Chicken Souvlaki is a classic Greek dish where juicy, marinated chicken is grilled to perfection on skewers, delivering big Mediterranean flavor in every bite. It’s one of those recipes that’s effortless enough for busy weeknights yet crowd-pleasing enough for summer parties. Just imagine the aroma of oregano, garlic, and sizzle of charred edges—it’s the kind of meal that invites laughter, fresh air, and a table full of friends. With the bright pop of lemon and golden grill marks, you’ll want to make Chicken Souvlaki a regular in your rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Chicken Souvlaki is in its simplicity: each ingredient is chosen to amplify color, juiciness, and authentic Greek flavor. Good ingredients are truly the secret here, so pick the freshest you can find!
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs—the base of your souvlaki, offering the perfect canvas to soak up all those Mediterranean spices and oils.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade cling beautifully to the chicken; plus, it gives you that authentic Greek mouthfeel.
- Fresh lemon juice: Cuts through the richness, brightens the entire dish and tenderizes the meat as it marinates.
- Garlic: Brings aromatic depth—the more finely minced, the better it disappears into every bite.
- Dried oregano: Adds unmistakable Greek earthiness; it’s not Chicken Souvlaki without this herb!
- Salt: Essential for amplifying all the flavors—don’t skimp!
- Black pepper: Just a touch, to round out and balance the marinade with subtle heat.
- Wooden or metal skewers: These turn chicken into the iconic, fun-to-eat souvlaki presentation. Soak wooden ones to avoid burning if grilling.
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki
Step 1: Whisk Up the Marinade
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This marinade is where Chicken Souvlaki gets its signature flavor—think zesty, herbal, and a little bit punchy thanks to that fresh lemon. Whisking ensures the oil and citrus blend thoroughly, infusing each piece of chicken with balanced flavors.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add your bite-sized chicken pieces into the marinade and toss well. Make sure every chunk gets glossy and coated in all that herby goodness. Cover the bowl (plastic wrap does the trick) and pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour and up to 4—marinating transforms texture and flavor, making each bite of Chicken Souvlaki tender and aromatic.
Step 3: Prepare Your Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes while the chicken marinates. This step prevents the wood from burning on a hot grill. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving just a little space between each so the heat can circulate evenly for the juiciest result.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Heat your grill (outdoor or grill pan) over medium-high heat. Arrange the skewers, leaving room between each so they can sear beautifully. Grill for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through with gorgeous grill marks and a slight char. The hallmark of an excellent Chicken Souvlaki is juicy meat inside with a smoky, crisp surface.
Step 5: Serve Hot & Fresh
Take the skewers off the grill and serve them immediately. If you like, add a fresh squeeze of lemon over the top for an extra burst of brightness. Enjoy with fluffy pita, a dollop of creamy tzatziki, and crisp veggies for the full Greek street food experience.
How to Serve Chicken Souvlaki
Garnishes
When it comes to presenting Chicken Souvlaki, don’t hold back on the fresh touches! A sprinkle of chopped parsley, a shower of crumbled feta cheese, or an extra squeeze of lemon gives each skewer eye-catching color and an extra layer of flavor. Even a dusting of sumac or a drizzle of good olive oil can make all the difference.
Side Dishes
Souvlaki loves company. Pair your skewers with classic sides like fluffy pita bread, creamy tzatziki, Greek village salad bursting with tomatoes and cucumbers, or buttery roasted potatoes. These simple additions turn Chicken Souvlaki into a balanced meal that feels straight from a sun-drenched taverna.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, try serving Chicken Souvlaki deconstructed in a grain bowl with quinoa or rice, or offer a DIY platter with warm pita, different dips, and vibrant veggies so everyone can build their perfect bite. Mini skewers make fantastic appetizers for parties—watch them disappear in minutes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got extra Chicken Souvlaki? Remove leftover chicken from the skewers and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days, making for easy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, freeze the marinated, uncooked chicken on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag to store for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling for Chicken Souvlaki any night you crave it!
Reheating
To reheat, place chicken pieces in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth and cover until warmed through. This keeps them juicy. Alternatively, microwave gently in 30-second bursts. Add a fresh squeeze of lemon to brighten things back up.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Chicken Souvlaki?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are incredibly juicy and flavorful and work beautifully here. They’ll stay tender even if you slightly overcook, making them a forgiving choice for grilling.
How long should I marinate Chicken Souvlaki?
For the best flavor and texture, marinate for at least 1 hour. Four hours will give you even juicier, more deeply flavored chicken—just don’t marinate overnight, as the acid may make the texture mealy.
Can I cook Chicken Souvlaki without a grill?
Yes! You can use a grill pan on your stovetop, or bake the skewers in a 425°F oven for 20–25 minutes. While the char flavor may be less intense, you’ll still have wonderful Greek-inspired results.
What’s the best way to prevent wooden skewers from burning?
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken. The water saturation helps keep them from burning or splintering during grilling, especially over high heat.
Is Chicken Souvlaki gluten-free?
On its own, yes—Chicken Souvlaki is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to serve it with gluten-free sides or pita if you’re cooking for those with dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
If you crave simple, flavorful meals that instantly transport you to the Mediterranean, you have to try Chicken Souvlaki. It’s easy enough for beginners, yet special enough to wow anyone lucky enough to join you at the table. So light up that grill—or oven—and dive in!
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Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the flavors of Greece with this easy and delicious Chicken Souvlaki recipe. Tender, marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection, served with pita and tzatziki for a Mediterranean feast.
Ingredients
Chicken Souvlaki:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken pieces, coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for 1-4 hours.
- Prepare Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes. Thread chicken onto skewers.
- Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
- Serve: Serve hot with pita, tzatziki, and veggies.
Notes
- You can also bake the skewers in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes.
- For extra flavor, squeeze fresh lemon over the cooked skewers before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer portion
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
