Easy Chicken Souvlaki Recipe – Grilled Skewers

Chicken souvlaki is a dish that transports me straight to the sun-drenched islands of Greece with every savory bite. There’s something truly magical about perfectly marinated, tender chicken, grilled to juicy perfection and infused with vibrant Mediterranean flavors. It’s a beloved classic for a reason! The non-intoxicating aroma of oregano, lemon, and garlic as it grills is simply irresistible, and the taste that follows is an explosion of fresh, zesty goodness. What makes this chicken souvlaki recipe so special is its inherent simplicity coupled with its incredible depth of flavor. It’s remarkably easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Whether you’re serving it in warm pita with tzatziki, alongside a crisp Greek salad, or simply on its own, this chicken souvlaki is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to whip up your new favorite grilled chicken!

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Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

There’s something inherently celebratory about a plate of perfectly grilled chicken souvlaki. The char from the grill, the bright, zesty marinade, and the tender, juicy chicken all come together for a truly satisfying meal. This recipe aims to bring that authentic Greek taverna experience right into your own kitchen, making it a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue. We’re going to marinate our chicken in a vibrant mix of citrus, herbs, and garlic to infuse it with incredible flavor, and then grill it to perfection. Serve it up with warm pita, fresh veggies, and creamy tzatziki for a complete and delightful feast.

Ingredients:

Marinating the Chicken

The secret to incredibly flavorful souvlaki lies in a generous marinating time. This allows the ingredients to work their magic, tenderizing the chicken and infusing it with that signature Greek taste.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by trimming any excess fat from your chicken breasts. Then, cut them into bite-sized cubes, about 1 to 1.5 inches. This size is perfect for skewering and ensures even cooking. If you plan to serve your souvlaki on skewers, you can leave the chicken as larger pieces and thread them onto soaked wooden skewers or metal skewers. If you’re grilling directly on the grates, the cubed chicken is ideal.

2. Create the Marinade: In a large bowl or a zip-top bag, combine the canola or olive oil, white grape juice vinegar, and fresh lemon juice. Add the smashed garlic cloves – smashing them helps release their potent flavor. Next, incorporate the fresh minced dill weed and parsley, along with the dried oregano. Season with coarse salt and black pepper. Whisk everything together until well combined. The vinegar and lemon juice will help to tenderize the chicken, making it incredibly moist and succulent. The fresh herbs add a bright, aromatic quality that is essential for authentic souvlaki.

3. Marinate: Add the cubed chicken to the marinade. Ensure each piece is coated thoroughly. If using a bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap. If using a zip-top bag, press out as much air as possible before sealing. Refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, I recommend marinating for 2 to 4 hours. You can even marinate it overnight for an even deeper flavor profile, though be mindful that very long marinating times in acidic liquids can sometimes start to “cook” the chicken, so keep an eye on the texture.

Grilling the Souvlaki

Now comes the exciting part – grilling! The smoky char from the grill adds another layer of deliciousness to the already flavorful chicken.

4. Preheat and Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This is crucial for achieving a good sear on the chicken. If you’re using a gas grill, simply turn on the burners and let it heat up. For a charcoal grill, arrange your coals and wait until they are covered in gray ash. It’s a good idea to clean your grill grates thoroughly with a wire brush to prevent sticking. You can also lightly oil your grates with a paper towel dipped in oil and held with tongs, which further helps with sticking.

5. Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade. If you’ve cut the chicken into cubes and are grilling directly on the grates, spread the chicken pieces evenly in a single layer. If you’re using skewers, thread the chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking. Place the chicken (or skewers) on the preheated grill. Grill for approximately 4-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of your chicken pieces. You’re looking for nice char marks on the outside and for the chicken to be cooked through and no longer pink in the center. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcrowding the grill, as this can lead to uneven cooking and steaming rather than grilling. It’s better to cook in batches if necessary.

Serving Your Souvlaki

Once your chicken is perfectly grilled, it’s time to assemble your delicious souvlaki feast.

6. Assemble and Serve: While the chicken is grilling, gently warm your Greek pita bread. You can do this on a dry skillet on the stovetop, in the oven for a few minutes, or even briefly on the grill. Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a couple of minutes on a plate before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring extra tender chicken. To assemble, you can either stuff the grilled chicken pieces into the warm pita pockets along with sliced tomatoes, thin slices of red onion, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. Alternatively, you can serve the grilled chicken alongside the pita, allowing everyone to build their own souvlaki wraps. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over everything just before serving can add an extra burst of brightness.

Enjoy your homemade chicken souvlaki – it’s a taste of the Mediterranean you won’t soon forget!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! This Chicken Souvlaki recipe is a fantastic way to bring the vibrant flavors of Greece right into your own kitchen. It’s incredibly easy to make, whether you’re grilling outdoors for that smoky char or pan-searing for a quick weeknight meal. The tender, marinated chicken, bursting with lemon, garlic, and oregano, is simply irresistible. We’ve covered how to achieve that perfect balance of savory and tangy, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your serving suggestions! While classic accompaniments like warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a fresh Greek salad are divine, you can also serve this souvlaki over rice pilaf, in wraps with your favorite veggies, or even as a topping for a hearty grain bowl. Feel free to experiment with variations too – a dash of smoked paprika can add a wonderful depth, or try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s a delicious journey to the Mediterranean that you won’t regret!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I marinate the chicken for longer than recommended?

Absolutely! The marinade for this chicken souvlaki is quite forgiving. While 30 minutes to 2 hours is ideal for flavor infusion, you can marinate it for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Just ensure it’s in an airtight container. Longer marination will result in an even deeper flavor profile.

What’s the best way to get perfectly cooked, tender chicken?

To ensure tender chicken, avoid overcooking it. Whether grilling or pan-searing, cook the chicken until it’s just opaque and the juices run clear. Using chicken thighs instead of breasts can also guarantee extra tenderness and moisture. Make sure your grill or pan is preheated to the correct temperature before adding the chicken.

Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Delicious and easy grilled chicken souvlaki, marinated in a bright lemon and herb mixture, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or outdoor gathering.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
12 Minutes

Total Time
32 Minutes

Servings
6-8 servings

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken breasts (about 4)
• 1/2 cup canola or olive oil
• 3 tbsp white grape juice vinegar
• 2 lemons – juice only (3 if lemons are not very juicy)
• 6 garlic cloves (smashed)
• 3 tbsp fresh minced dill weed
• 3 tbsp fresh minced parsley
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 – 1.5 tsp coarse salt (more or less to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 6-8 Greek pita bread (warmed)
• 2 tomatoes (sliced)
• 1/2 red onion (sliced thin)
• 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce (more or less)

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. In a large bowl or resealable bag, combine chicken, canola or olive oil, white grape juice vinegar, lemon juice, smashed garlic, minced dill, minced parsley, dried oregano, coarse salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Step 2
   Marinate chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken.
3. Step 3
   Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Step 4
   Grill chicken skewers for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
5. Step 5
   While the chicken is grilling, warm the Greek pita bread according to package directions.
6. Step 6
   Assemble souvlaki wraps by spreading tzatziki sauce on a warmed pita, then adding grilled chicken, sliced tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Fold or roll to serve.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.