Lemon-Garlic Chicken Souvlaki Skewers
Juicy chicken pieces marinated in lemon juice, garlic, and oregano, then grilled on skewers for a classic Greek street food experience. This greek-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic cloves 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs, cut into 1-inch cubes boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp dried oregano, 1 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to make a marinade.
- Step 2: Add 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch cubes to the marinade. Toss well to coat and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3 hours for deeper flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 425°F). Thread marinated chicken pieces evenly onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 4: Grill chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with tzatziki or pita bread.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Garlic 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 Lemon-Garlic 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 Lemon-Garlic 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 Lemon-Garlic 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 Lemon-Garlic Chicken Souvlaki Skewers?
Greek chicken 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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