Chicken Souvlaki is a true Mediterranean delight, loaded with mouthwatering flavors and lots of soul! Juicy chunks of marinated chicken are grilled to perfection on skewers, filling your kitchen with the aroma of garlic, oregano, and lemon. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight meal or planning a fun backyard gathering, this Chicken Souvlaki recipe is the effortless showstopper that’s both simple to make and absolutely unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Chicken Souvlaki is how a handful of humble ingredients come together to create something so vibrant and satisfying. Each element is key: adding bold flavor, rich color, or that perfect hint of freshness.
- Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the juiciest and most tender skewers.
- Olive oil: The base of the marinade, olive oil helps infuse flavor and keeps the chicken moist while grilling.
- Fresh lemon juice: Gives the dish its bright, tangy flair and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Garlic cloves: Don’t hold back! Fresh, minced garlic adds a punch of Mediterranean aroma and depth.
- Dried oregano: Essential for the classic Greek flavor—oregano is what brings those sunny, herbal notes.
- Salt: Just enough to make the flavors pop and balance out the tangy citrus and bold herbs.
- Black pepper: Adds just a hint of earthy spice to round out the marinade.
- Wooden or metal skewers: Threaded chicken is so much more fun to eat, but if you use wooden skewers, soak them in water first to prevent burning.
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges: For serving, a sprinkle of parsley and extra lemon make your Chicken Souvlaki sing!
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki
Step 1: Whisk the Marinade
Start with a large bowl and whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. The scent alone is enough to transport you to a sunny Greek taverna! This simple marinade is the magic behind Chicken Souvlaki’s signature flavor, infusing every bite with savory, tangy, and herbaceous notes.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken cubes to your bowl and toss them so every piece is deliciously coated. Cover and pop the bowl in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but if you have a couple of hours, let it sit even longer. The extra time makes those Mediterranean flavors sink in deep, creating impossibly juicy, beautifully seasoned chicken.
Step 3: Prepare the Skewers
While the chicken marinates, you can prep your skewers. If you’re using wooden ones, give them a good soak in water for 30 minutes—this will keep them from burning on the grill. Thread your chicken cubes onto the skewers, making sure they’re snug but not squished together, so they cook evenly and get those irresistible grill marks.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is cooked through, lightly charred on the edges, and wafting that signature souvlaki aroma. Don’t forget to rest the Chicken Souvlaki for a few minutes so the juices stay locked in.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer your skewers to a platter and finish with a fresh sprinkle of parsley and a few lemon wedges on the side. Every bite is zesty, juicy, and tender—a Mediterranean mini-vacation on a stick!
How to Serve Chicken Souvlaki
Garnishes
Garnishing your Chicken Souvlaki is all about adding that final burst of color and freshness. A handful of chopped parsley brings a pop of green, while extra lemon wedges let everyone add a hit of zesty brightness. For a little extra flair, crumble on some feta or drizzle with tzatziki—you won’t regret it!
Side Dishes
You’ve got endless pairing options here. Serve your Chicken Souvlaki alongside warm, pillowy pita bread and a big Greek salad tossed with tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta. Roasted potatoes or a cool orzo salad also work beautifully, letting the lively flavors of the chicken truly shine.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party spread, build a Mediterranean platter with the Chicken Souvlaki skewers, stacks of fresh pita, little bowls of tzatziki, and heaps of colorful veggies. Or, turn it into a healthy gyro by slipping the chicken off the skewers and piling it into pita wraps with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, and sauce. It’s perfect for outdoor gatherings or cozy family dinners alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Chicken Souvlaki, let the skewers cool completely, then store the chicken pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to three days, and the flavors actually intensify, making the leftovers a real treat for easy lunches or speedy dinners.
Freezing
Chicken Souvlaki can be frozen for later, too! Remove the chicken from the skewers (if using wooden ones) and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. It’ll keep its flavor for up to two months. For best texture, freeze the chicken after grilling rather than raw and marinated.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat until just heated through. If you want to recreate that fresh-off-the-grill effect, pop the chicken under the broiler for a minute or two—you’ll revive those gorgeous charred edges with hardly any effort!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Chicken Souvlaki?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit fattier, which means they stay extra juicy and flavorful on the grill. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and follow the same steps.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes if you’re short on time, but for the best flavor, let it sit for 2 to 3 hours. If you plan ahead, overnight marination is also great—just cover and refrigerate!
Do I need a grill, or can I cook Chicken Souvlaki another way?
No grill? No problem! You can use a grill pan on the stovetop or even broil the skewers in your oven. Both options will still give you juicy, delicious Chicken Souvlaki with a golden finish.
What’s the best way to prevent dry chicken?
Don’t overcook! Grill the skewers just until the chicken is cooked through, and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Marinating and using a bit of olive oil in the mix also helps keep things wonderfully moist.
Can I prep Chicken Souvlaki ahead for a party?
Definitely. You can marinate the chicken a day ahead and thread onto skewers the morning of your party. Grill them right before serving for maximum freshness and wow factor!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that’s bright, satisfying, and bound to please a crowd, give Chicken Souvlaki a try. With its easy prep, stunning flavors, and endless serving possibilities, it’s sure to become a staple at your table. Fire up your grill and see why this classic Greek recipe is such a favorite!
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Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Souvlaki recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make Greek dish featuring juicy marinated chicken skewers. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or weekend barbecue.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Additional:
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, toss to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2-3 hours.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Skewer Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Grill Chicken: Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and lightly charred.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from grill, let rest for a few minutes. Serve warm, garnished with parsley and lemon wedges.
Notes
- For extra flavor, serve with tzatziki sauce, pita bread, and a Greek salad.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
