Easy Chicken Souvlaki Recipe – Authentic Greek Skewers

Chicken Souvlaki Recipe: Unlock the vibrant flavors of Greece with this incredibly easy and utterly delicious Chicken Souvlaki Recipe! There’s something undeniably magical about perfectly grilled, marinated chicken skewers that transports you straight to a sun-drenched taverna by the Aegean Sea. We all love a dish that’s both healthy and bursting with taste, and this is it. The secret to truly exceptional Chicken Souvlaki lies in its simple yet powerful marinade – a harmonious blend of zesty lemon, fragrant oregano, garlic, and good olive oil that tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with an authentic Mediterranean soul. Whether you’re grilling them outdoors for a summer barbecue or searing them in a pan indoors on a cozy evening, these chicken souvlaki skewers are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this quintessential Greek delight!

Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Chicken souvlaki is a quintessential Greek dish that evokes images of sunny islands, vibrant marketplaces, and the irresistible aroma of grilled meats. It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful way to enjoy chicken, marinated in a zesty, herbaceous blend and often grilled to tender perfection. Whether you’re serving it as a main course with a side of fluffy rice and Greek salad, or tucking it into warm pita bread with all the fixings for a quick and satisfying meal, this chicken souvlaki recipe is sure to become a family favorite. The magic lies in the marinade – a harmonious balance of bright citrus, pungent garlic, and fresh herbs that tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with incredible flavor. Let’s get started on creating this taste of Greece in your own kitchen!

Ingredients:

Marinating the Chicken

The key to succulent and flavorful souvlaki is the marinade. It’s here that the chicken will absorb all those delicious Mediterranean notes.

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the canola or olive oil, white grape juice vinegar, and the fresh lemon juice. The acidity from the vinegar and lemon juice will help to tenderize the chicken, making it incredibly juicy and moist. Add the smashed garlic cloves to the bowl. Don’t worry about mincing them; smashing them will release their flavor more gradually into the marinade. Stir in the fresh minced dill weed and parsley. Fresh herbs make a noticeable difference in flavor compared to dried, so if you can get your hands on them, it’s well worth it. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, coarse salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good whisk until it’s well combined.

2. Prepare and Marinate the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts. For the best results and even cooking, I like to cut the chicken breasts into roughly 1-inch cubes. This also makes them easier to thread onto skewers if you plan to grill them that way, although this recipe is versatile enough for pan-frying or baking too. Place the cubed chicken into a large zip-top bag or a resealable container. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is coated. Seal the bag or cover the container, and gently massage it to distribute the marinade evenly. Refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but for optimal flavor, I recommend marinating for 2 to 4 hours. You can even marinate it overnight for an even deeper flavor penetration. Avoid marinating for much longer than 24 hours, as the acid can start to break down the chicken too much.

Cooking the Chicken

Once your chicken has had ample time to soak up all those wonderful flavors, it’s time to cook it to perfection. You have several options here, depending on your preference and equipment.

3. Grilling the Souvlaki: If you’re opting for the classic grilled souvlaki, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking. Discard any remaining marinade; never reuse marinade that has come into contact with raw meat. Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

Alternatively, if you don’t have skewers or prefer not to use them, you can simply grill the marinated chicken pieces directly on the grill grates. In this case, keep an eye on them as they can cook a little faster, about 6-8 minutes per side.

4. Pan-Frying the Souvlaki: For a convenient indoor option, pan-frying is an excellent choice. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook the chicken in batches. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Again, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

5. Baking the Souvlaki: If baking is your preferred method, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can broil the chicken for the last few minutes of cooking to achieve some nice browning and char.

Assembling and Serving

The final step is to bring all the delicious components together for a truly satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions

Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. While the chicken rests, warm your Greek pita bread. You can do this by briefly warming them on the grill, in a dry skillet, or even in the oven.

To assemble, spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce onto each warmed pita bread. Top with the cooked chicken souvlaki pieces, sliced tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. You can add other favorite toppings like a sprinkle of feta cheese or some Kalamata olives if you desire. Fold the pita in half or roll it up, and enjoy your incredibly flavorful and authentic chicken souvlaki! This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs or even add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a touch of heat.

Conclusion:

I hope you’re as excited to try this Chicken Souvlaki Recipe as I am to share it! This dish is a true winner because it’s incredibly flavorful, relatively simple to prepare, and offers a taste of the Mediterranean right in your own kitchen. The tender, marinated chicken, kissed by the grill or pan, is simply irresistible. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your serving! It’s fantastic tucked into warm pita bread with all the traditional fixings like tzatziki, tomatoes, and red onion. It also makes a wonderful centerpiece for a larger Greek feast, served alongside a fresh Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or even some fluffy rice. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider swapping the chicken for beef or even firm tofu for a vegetarian twist. You could also experiment with different herb combinations in the marinade. I genuinely encourage you to give this Chicken Souvlaki Recipe a go – you won’t regret it!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Absolutely! Marinating the chicken overnight will allow the flavors to penetrate even deeper, resulting in an even more succulent and flavorful souvlaki. Just ensure it’s stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

What can I serve with Chicken Souvlaki if I don’t have pita bread?

If pita bread isn’t available, this Chicken Souvlaki is still incredibly versatile! It’s delicious served over a bed of fluffy rice, alongside roasted lemon potatoes, or as part of a vibrant Greek salad. You can even enjoy it as is with a side of your favorite vegetables.

Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Authentic and flavorful Greek chicken souvlaki, marinated in lemon and herbs, perfect for grilling.

Prep Time
30 Minutes

Cook Time
10 Minutes

Total Time
40 Minutes

Servings
6-8 servings

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup canola or olive oil
• 3 tbsp white grape juice vinegar
• 2 lemons – juice only
• 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
• 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

Instructions

1. Step 1
   In a bowl, whisk together canola or olive oil, white grape juice vinegar, lemon juice, smashed garlic cloves, minced dill, minced parsley, dried oregano, coarse salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
2. Step 2
   Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and add them to the marinade. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
3. Step 3
   Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using skewers, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
4. Step 4
   Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Step 5
   Grill the chicken souvlaki for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and lightly charred.
6. Step 6
   While the chicken is grilling, warm the Greek pita bread. Assemble the souvlaki by filling the warm pitas with grilled chicken, sliced tomatoes, thin 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.