I still remember my first bite of authentic souvlaki in a tiny Athens taverna – the bright lemon, the herby garlic punch, the smoky char from the grill. That moment sparked my obsession with recreating those flavors at home. These Lemon Herb Chicken Souvlaki Skewers capture that magic with just a handful of simple ingredients. What I love most? They’re equally perfect for weeknight dinners or summer cookouts. The marinade works its wonders in just an hour (though overnight is even better!), transforming basic chicken into something extraordinary. Trust me, once you taste that juicy chicken with caramelized edges and fresh lemon zing, you’ll be making these skewers on repeat all season long.
Why You’ll Love These Lemon Herb Chicken Souvlaki Skewers
This recipe checks all the boxes for me – and I know you’ll feel the same way once you try it:
- Weeknight magic: Just 15 minutes of prep and minimal cleanup!
- Flavor bomb: That bright lemon-herb marinade makes every bite sing
- Healthy-ish: Lean protein with fresh veggies – no guilt here
- Grill master vibes: Gets you outside cooking with minimal effort
- Crowd-pleaser: Kids and adults both go crazy for these skewers
Honestly? The hardest part is waiting for them to finish grilling – the smell is absolutely intoxicating!
Ingredients for Lemon Herb Chicken Souvlaki Skewers
Gather these simple ingredients – I promise you probably have most in your kitchen already! The magic happens when they all come together:
- For the marinade: 2 tbsp good olive oil (the fruity kind works best), 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (please don’t use bottled – it makes all the difference!), 2 cloves garlic minced (or 1 tsp pre-minced if you’re in a rush), 1 tsp each dried oregano and thyme (rub them between your fingers to wake up the oils), 1/2 tsp salt (I use kosher), 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- For the skewers: 500g boneless chicken breast cut into 1-inch cubes (make them even so they cook at the same rate), 1 medium red onion cut into 1-inch chunks (they get so sweet when grilled!), 1 bell pepper (any color) cut same size as onion
See? Nothing fancy – just fresh, vibrant ingredients ready to work their magic. Now let’s make some skewers!
How to Make Lemon Herb Chicken Souvlaki Skewers
Okay, let’s get cooking! This process is so simple, but I’ve got some tricks to make sure your skewers turn out restaurant-quality every time. Follow these steps and you’ll be biting into juicy, flavorful chicken before you know it!
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
First, grab your favorite mixing bowl – I use a wide, shallow one so everything gets coated evenly. Whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice until they look creamy. Then stir in the minced garlic (smell that amazing aroma already?), oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Here’s my secret: dip a tiny piece of bread in the marinade to taste it! You want that perfect balance of bright lemon and earthy herbs. Need more zing? Add another squeeze of lemon. Too tart? A drizzle of honey balances it beautifully.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Now the fun part! Toss those chicken cubes into the marinade and massage it in with your hands – yes, get messy! Every piece should glisten with that herby goodness. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap (or transfer to a ziplock bag) and pop it in the fridge. Ideally, let it sit for at least an hour, but if you’re short on time? Even 30 minutes makes a difference. For emergency dinner situations, I’ll sometimes leave it on the counter for 15 minutes while I prep everything else – not ideal, but better than nothing!
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
While the chicken marinates, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes – this prevents them from burning to a crisp on the grill. When you’re ready, start threading! I alternate: chicken, onion, pepper, chicken, onion, pepper… leaving about 1/4 inch between pieces so heat can circulate. Pro tip: don’t pack them too tight or the centers won’t cook properly. Leave the last inch of each skewer empty so you’ve got something to grab when flipping.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Fire up your grill to medium-high heat – about 400°F if you’ve got a thermometer. Lay the skewers across the grates (diagonal looks fancy!) and resist the urge to move them for 3-4 minutes. You want those beautiful grill marks! Flip carefully using tongs and cook another 3-4 minutes. The chicken’s done when it’s golden with slightly charred edges and juices run clear when pierced. Whatever you do, don’t overcook! Dry chicken is the enemy here. Total cook time should be 10-12 minutes max for perfect juicy bites.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Herb Chicken Souvlaki Skewers
After making these skewers countless times (seriously, my grill has permanent lemon-herb aromas now), I’ve picked up some game-changing tricks:
- Metal skewers FTW: If you’ve got them, use metal! They conduct heat better and won’t burn like wood can. Just remember they get crazy hot – use oven mitts when flipping!
