If you’re craving something vibrant, fresh, and packed with Mediterranean flair, this Chicken Souvlaki Recipe is a total game changer. Tender pieces of chicken soaked in zesty lemon juice, fragrant oregano, and garlic come together perfectly for a juicy bite every time. It’s a straightforward recipe that delivers big on flavor and is sure to become one of your go-to dishes for casual weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings with friends. You’re going to love how simple ingredients create that unmistakable Greek taste that feels both classic and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sometimes, the best dishes come from a handful of simple ingredients that each play an important role. For this Chicken Souvlaki Recipe, every item in your pantry will contribute to the authentic flavor, texture, and aroma that makes it unforgettable.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, cut into bite-sized pieces for perfect skewering and grilling.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a punch of savory depth that wakes up the taste buds.
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano: Brings that classic herbaceous note essential to Greek cuisine.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle background spice for balance.
- ¼ cup olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist while adding a fruity richness.
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice: Infuses a bright, tangy freshness that lifts every bite.
- Wooden skewers (soaked 1–2 hours): Prevents burning on the grill and makes for easy serving.
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining your chicken pieces with the minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice inside a large freezer bag or airtight container. This marinade is where the magic begins. Let the chicken rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours, though leaving it overnight gives the best chance for those flavors to really sink in.
Step 2: Prepare the Skewers
While the chicken marinates, soak your wooden skewers in water for 1 to 2 hours. This simple step is crucial—it prevents the skewers from catching fire on the grill and ensures your chicken cooks evenly and tastes magnificent.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Get your grill ready by heating it to medium-high. This temperature is ideal to sear the chicken quickly, locking in juices while creating a beautiful char that makes every bite juicy and flavorful.
Step 4: Thread and Grill
Once marinated, thread the chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, leaving about half an inch of space at each end for easy handling. Place them on the grill and cook about 3 minutes per side. Keep a close eye to avoid overcooking—your goal is perfectly cooked, tender chicken with a deliciously smoky char.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
After grilling, transfer the skewers to a plate and give the chicken 5 minutes to rest. This lets the juices redistribute, ensuring that every bite you take is succulent and packed with flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Garnishes
Freshness on top always takes your Chicken Souvlaki Recipe to the next level. Sprinkle chopped parsley or fresh oregano leaves for a burst of color and herbaceous aroma. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving adds brightness and shine to your dish.
Side Dishes
Traditionally, Chicken Souvlaki pairs beautifully with fluffy pita bread, creamy tzatziki sauce, and a simple Greek salad loaded with tomatoes, cucumbers, and Kalamata olives. Roasted potatoes or lightly charred vegetables also complement the smoky grilled flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t stop at just skewers! For a fun twist, try serving the chicken souvlaki off the sticks in a pita wrap with all your favorite toppings. Alternatively, arrange the grilled chicken cubes over a bed of rice or mixed greens for a satisfying souvlaki bowl. This recipe is versatile and looks stunning no matter how you plate it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Chicken Souvlaki Recipe servings, store the grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the marinated raw chicken or the cooked skewers if needed. Place portions in freezer bags or airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw completely in the fridge before cooking or reheating.
Reheating
To reheat your Chicken Souvlaki, gently warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave in short bursts to keep the chicken tender and juicy. Avoid overcooking as it can dry out these flavorful bites.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Chicken Souvlaki Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer slightly more fat, which can make your souvlaki even juicier and more flavorful, especially if you like a bit of char and tenderness combined.
Is it necessary to marinate chicken overnight?
While not required, marinating overnight allows the flavors to deepen, making your chicken more aromatic and delicious. If you’re short on time, 2 hours is still effective.
Can I cook Chicken Souvlaki Recipe indoors?
Yes! You can use a grill pan or broiler if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill. Just keep an eye on the chicken to achieve that lovely caramelization without drying it out.
What can I substitute for wooden skewers?
If you don’t have wooden skewers on hand, metal skewers work great. Just be cautious when handling, as they get very hot.
How do I make the chicken extra tender?
Besides marinating well, avoid over grilling. Removing the chicken from heat as soon as it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) ensures it stays moist and tender.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Souvlaki Recipe highlights how a few simple ingredients and thoughtful preparation can bring the heart of Greek cuisine right to your home kitchen. Whether you’re grilling for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish offers that irresistible combination of zest, juiciness, and herb-infused warmth. So go ahead, fire up that grill, and dive into a plate of souvlaki perfection—you won’t regret it!
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 Chicken Souvlaki recipe features tender, marinated chicken pieces grilled to perfection on skewers. Infused with garlic, oregano, lemon juice, and olive oil, this Greek-inspired dish offers a flavorful and quick meal perfect for outdoor grilling or a weeknight dinner.
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)
Other
- 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 up to overnight to maximize flavor.
- Prepare Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for 1-2 hours before grilling to prevent them from burning during cooking.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it is properly preheated for even cooking.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving about ½ inch of space at each end to handle them safely.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for approximately 3 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and has appealing grill marks.
- Rest and Serve: Transfer the skewers to a plate and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices and enhance flavor before serving.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight will deepen the flavor and tenderize the meat further.
- Make sure to soak the wooden skewers thoroughly to avoid burning on the grill.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or broil the skewers in the oven under the broiler.
- Serve with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a Greek salad for an authentic meal.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
