If you’ve ever wanted a burst of Mediterranean sunshine on your plate, this Chicken Souvlaki Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with vibrant, fresh flavors from garlic, oregano, lemon, and olive oil, every bite is a perfect harmony of juicy, tender chicken grilled to smoky perfection. It’s a simple yet authentic dish that whisks you away to the bustling streets of Greece with just a forkful, and I can’t wait to share how easy and rewarding it is to make at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Souvlaki Recipe relies on a handful of simple ingredients that each play a crucial role. From fragrant oregano that brings that signature Mediterranean aroma to zesty lemon juice that adds brightness, every ingredient balances the others beautifully.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 ½ pounds): Cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick, even grilling.
- Garlic (5 cloves, minced): Adds a robust, savory depth that infuses the chicken.
- Dried oregano (2 tablespoons): The quintessential herb in Greek cooking, lending a slightly peppery, aromatic note.
- Salt (½ teaspoon, or to taste): Enhances all the natural flavors.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon, or to taste): Provides just enough warmth without overpowering.
- Olive oil (¼ cup): Helps tenderize the chicken and contributes to juicy grilled goodness.
- Lemon juice (3 tablespoons): Freshly squeezed for that bright, tangy zing that keeps the dish lively.
- Wooden skewers: Soaked beforehand to prevent burning during grilling.
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining the chicken pieces with minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice in a large freezer bag or airtight container. This marinade is where all the magic begins, as it tenderizes the meat while imbuing it with those quintessential Greek flavors. Let the chicken soak up all those vibrant tastes in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight. The longer you marinate, the more intense and flavorful your Chicken Souvlaki Recipe will be.
Step 2: Prepare the Skewers
While the chicken marinates, soak your wooden skewers in water for 1 to 2 hours. This helps prevent them from burning on the grill and ensures they stay sturdy enough to hold your perfectly marinated chicken pieces.
Step 3: Thread the Chicken onto Skewers
Once marinated, take the chicken pieces and carefully thread them onto the soaked skewers. Leave about half an inch of space at each end for easy handling and be sure not to overcrowd the skewers. This spacing also helps the chicken cook evenly and develop those gorgeous grill marks that make this Chicken Souvlaki Recipe so irresistible.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, and place the skewers directly on the grill grates. Cook them for about 3 minutes per side, turning carefully to avoid losing marinade or juices. The chicken should be cooked through yet remain juicy and tender, with a slight char on the edges for depth of flavor.
Step 5: Rest Before Serving
Once grilled, transfer the skewers to a plate and allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making every bite of this Chicken Souvlaki Recipe wonderfully moist and flavorful.
How to Serve Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Garnishes
A classic Chicken Souvlaki Recipe loves simple garnishes that complement its fresh, vibrant flavors. Think freshly chopped parsley, a scattering of crumbled feta cheese, or thin slices of red onion. A drizzle of extra lemon juice or a dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce adds that extra dimension that brings everything together beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs so well with traditional sides like warm pita bread, a crisp Greek salad bursting with tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives, or fluffy rice pilaf. Roasted vegetables or a light tabbouleh also make lovely companions, balancing the grilled richness with bright, fresh textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Beyond serving directly on skewers, try removing the chicken and serving it as a souvlaki plate with all the fixings — pita bread, tzatziki, tomatoes, and onions arranged neatly on a platter. You can also turn it into a wrap or gyro-style sandwich for an on-the-go meal that’s satisfying and full of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Chicken Souvlaki Recipe leftovers, simply cool the chicken completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for quick lunches or effortless dinner options during the week.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken skewers. Wrap the cooled skewers tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer bag. Frozen Chicken Souvlaki Recipe keeps well for up to 2 months, so you can enjoy that Mediterranean goodness anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm the chicken gently on a grill pan or in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the chicken. A quick reheat helps maintain the tender texture and sweet smoky flavor that makes this dish so special.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and have a richer flavor, so they work wonderfully in this Chicken Souvlaki Recipe. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces the same way, and marinate as directed.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
While 2 hours is the minimum to infuse flavor and start tenderizing, marinating overnight will give the best, most balanced taste. The lemon and oregano really soak in, making every bite deliciously vibrant.
Can I cook chicken souvlaki indoors?
Yes! If you don’t have a grill, use a grill pan or heavy skillet on the stove. Cook the skewers over medium-high heat, turning often for even cooking and a bit of char. It won’t be exactly the same as outdoors, but still fantastic.
Do I need to soak the wooden skewers?
Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning or catching fire on the grill, which is essential for a safe cooking experience. It also helps keep the skewers sturdy, making them easier to handle.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftover Chicken Souvlaki Recipe makes a fantastic addition to salads or wraps the next day. Try chopping the chicken and tossing it with fresh veggies and herbs, or layering it into a pita with tzatziki for a quick meal.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly joyful about sharing a dish like this Chicken Souvlaki Recipe with friends or family. It’s straightforward, flavorful, and brings a lovely taste of the Mediterranean to your table. Once you try this recipe, I’m sure it will become one of your favorites too — so roll up your sleeves, fire up that grill, and enjoy every bite!
Print
Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 17 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
This authentic Chicken Souvlaki recipe features tender, marinated chicken breasts grilled to perfection on skewers. Infused with garlic, oregano, lemon juice, and olive oil, this quick and flavorful Greek dish makes for a perfect meal that’s ideal for grilling season or anytime, delivering juicy, savory bites with a refreshing citrus note.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
Additional
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 1-2 hours)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine chicken, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice in a large freezer bag or airtight container. Seal and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight to allow flavors to penetrate the meat deeply.
- Prepare Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for 1-2 hours to prevent them from burning during grilling.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure an even cook and nice sear on the chicken.
- Thread Chicken onto Skewers: Remove the chicken from the marinade and thread pieces onto the soaked skewers, leaving about ½ inch of space at each end to handle them safely while cooking.
- Grill the Souvlaki: Place skewers on the grill and cook for about 3 minutes on each side until the chicken is thoroughly cooked, juicy, and slightly charred.
- Rest Before Serving: Transfer skewers to a plate and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices and enhance flavor before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate chicken overnight if time allows.
- Soaking skewers is essential to prevent burning on the grill.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with tzatziki sauce, pita bread, or a fresh Greek salad.
- For an indoor alternative, you can use a grill pan or broiler, adjusting cooking time as needed.