- Flavor booster: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade – it gives that irresistible “Greek taverna” smokiness without extra effort.
- Marinade insurance: Always make extra marinade to brush on while grilling. Just set some aside before adding the chicken to avoid cross-contamination.
- Even cooking: Cut chicken pieces the same size – I use a ruler when I’m feeling extra precise. Uneven pieces = some raw, some dry.
- Rest time: Let skewers sit 5 minutes after grilling. The juices redistribute and you won’t burn your tongue – win-win!
These little tweaks take your skewers from good to “can I have your recipe?” status!
Serving Suggestions for Lemon Herb Chicken Souvlaki Skewers
Oh, the possibilities! These skewers scream for a full Greek feast spread. My must-haves? Piping hot pita bread to wrap around the juicy chicken, a big bowl of cool tzatziki for dipping (that garlicky yogurt is life!), and a crunchy Greek salad. Feeling fancy? Add some lemon-roasted potatoes – their crispy edges soak up the skewer juices perfectly. For drinks, a chilled Assyrtiko white wine or even just an ice-cold beer cuts through the richness. Honestly? I sometimes just stand at the counter eating them straight off the skewer – no shame!
Storing and Reheating Lemon Herb Chicken Souvlaki Skewers
Leftovers? No problem! (Though honestly, that rarely happens in my house.) Store cooled skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, skip the microwave – it makes the chicken rubbery. Instead, pop them in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or sizzle in a skillet until just warmed through. The texture stays so much better this way! Pro tip: If the veggies seem dry, drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil before reheating. Now go enjoy round two of that amazing lemony goodness!
Nutritional Information for Lemon Herb Chicken Souvlaki Skewers
Here’s the scoop on what you’re getting in each delicious skewer (about 1 serving):
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 8g (only 1.5g saturated – the good kind from olive oil!)
- Protein: 30g (hello, muscle fuel!)
- Carbs: 6g
- Sugar: Just 3g naturally from the veggies
Of course, these numbers can vary based on your exact ingredients – like if you go heavy on the tzatziki (no judgment here!). But overall? A seriously guilt-free way to satisfy those Greek food cravings!
FAQs About Lemon Herb Chicken Souvlaki Skewers
I get asked these questions all the time – here are my tried-and-true answers from years of making these skewers:
Can I bake these instead of grilling?
Absolutely! Just arrange skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil 4-6 inches from heat for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t get that smoky char but still taste amazing. For extra browning, brush with a little extra marinade before cooking.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
The sweet spot is 1-4 hours – any longer and the lemon juice starts to “cook” the chicken, making it mushy. If you must marinate overnight, reduce the lemon juice to 1 tbsp and add the rest fresh before grilling.
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes! Thighs stay juicier and can handle longer grilling times. Just cut into slightly smaller pieces since they take longer to cook through. The fat renders beautifully with the marinade.
What if I don’t have wooden skewers?
No worries! Just toss everything in a grill basket or cook the chicken and veggies separately. The flavors will still shine through.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
For sure! Freeze it right in the marinade for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before skewering – the chicken soaks up even more flavor this way!
Share Your Lemon Herb Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Experience
Did these skewers transport you to a sunny Greek isle like they do for me? Snap a pic and tag me – I live for seeing your creations! Leave a comment below too – your tips might help the next home cook nail this recipe. Happy grilling!
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Juicy Lemon Herb Chicken Souvlaki Skewers in Just 1 Hour
- Total Time: 27 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A light and flavorful Greek-inspired dish featuring tender chicken marinated in lemon and herbs, grilled to perfection on skewers.
Ingredients
- 500g boneless chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 medium red onion, cut into chunks
- 1 medium bell pepper, cut into chunks
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken cubes to the marinade and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Thread marinated chicken, onion, and bell pepper onto skewers.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve hot with tzatziki sauce and pita fillet.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- If using metal skewers, handle with care as they get hot.
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of paprika before grilling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Lemon Herb Chicken Souvlaki Skewers, Greek chicken skewers, grilled chicken recipe
