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Authentic Lemon & Garlic Chicken Souvlaki

Chicken cubes marinated in lemon juice, garlic, and oregano then grilled on skewers until charred and juicy for a classic high-protein Mediterranean dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano Greek oregano preferred
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • warm pita bread optional, for serving
  • tzatziki sauce, sliced red onion, cucumber optional, for serving

Equipment

  • Grill or cast iron grill pan
  • Skewers (wooden or metal)
  • large mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  2. Add the chicken cubes and toss until every piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours.
  3. If using wooden skewers, soak in cold water for 30 minutes. Remove chicken from the refrigerator 15 minutes before grilling.
  4. Thread the chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece to allow heat to circulate evenly.
  5. Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high and brush lightly with oil. Grill the skewers for 10 to 12 minutes total, turning every 3 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F internally and shows char on multiple sides.
  6. Rest the skewers for 5 minutes. Squeeze fresh lemon over the hot skewers immediately before serving.

Notes

Storage: Store cooked chicken cubes off the skewers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a dry skillet over medium heat or serve cold over salads. Marinade tip: Do not exceed 4 hours as lemon juice will begin to affect the texture of the chicken. Variations: Add chunks of red bell pepper and red onion to the skewers. Substitute lamb shoulder for a traditional alternative. Serving: Traditionally served in warm pita with tzatziki, sliced onion, and cucumber, or as a platter with lemon rice and Greek salad.