Easy Chicken Souvlaki Recipe- Grilled Greek Skewers

Chicken souvlaki recipe is your passport to a sun-drenched Greek island, right in your own kitchen. Imagin extracte tender, marinated chicken pieces, grilled to juicy perfection and bursting with the vibrant flavors of lemon, garlic, and oregano. It’s no wonder this classic Greek dish holds such a special place in our hearts and on our dinner tables. The beauty of chicken souvlaki lies in its simplicity and its incredible versatility. Whether you’re serving it skewers hot off the grill with a side of fluffy pita, a cool tzatziki sauce, and a crisp Greek salad, or tucking it into wraps for a quick and satisfying lunch, this chicken souvlaki recipe delivers pure deliciousness every time. Get ready to transform simple ingredients into an unforgettable culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about tender, marinated chicken skewers, bursting with fresh herbs and bright citrus flavors. Chicken souvlaki is a quintessential Greek dish that’s perfect for grilling, pan-frying, or even baking. It’s a healthy and flavorful option for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, and the best part is, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. The magic truly lies in the marinade, which infuses the chicken with an irresistible Mediterranean essence. Get ready to transport your taste buds straight to the sunny shores of Greece with this simple yet spectacular chicken souvlaki recipe.

Ingredients:

Preparing the Marinade and Chicken

The foundation of any great souvlaki is a flavorful marinade, and this one is a winner. It balances acidity from the lemon and vinegar with the richness of the oil, while the garlic, herbs, and spices add layers of aromatic complexity. For the best results, we’ll want to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but an hour or even overnight will yield even deeper flavor penetration.

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the canola or olive oil, white grape juice vinegar, fresh lemon juice, smashed garlic cloves, minced fresh dill, minced fresh parsley, dried oregano, coarse salt, and black pepper. Ensure the salt and pepper are evenly distributed. The smashed garlic cloves will release their potent flavor more effectively than minced garlic in this marinade. Taste the marinade and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Remember, this marinade will be coating the chicken, so it should have a robust flavor.

2. Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches. Uniformly sized pieces will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly. Place the chicken pieces into a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken. Toss to ensure every piece of chicken is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful your souvlaki will be.

Cooking the Souvlaki

Now that our chicken has had ample time to soak up all that deliciousness, it’s time to cook it to perfection. You have a few excellent options here, depending on your preference and available equipment.

Grilling for Smoky Perfection

Grilling is my absolute favorite method for souvlaki. The char marks and the smoky essence it imparts are simply unbeatable. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to threading the chicken. This prevents them from burning on the grill.

3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the pre-soaked wooden skewers or metal skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece to ensure even cooking. Discard the leftover marinade; it’s not safe to reuse for cooking. Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcooking, as this can lead to dry chicken.

Pan-Frying for a Quick Fix

If grilling isn’t an option, pan-frying is a fantastic alternative. This method is quicker and works beautifully on the stovetop.

4. Heat 1-2 tablespoons of additional olive oil or canola oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the marinated chicken skewers in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of searing it, and you won’t get that desirable crust. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning the skewers every few minutes, until all sides are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Again, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Baking for Hands-Off Ease

For a more hands-off approach, baking is a convenient option. While it might not achieve the same char as grilling, it still produces delicious and tender souvlaki.

5. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Arrange the chicken skewers on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly golden. You can also broil for the last 1-2 minutes to get a bit of color, but watch it closely to prevent burning.

Serving Your Delicious Souvlaki

Once your chicken souvlaki is cooked to perfection, it’s time to assemble and enjoy. The classic way to serve souvlaki is in warm pita bread with fresh accompaniments.

Warm your Greek pita bread gently, either by wrapping them in foil and placing them on the grill for the last few minutes of cooking, or by warming them in a dry skillet over low heat, or briefly in the microwave. To assemble, spread a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce onto each warm pita. Place a few skewers of chicken onto the tzatziki, then top with slices of fresh tomato and thin slices of red onion. You can also add a sprinkle of extra fresh dill or parsley if you like. Fold the pita in half and enjoy your homemade chicken souvlaki! This dish is also wonderful served with a side of Greek salad or lemon-roasted potatoes. The bright, herbaceous flavors of the souvlaki are truly a taste of summer, no matter the season.

Conclusion:

There you have it – a delicious and straightforward recipe for authentic Chicken Souvlaki that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite or a star at your next gathering. This recipe truly shines because of its simplicity and the incredible depth of flavor achieved with a relatively short marinating time. The tender, succulent chicken, infused with bright lemon, garlic, and oregano, is incredibly satisfying. I love serving it with fluffy pita bread, a generous dollop of homemade tzatziki sauce, and a crisp Greek salad. For variations, feel free to experiment with other cuts of chicken like thighs, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a hint of heat. Don’t be intimidated by grilling; pan-searing works beautifully too! I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Chicken Souvlaki recipe a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the best way to marinate the chicken for souvlaki?

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but ideally 2-4 hours. This allows the lemon juice, garlic, and herbs to really penetrate the chicken, making it incredibly tender and flavorful. You can even marinate it overnight for an even more intense taste.

Can I make Chicken Souvlaki ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a day in advance. Once cooked, the souvlaki is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or oven to preserve its texture.

What are some other serving suggestions besides pita and tzatziki?

Beyond the classic pita and tzatziki, Chicken Souvlaki is also fantastic served over a bed of rice pilaf, with roasted vegetables like bell peppers and onions, or as a filling for wraps with your favorite greens and a light vinaigrette. It also pairs wonderfully with couscous.

Chicken Souvlaki

A classic Greek marinated chicken skewer recipe, perfect for grilling or pan-frying. Serve with warm pita, tomatoes, red onion, and tzatziki for a complete meal.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
15 Minutes

Total Time
35 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 is 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. Place in a large bowl.
2. Step 2
   In a separate bowl, whisk together canola or olive oil, white grape juice vinegar, lemon juice, smashed garlic cloves, minced dill weed, minced parsley, dried oregano, coarse salt, and black pepper. Pour over chicken and toss to coat.
3. Step 3
   Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Step 4
   Thread chicken onto skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes prior to use).
5. Step 5
   Grill or pan-fry skewers over medium-high heat for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
6. Step 6
   Serve souvlaki with warmed Greek pita bread, sliced tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and tzatziki sauce.

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.