These Greek-style chicken kebabs, or souvlaki, are tender and flavorful! Marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs, they’re grilled to juicy perfection. Perfect for any cookout!
They’re so easy to love that even your grill might get jealous of how quickly they disappear! I like to serve mine with some warm pita and fresh veggies. Yum! 🍗🥙
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great here. You can swap them with chicken thighs for a juicier flavor, or even use firm tofu for a vegetarian option!
Olive Oil: Olive oil is perfect for this marinade, giving it rich flavor. If you want a lighter option, avocado oil can be used instead.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Fresh is best for a bright taste, but if you’re out, bottled lemon juice works too. Lime juice is a nice alternative if you prefer a different tang.
Herbs: Dried oregano and thyme are key for that classic Greek flavor. You can use Italian seasoning if you’re low on these herbs, or even fresh herbs if you have them on hand.
Vegetables: The bell peppers, zucchini, and onion add color and taste to the kebabs. Feel free to mix in cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or any other veggies you enjoy!
How Do You Ensure the Chicken Stays Juicy on the Grill?
To keep your chicken tender and juicy, marinade it well and give it enough time to soak in the flavor. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Marinate chicken for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best results.
- Be sure to preheat your grill to medium-high. A hot grill sears the meat quickly, sealing in moisture.
- Turn the skewers occasionally to ensure even cooking and to get those lovely grill marks.
- Let the cooked kebabs rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, making each bite juicy.
How to Make Greek-style Chicken Kebabs (Chicken Souvlaki)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade and Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium red onion, cut into wedges
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
Extras:
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Feta cheese, crumbled, for serving (optional)
- Tzatziki sauce, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus at least 1 hour for marinating (or overnight for the best flavor). Cooking on the grill will take about 10-15 minutes. In total, you’re looking at roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on the marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper until everything is well mixed. This flavorful marinade will give your chicken that delicious Greek taste!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring that all pieces are nicely coated. Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour; overnight is even better for maximum flavor!
3. Prepare Skewers and Grill:
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to avoid burning while grilling. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat so it’s ready for the kebabs.
4. Assemble the Kebabs:
Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to assemble! Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of bell peppers, onion wedges, and zucchini rounds for a colorful and tasty mix.
5. Grill the Kebabs:
Place the assembled skewers onto the grill. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is no longer pink inside and has lovely grill marks!
6. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, take the kebabs off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for maximum flavor. Then, serve them warm, garnished with fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese. Don’t forget to have some tasty tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your Greek-style chicken kebabs!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the veggies based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Great options include cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or even eggplant. Just cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover kebabs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, but be careful to avoid overcooking the chicken and drying it out!
Can I Marinate the Chicken for Longer?
Yes, marinating the chicken for longer than 1 hour enhances the flavor, but try not to exceed 24 hours, as the acid from the lemon juice can break down the chicken too much, resulting in a mushy texture.
What Should I Serve with Chicken Kebabs?
These kebabs pair wonderfully with rice, pita bread, or a fresh salad. You could also serve them alongside more tzatziki sauce or a refreshing Greek salad for a complete meal!
