Easy Chicken Souvlaki Recipe-Grill Authentic Greek Flavor

Chicken souvlaki is more than just a meal; it’s a passport to a sun-drenched Greek island, a vibrant explosion of Mediterranean flavors that instantly transports you. When I think of summer gatherings or a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner, my mind immediately goes to perfectly grilled, marinated chicken skewers. The irresistible char from the grill, combined with the bright, zesty marinade, creates a symphony of tastes and textures that keeps everyone coming back for more. What truly makes chicken souvlaki so special is its beautiful simplicity. Tender pieces of chicken, infused with lemon, garlic, oregano, and olive oil, are grilled to juicy perfection. It’s incredibly versatile, fantastic served in warm pita bread with tzatziki, alongside a crisp Greek salad, or even simply enjoyed on its own. This chicken souvlaki recipe is my go-to for capturing that authentic taste of Greece right in my own kitchen.

Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a perfectly grilled chicken skewer. The aroma that wafts from the grill, the slight char on the tender chicken, and the bright, fresh flavors – it all screams summer and good times. Chicken souvlaki is a classic Greek dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner, a backyard barbecue, or even a festive gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit. The key to fantastic souvlaki lies in a flavorful marinade that tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with incredible taste, and this marinade is simple yet packs a punch.

We’ll be marinating boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which cook quickly and absorb the marinade beautifully. The combination of lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs creates a vibrant and zesty flavor profile that’s quintessentially Greek.

Ingredients:

Cooking Instructions

Marinating the Chicken

1. The first and most crucial step in creating delicious chicken souvlaki is preparing the marinade. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the canola or olive oil, white grape juice vinegar, and the fresh juice of your lemons. Ensure you get as much juice as possible from the lemons, and don’t be afraid to use three if they seem a bit dry. The acidity from the lemon juice and vinegar is essential for tenderizing the chicken and adding that signature tang. Next, add the smashed garlic cloves. Smashing the garlic cloves allows their flavor to meld more effectively into the marinade without the harshness of finely minced garlic. Stir in the fresh minced dill weed and parsley. Using fresh herbs makes a significant difference in the brightness and aroma of the souvlaki, so if possible, opt for fresh over dried for the herbs in the marinade. Finally, add the dried oregano, coarse salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good whisk until well combined.

2. Now, prepare your chicken. Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and then cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes. Uniformity in size is important for even cooking; you don’t want some pieces to be overcooked and dry while others are still raw. Place the cubed chicken into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow glass dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish. For the best flavor, marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but ideally for 2 to 4 hours. You can even marinate it overnight for an even deeper flavor infusion. Avoid marinating for much longer than 8 hours, as the acidity can start to break down the chicken too much, making it mushy.

Grilling the Souvlaki

3. Once the chicken has had ample time to marinate, it’s time to get your grill ready. Preheat your outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat. If you are using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to threading the chicken. This prevents the wooden skewers from burning on the grill. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving a small space between each piece. This allows for better heat circulation and ensures the chicken cooks evenly. Discard any leftover marinade, as it has been in contact with raw chicken.

4. Carefully place the skewered chicken onto the preheated grill. Grill the souvlaki for approximately 4-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has developed nice grill marks. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken pieces and the heat of your grill. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is safely cooked. Resist the urge to move the skewers around too much during cooking; let them sear and develop those beautiful char marks. For a more even cook and to prevent burning, you can reduce the heat slightly after the initial searing.

Serving Your Chicken Souvlaki

5. While the souvlaki is grilling, warm your Greek pita bread. You can do this by placing them directly on the grill for a minute or two per side, warming them in a low oven, or even a quick zap in the microwave. Slice the tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion. Once the chicken is cooked and has rested for a couple of minutes off the heat, it’s time to assemble your souvlaki wraps. Lay a warm pita flat. Spread a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce in the center. Place a few pieces of the grilled chicken souvlaki onto the tzatziki. Top with slices of fresh tomato and thin slices of red onion. You can also add extra fresh parsley or dill if you like. Fold the pita around the filling to create a delicious and satisfying wrap. Serve immediately and enjoy the taste of Greece!

Conclusion:

There you have it – a delightful and straightforward recipe for authentic Chicken Souvlaki that’s sure to become a family favorite! This recipe truly shines because of its bright, zesty marinade, tender chicken, and the satisfying char you get from grilling. It’s incredibly versatile and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a lively backyard barbecue. I encourage you to give this Chicken Souvlaki recipe a try; you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create such a flavorful and satisfying meal.

For serving, I highly recommend pairing your delicious souvlaki with warm pita bread, a generous dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce, fresh chopped tomatoes, red onion, and a sprinkle of parsley. A side of Greek salad or some roasted lemon potatoes would also be fantastic additions.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! You can easily adapt this recipe to use beef or even halloumi for a vegetarian option. Feel free to experiment with different herbs in the marinade, like oregano or thyme, and a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat. The possibilities are endless!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Chicken Souvlaki ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in advance. This actually allows the flavors to deepen and the chicken to become even more tender. Just store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill.

What’s the best way to grill Chicken Souvlaki if I don’t have a grill?

No worries if you don’t have an outdoor grill! You can achieve similar results using a grill pan on your stovetop over medium-high heat. Alternatively, you can broil the skewers in your oven or even pan-fry them in a hot skillet until cooked through and nicely browned.

Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

A classic Greek dish featuring marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection.

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 if 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. In a large bowl, whisk together canola or olive oil, white grape juice vinegar, lemon juice, smashed garlic, minced dill, minced parsley, dried oregano, coarse salt, and black pepper.
2. Step 2
   Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
3. Step 3
   Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Step 4
   Grill the chicken skewers for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred.
5. Step 5
   While the chicken is grilling, warm the Greek pita bread.
6. Step 6
   Assemble the souvlaki by placing grilled chicken onto warmed pita bread. Top with sliced tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and a generous dollop of 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.