These Easy Greek Chicken Souvlaki Kebabs are juicy and packed with flavorful herbs! They’re perfect for a quick meal or a fun backyard barbecue.
Just marinate the chicken, skewer it, and grill until golden. I love serving mine with a side of tzatziki sauce—it’s a refreshing treat! Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless thighs for juiciness, but breasts work too! For a healthier option, you can use turkey. Just keep an eye on cooking time since turkey can dry out faster.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds great flavor, but you can use avocado oil if you prefer a higher smoke point or if you’re looking for a neutral taste.
Herbs: Dried oregano is a classic in Greek dishes. If you’re out, Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like rosemary can work in a pinch. Just remember the flavor will change slightly!
Vegetables: Feel free to swap in other veggies such as cherry tomatoes or bell peppers of different colors. They’ll still pack great flavor and color on your skewers!
Tzatziki Sauce: If you don’t have Greek yogurt, regular yogurt works too. You can also add a dollop of sour cream for a creamier texture. Can’t find dill? Fresh mint makes a nice twist!
How Do I Ensure the Chicken is Tender and Flavorful?
Marinating is key! Here’s how to get tender and flavorful chicken. Make sure to cover the chicken completely with the marinade, as every piece needs a good coating.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but 1-2 hours is best for flavor.
- Keep it in the fridge to avoid any bacteria growth.
- If you can, use a resealable bag; it mixes the marinade better and takes less space in the fridge!
When you’re ready to grill, let the chicken come to room temperature for about 15 minutes. This will help it cook evenly.
Easy Greek Chicken Souvlaki Kebabs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kebabs:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 large red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 large zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 small red onion, cut into chunks
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Feta cheese, crumbled, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
For the Tzatziki Sauce (optional):
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. Then you’ll need about 10-12 minutes to grill the kebabs. So overall, expect around 1 hour if you let it all marinate properly—and the result will be fantastic!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. This marinade is where all the flavor comes from, so make sure it’s well mixed!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade in the bowl. Stir well to coat every piece evenly in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer everything into a resealable bag. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, aim for 1-2 hours!
3. Prepare the Vegetables:
While the chicken is marinating, chop your red bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion into chunks that are suitable for skewering. This will add great color and flavor to the kebabs!
4. Make the Tzatziki Sauce (Optional):
If you’re up for it, prepare the tzatziki sauce! In a bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (that you’ve squeezed dry), minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve it.
5. Assemble the Skewers:
Once the chicken is marinated, it’s time to assemble! Take your skewers and thread on the marinated chicken pieces, alternating with chunks of red bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion for variety. Don’t pack them too tightly to allow heat to circulate.
6. Grill the Kebabs:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the assembled skewers on the grill. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and has lovely grill marks!
7. Serve:
Once done, carefully remove the kebabs from the grill and place them on a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese. Don’t forget to serve with lemon wedges and the chilled tzatziki sauce on the side!
Enjoy your delicious and flavorful Greek chicken souvlaki kebabs with pita bread, a fresh Greek salad, or your favorite sides! Happy grilling!
FAQ About Easy Greek Chicken Souvlaki Kebabs
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually juicier and more forgiving when cooking, making them a great choice for souvlaki kebabs. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking!
How Long Should I Marinate the Chicken?
For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but 1-2 hours is ideal. If you’re in a pinch, even 15 minutes can help, but longer marinating will yield a more flavorful result.
Can I Make These Kebabs in the Oven Instead of the Grill?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
What Should I Do with Leftover Kebabs?
Store any leftover kebabs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can be enjoyed cold, reheated in the microwave, or added to salads, wraps, or grain bowls!
