderfully with warm pita bread, cooked rice, or a side salad. You can also add fresh toppings like cucumber, tomato, and red onion for a refreshing crunch! Tzatziki sauce is a must-try for dipping.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken souvlaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the grill or in the microwave until heated through. Enjoy within a few days for the best flavor and quality!
