Zesty Chicken Souvlaki Skewers
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with these Zesty Chicken Souvlaki Skewers. Perfectly marinated chicken breast cubes are skewered and grilled to perfection, making for a delightful dish that's excellent served with warm pita bread, a refreshing tzatziki, and a crisp green salad. This versatile marinade, infused with zesty lemon, aromatic herbs, and a hint of garlic, also pairs beautifully with veal for those seeking variety. Enjoy this dish at your next barbecue or family gathering for a crowd-pleasing meal that's both light and satisfying.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless chicken breasts
2 lbs (Cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes)
Lemon juice
1/4 cup (Freshly squeezed)
Olive oil
1/4 cup (Extra virgin recommended)
Salt
1/8 teaspoon (To taste)
Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (To taste)
White vinegar
1/4 cup (Regular or light)
Garlic
1 clove (Minced)
Dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Paprika
1/2 teaspoon (Sweet or smoked)
Sage
1/4 teaspoon (Dried)
Savory
1/4 teaspoon (Dried)
Thyme
1/4 teaspoon (Dried)
Instructions
1
If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, white vinegar, minced garlic, dry mustard, paprika, sage, savory, and thyme. Whisk together until well blended.
3
Add the cubed chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
4
Once marinated, preheat your grill to high heat. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers evenly.
5
Place the skewers on the hot grill, close the lid, and cook for approximately 4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. The total grilling time should be around 8 minutes.
6
Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with pita, tzatziki, and your favorite salad!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Chicken Souvlaki Skewers?
They are a Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring chicken breast cubes marinated in lemon, herbs, and garlic, then grilled on skewers.
What cut of chicken should I use?
The recipe recommends using 2 lbs of boneless chicken breasts.
How should I cut the chicken?
The chicken should be cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes for even cooking on the skewers.
What are the primary flavors in the marinade?
The marinade is infused with zesty lemon, aromatic herbs like sage and thyme, and a hint of garlic.
How long does the chicken need to marinate?
You should marinate the chicken for a minimum of 2 hours, though overnight is best for maximum flavor.
What should I do if I am using bamboo skewers?
Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before use to prevent them from burning on the grill.
What liquids are used in the marinade?
The marinade consists of lemon juice, olive oil, and white vinegar.
Which herbs are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses dried sage, savory, and thyme.
Can I use a meat other than chicken?
Yes, this versatile marinade also pairs beautifully with veal.
What spices are added to the mixture?
The spice blend includes salt, pepper, dry mustard, and paprika.
What type of olive oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for this recipe.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for one minced garlic clove.
What type of paprika should I use?
You can use either sweet or smoked paprika depending on your preference.
How do I prepare the marinade?
Whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and all the dry spices in a mixing bowl until well blended.
What temperature should the grill be?
You should preheat your grill to high heat before adding the skewers.
How long do the skewers take to grill?
They take approximately 8 minutes in total, or 4 minutes per side.
Should the grill lid be closed?
Yes, you should close the lid while the chicken is cooking.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is ready when it is cooked through and the juices run clear.
Is it necessary to rest the meat?
Yes, let the skewers rest for a few minutes after removing them from the grill for better texture.
What are some recommended side dishes?
These skewers are excellent served with warm pita bread, refreshing tzatziki, and a crisp green salad.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a light and satisfying meal that is tagged as healthy.
What type of vinegar should I use?
Regular or light white vinegar works best for this marinade.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total for the chicken and marinade.
Can I use fresh lemon juice?
Yes, 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended.
What kind of mustard is used?
The recipe specifically calls for ground dry mustard.
Is this dish good for parties?
Yes, it is a crowd-pleasing meal perfect for barbecues and family gatherings.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/8 teaspoon of each, or more to taste.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to soak the bamboo skewers if you are using them.
What is the origin style of this dish?
The dish is Mediterranean in style, specifically inspired by Greek souvlaki.
Do I need to coat the chicken thoroughly?
Yes, ensure all pieces are thoroughly coated in the marinade before refrigerating.