Oh, where do I even begin with these lemon herb chicken souvlaki skewers? They’re like a little bite of Greece right in your backyard! I remember the first time I had souvlaki—it was at a tiny family-run taverna, and the flavors just danced on my palate. That vibrant zest of lemon paired with the aromatic herbs is simply irresistible! What I love about this recipe is how straightforward it is. You toss together a few fresh ingredients, marinate that succulent chicken, and then grill it until it’s perfectly charred. It’s fresh, it’s zesty, and it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Trust me, you’re going to want to make these again and again!
Ingredients
For the absolute best lemon herb chicken souvlaki skewers, you’ll want to gather the freshest ingredients possible. Trust me, it makes all the difference! Here’s what you need:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced: Make sure to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender bites that grill beautifully.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness and depth to the marinade.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is a must! The zing of real lemon juice elevates the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives a robust flavor, so avoid the jarred stuff if you can.
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano: This herb is classic in Greek cuisine—don’t skimp on it for that authentic taste!
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a pop of color and freshness. Use it right before grilling for the best flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the lovely flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper gives a bit of heat and complexity.
Remember, using fresh ingredients is key to achieving that vibrant flavor profile! So, when you’re shopping, look for the best quality you can find. Happy cooking!
How to Prepare the Lemon Herb Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe
Now that you’ve got your fresh ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—preparing these delicious lemon herb chicken souvlaki skewers! I promise to break it down into easy, digestible steps so you can follow along without any hiccups. Ready? Let’s go!
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
First things first, grab a medium-sized mixing bowl and combine your olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. I like to whisk it all together until it’s well blended—this ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed and every bite is packed with that zesty goodness. Make sure it’s nice and bubbly; that’s how you know it’s ready!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Next, it’s time to add that diced chicken breast into the marinade. Give it a gentle toss, making sure every piece is coated in that luscious mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer everything into a zip-top bag for convenience. Pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour—this is crucial! Marinating allows the chicken to soak up all those vibrant flavors, making each skewer incredibly tasty. If you can let it sit for a few hours, even better!
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
While your chicken is marinating, go ahead and preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This is an important step, folks! A hot grill ensures that you get those perfect char marks and a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part!
Step 4: Assemble the Skewers
Once your chicken is marinated and the grill is hot, it’s time to assemble those skewers! Carefully thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking. I like to alternate the chicken pieces for a fun look, but it’s totally up to you. Just make sure not to pack them too tightly!
Step 5: Grill the Skewers
Now, place those skewers on the grill and let them cook! Grill each side for about 5-7 minutes, turning them halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is cooked through and has a beautiful golden-brown color. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked chicken. Yum!
Step 6: Let Rest Before Serving
Once you’ve taken the skewers off the grill, resist the urge to dive right in! Let them rest for a few minutes. This step is essential for keeping the chicken juicy and flavorful. After resting, you’re all set to serve and enjoy your lemon herb chicken souvlaki skewers—trust me, the wait will be worth it!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional goodness packed into these lemon herb chicken souvlaki skewers! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated values per serving (1 skewer), so you know exactly what you’re getting:
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. But hey, knowing that you’re enjoying a flavorful, protein-packed dish makes these skewers even more delightful, right? Happy grilling!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: With just a little marinating time, you can whip these up in no time—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Fresh and zesty flavor: The combination of lemon and herbs creates a burst of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Gluten-free: This dish is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for everyone to enjoy.
- Perfect for grilling season: Bring out the grill and enjoy these skewers outdoors with friends and family.
- Great for meal prep: These skewers are fantastic for meal prepping and can be served at gatherings, ensuring everyone leaves happy!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your lemon herb chicken souvlaki skewers turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some pro tips that I swear by:
- Marinating time: While an hour is the minimum, I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 2-3 hours, or even overnight if you can. This allows the flavors to really penetrate the meat, making it more delicious and tender.
- Skewer soaking: If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning on the grill and helps to keep your chicken intact!
