Chicken Souvlaki is a classic Greek dish that brings bold flavors and juicy grilled chicken together for a simple yet unforgettable meal. This recipe features tender chicken breast pieces marinated in a lively blend of garlic, lemon juice, oregano, and olive oil, then grilled to perfection on skewers.
Why We Love This Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
You’ll find yourself loving this Chicken Souvlaki because it is incredibly easy to prepare but packs an impressive punch of flavor. The marinade, with its bright lemon and fragrant oregano, makes the chicken juicy and tender. Grilling the chicken on skewers adds a smoky char that elevates the dish beyond ordinary grilled chicken. Plus, it’s versatile — you can enjoy it as a simple skewer or turn it into a full meal by pairing it with traditional Greek sides like salad or rice. It’s a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort and ingredients.
Ingredients for Chicken Souvlaki
Here’s what you need to gather for your Chicken Souvlaki:
- 1½ pounds chicken breast, skinless and boneless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki
Start by preparing the marinade. In a large sealable bag or airtight container, combine minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces into the mixture, then seal and massage the bag to coat the chicken thoroughly with the marinade. For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least two hours, or overnight if you have the time. This step helps the chicken soak up all those fresh, vibrant flavors.
While the chicken marinates, prepare your wooden skewers by soaking them in water for at least one hour. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, leaving a small gap at the end of each skewer to hold safely.
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about three minutes per side, turning carefully until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks. The chicken should be opaque inside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, transfer the skewers to a plate and let them rest for five minutes before serving — this helps retain the juices inside the chicken.
How to Serve Chicken Souvlaki
Serving your Chicken Souvlaki can be as straightforward or as festive as you like. A classic way is to serve the hot skewers directly on the plate with a side of warm pita bread and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. The cool, creamy texture of tzatziki complements the tangy grilled chicken perfectly. You can also add some Greek salad on the side — think crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, kalamata olives, and feta cheese sprinkled with a little extra oregano.
If you prefer a more casual, handheld option, wrap the cooked chicken pieces in pita bread along with fresh veggies and drizzle more tzatziki over the top. This creates a delicious souvlaki wrap that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
For a fuller meal, consider pairing your chicken with traditional Greek rice or roasted potatoes. Adding a fresh lemon wedge on the side invites everyone to add a bit more citrus zing if desired.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Souvlaki
To get the best results every time, keep a few expert tips in mind. First, marinating is key — even two hours will make a noticeable difference in tenderness and flavor, but longer is always better. Make sure your chicken pieces are cut into similar sizes so they cook evenly on the grill.
Soaking the wooden skewers before grilling prevents them from catching fire and adds a little moisture to the cooking process. If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken skewers in a hot skillet or under a broiler; just be sure to watch closely so they don’t overcook.
Letting the chicken rest after grilling locks in the juices, so don’t skip this step. If you have leftovers, chop the chicken and toss it into a Greek salad for a fresh, quick meal the next day.
Finally, don’t be shy with the seasoning — taste your marinade before adding the chicken to adjust salt, pepper, and lemon to suit your preference.
How to Store Chicken Souvlaki
If you make extra Chicken Souvlaki or want to prepare ahead, storing it properly keeps it fresh and tasty. Allow the cooked chicken skewers to cool completely at room temperature (no more than two hours), then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or oven to keep it juicy and avoid drying out.
You can also freeze cooked chicken souvlaki skewers. Wrap each skewer individually in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen chicken souvlaki will keep for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variation of Chicken Souvlaki
Chicken Souvlaki is a flexible recipe that you can easily adapt to your taste and what you have on hand. Try swapping the dried oregano for fresh oregano or even fresh thyme for a slightly different herbal note.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to the marinade. You can also mix in a bit of honey or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a subtle sweetness that balances the tang of lemon.
Instead of chicken breast, you can try using chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with thick slices of halloumi cheese or firm tofu and grill them with the same marinade. These make tasty and satisfying alternatives.
FAQ About Chicken Souvlaki
What is Chicken Souvlaki?
Chicken Souvlaki is a popular Greek dish made of bite-sized chicken pieces marinated with garlic, lemon juice, oregano, and olive oil, then grilled on skewers. It’s a simple, flavorful meal that’s enjoyed all over Greece and beyond.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least two hours. If you can plan ahead, letting it sit overnight will deepen the taste and tenderness.
Can I cook Chicken Souvlaki without a grill?
Yes, you can cook the chicken skewers in a skillet or under the oven broiler if you don’t have access to a grill. Just keep an eye on the chicken and turn regularly to cook evenly.
What sides go well with Chicken Souvlaki?
Classic sides include Greek salad, pita bread, tzatziki sauce, roasted potatoes, or Greek rice. Fresh lemon wedges also add a nice citrus touch when served on the side.
How should I store leftover Chicken Souvlaki?
Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze the skewers wrapped tightly for up to two months. Always thaw before reheating.
Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be juicier and more flavorful. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked through.
Chicken Souvlaki
Equipment
- Grill
- Wooden Skewers
- Large Sealable Bag
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Knife
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb. chicken breast skinless and boneless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 2 Tbsp. dried oregano
- ½ tsp. salt adjust to taste
- ¼ tsp. black pepper adjust to taste
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice about 1 lemon
Instructions
- In a large sealable bag or airtight container, combine minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Add the chicken pieces into the mixture, seal the bag, and massage to coat the chicken thoroughly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 1 hour to prevent burning.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked skewers, leaving a small gap at the end of each skewer.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 3 minutes per side, turning carefully until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
- Transfer the skewers to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
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