Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
If you’ve ever wanted to bring home the bright, sun-kissed flavors of Greece, Chicken Souvlaki is your ticket! This delightful dish features juicy chicken cubes marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and fragrant herbs, then threaded onto skewers and grilled to smoky perfection. Whether you’re planning a lively backyard get-together or simply want to jazz up your weeknight dinner, Chicken Souvlaki is always a crowd-pleaser — simple, incredibly tasty, and destined to make you crave just one more skewer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Chicken Souvlaki so irresistible is how each ingredient shines, yet works beautifully together. Every item in this recipe carries a purpose, whether it adds zing, rich texture, or vibrant color to the skewers.
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the juiciest, most tender results; thighs are especially forgiving if you worry about overcooking!
- Olive Oil: This liquid gold helps carry flavors and keeps the chicken moist during grilling.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: A generous splash adds brightness and helps tenderize the meat.
- Garlic: Don’t hold back—the minced garlic infuses every bite with Mediterranean magic.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Just a spoonful brings gentle tang, elevating the marinade to authentic Greek territory.
- Dried Oregano: Essential for that classic souvlaki flavor—rub it gently between your fingers before adding to unlock even more aroma.
- Salt: Bring out all the savory flavors with just the right amount.
- Black Pepper: A subtle heat and earthiness rounds everything out.
- Wooden Skewers: Soak in water before using if you’re grilling to prevent them from burning.
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki
Step 1: Whisk Up the Marinade
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. This is where the magic begins! Whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. You want everything beautifully blended—this is your golden, aromatic bath for the chicken. The scent alone will have your mouth watering!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken cubes right into the marinade and toss them around until each piece is coated. Don’t rush this—marinating infuses the meat with so much flavor and keeps it juicy. Cover the bowl and let the chicken soak up all those lovely flavors in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (though if you have the patience, 3–4 hours is truly next-level!).
Step 3: Prepare the Skewers
If using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 20 minutes—nobody wants charred sticks! Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers; feel free to get creative and alternate with chunks of bell pepper or onion if you want pops of color and extra veggies.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. When it’s nice and hot, lay the skewers on and let them sizzle. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally so they get gorgeous grill marks on all sides. The chicken is done when it’s golden, with crisp edges and clear juices.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once done, transfer the skewers to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes—this keeps the juices locked inside and the chicken tender. You’re now ready to serve up your sensational Chicken Souvlaki feast!
How to Serve Chicken Souvlaki
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you can really make this classic shine. Sprinkle your Chicken Souvlaki with chopped fresh parsley, a squeeze of extra lemon, and maybe a dusting of smoked paprika for color. And don’t forget a big dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce—its cool tang brings everything together!
Side Dishes
The ideal partners for Chicken Souvlaki are warm, fluffy pita bread and a bright Greek salad loaded with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta. Add roasted potatoes or a scoop of herbed rice to round things out if you’re feeling indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Set up a DIY souvlaki bar for friends and family! Lay out the skewers alongside a rainbow of toppings—sliced onions, diced tomatoes, arugula, pickled peppers, and all your favorite sauces. Or slide the juicy chicken cubes off the skewer and wrap them up in a pita for an irresistible handheld meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, place the cooled Chicken Souvlaki in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors deepen, making it just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
Chicken Souvlaki freezes like a dream! Remove the chicken from the skewers and transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Store for up to two months and let thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready for a speedy Mediterranean meal.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little splash of water or olive oil to keep everything moist. You can also use the microwave but be careful not to overdo it—just heat until warmed through to preserve the lovely texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Chicken Souvlaki?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are rich and juicy, and they hold up beautifully to grilling. Many people even prefer thighs for the extra flavor and tenderness they bring to Chicken Souvlaki.
Is it possible to cook Chicken Souvlaki in the oven?
Yes, you can! Simply preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), place the skewers on a baking sheet, and roast for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll still get deliciously succulent results, even without a grill.
What can I use if I don’t have red wine vinegar?
If you’re out of red wine vinegar, try a splash of apple cider vinegar or even white wine vinegar. The idea is to add a touch of acidity to balance the rich marinade flavors in Chicken Souvlaki.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
While 30 minutes is enough to impart good flavor, marinating the chicken for 2–4 hours takes Chicken Souvlaki to a whole new level of tenderness and taste. Just don’t exceed 8 hours, as the acidity can start to break down the meat too much.
Can I add vegetables to the skewers?
Definitely! Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes all grill beautifully alongside the chicken, adding color, sweetness, and even more Mediterranean flair.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to impress with minimal fuss and maximum flavor, Chicken Souvlaki will win your heart. With just a handful of staples and a sizzle on the grill, you can serve a dish that feels like a Greek island vacation. Give it a try—you’ll be making it again and again!
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Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Souvlaki recipe brings the flavors of Greece to your table with tender marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection. Serve with warm pita, tzatziki sauce, and a side of Greek salad for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional:
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water if grilling)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat grill to medium-high.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Grill the Chicken: Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from heat, let rest, and serve.
Notes
- Serve with warm pita, tzatziki sauce, and Greek salad.
- For oven roasting, bake skewers at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Add bell peppers and onions to the skewers for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer portion
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