- Grilling technique: Make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before placing the skewers on. This helps prevent sticking! Also, resist the urge to flip them too often; let them develop a nice char for that mouthwatering flavor.
- Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C)—this guarantees juicy meat without any risk of undercooking.
- Even cooking: Ensure you don’t overcrowd the skewers. Leaving a little space between the pieces allows for even cooking and that delightful char on all sides.
- Let them rest: After grilling, let the skewers rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the chicken, keeping it moist and flavorful.
With these tips in your pocket, you’re all set to impress everyone with your delicious lemon herb chicken souvlaki skewers! Happy grilling!
Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up with your lemon herb chicken souvlaki skewers, you’re in for a treat! There are so many fun variations to explore, and I can’t wait to share some ideas that will keep your taste buds dancing. Let’s dive in!
- Different proteins: Don’t feel limited to just chicken! Shrimp makes an excellent alternative—just marinate for a shorter time (about 30 minutes) as they cook quickly on the grill. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using tofu instead. Just be sure to press it first to remove excess moisture, then marinate as you would the chicken for that delicious flavor.
- Add veggies: Amp up the nutrition and color by adding vegetables to your skewers. Bell peppers, red onions, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini all grill beautifully and pair perfectly with that zesty marinade. Just chop them into similar sizes as your chicken for even cooking!
- Adjust spices: Want to switch up the flavor profile? Feel free to experiment with different spices! A pinch of smoked paprika or cumin can add a lovely warmth to the skewers. For a spicy kick, try adding crushed red pepper flakes or some cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- Herb variations: While oregano and parsley are classic, you can mix in other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or cilantro for a unique twist. Each herb brings its own personality to the dish!
- Marinade alternatives: If you’re feeling adventurous, consider trying a yogurt-based marinade for a creamy texture and tangy flavor. Just swap out some of the olive oil for plain Greek yogurt, and you’ll have a deliciously different take on souvlaki!
These variations not only keep things exciting but also allow you to cater to different dietary preferences. So, get creative and let your culinary imagination run wild with these lemon herb chicken souvlaki skewers—every bite will be a new adventure!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made these delicious lemon herb chicken souvlaki skewers and have some leftovers? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered on how to store and reheat them to keep all that incredible flavor intact!
First things first, let your skewers cool down to room temperature. Once they’re cool, transfer them to an airtight container. If you want to keep them extra fresh, you can also wrap each skewer individually in plastic wrap before placing them in the container. This helps to prevent them from drying out in the fridge!
Store the skewers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you think you won’t finish them within that timeframe, consider freezing them! Just place the skewers in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, and they’ll be good for up to 2 months. Just don’t forget to label the container with the date!
When it’s time to reheat, you’ve got a couple of options. For the best results, I recommend reheating them in the oven or on the grill. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the skewers on a baking sheet, and cover them loosely with foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. If you’re using the grill, just throw them back on for a few minutes until heated, making sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook!
In a pinch, you can also use the microwave, but be careful! Microwaving can make the chicken a bit rubbery. If you choose this method, heat in short intervals (about 30 seconds), checking frequently until warm.
And there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your lemon herb chicken souvlaki skewers even after the grilling session is over. Happy eating!
Share Your Experience
I’d absolutely love to hear about your adventures with these lemon herb chicken souvlaki skewers! Have you tried making them? What did you think? Did you add your own twist or stick to the classic recipe? Your feedback means the world to me, and it’s always fun to see how others interpret a dish!
Feel free to drop a comment below and share your thoughts, tips, or any questions you might have. And if you enjoyed the recipe, I’d be thrilled if you could take a moment to rate it! Your ratings help others discover these tasty skewers and inspire more home cooks to give them a try. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear from you!
For more information on the health benefits of olive oil, check out this Healthline article.
To learn more about the nutritional value of chicken, visit this Nutrition Value page.
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Lemon Herb Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe: 5 Simple Steps
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Lemon herb chicken souvlaki skewers with a zesty marinade.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Grill the skewers for 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
- Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Serve with tzatziki sauce and pita bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: lemon herb chicken souvlaki skewers recipe
