Grilled Lemon-Oregano Chicken Souvlaki Skewers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken pieces marinated in fragrant lemon juice, oregano, and garlic, then grilled to smoky perfection on skewers. This Greek recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, fresh lemon juice, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs cubed boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated chicken cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, distributing evenly.
  4. Step 4: Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks with an internal temperature of 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and rest for 5 minutes before serving with lemon wedges and tzatziki sauce if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Lemon-Oregano Chicken Souvlaki Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Lemon-Oregano Chicken Souvlaki Skewers?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fresh lemon juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Lemon-Oregano Chicken Souvlaki Skewers?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Lemon-Oregano Chicken Souvlaki Skewers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Lemon-Oregano Chicken Souvlaki Skewers?

Mediterranean greek like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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