Best Chicken Souvlaki Recipe- Easy Greek Skewers

Chicken souvlaki is more than just grilled chicken skewers; it’s a passport to the vibrant flavors of Greece, a taste of sun-drenched tavernas and lively celebrations. I remember the first time I experienced truly authentic chicken souvlaki – the smoky char on the tender chicken, the bright tang of lemon and oregano, all perfectly balanced. It was an instant obsession, and I’ve been recreating that magic in my own kitchen ever since. What makes chicken souvlaki so universally adored? It’s the incredible simplicity that delivers such profound flavor. Perfectly marinated chicken, kissed by the grill, becomes an irresistible culinary experience. It’s versatile, healthy, and ridiculously satisfying, making it a go-to for everything from backyard BBQs to weeknight dinners. Get ready to elevate your grilling game with this foolproof chicken souvlaki recipe that will transport your taste buds straight to the Aegean Sea.

Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about perfectly grilled, marinated chicken. Chicken souvlaki, with its vibrant Mediterranean flavors, is one of those dishes that transports you straight to a sunny Greek island with every bite. This recipe focuses on creating tender, juicy chicken marinated in a bright, herbaceous blend, perfect for serving in warm pita bread with fresh toppings. It’s a fantastic option for a casual weeknight dinner or a lively backyard barbecue. The beauty of souvlaki is its simplicity; the marinade does most of the heavy lifting, infusing the chicken with incredible flavor.

Let’s get started with what you’ll need to bring this delicious dish to life.

Ingredients:

Marinating the Chicken

The key to truly exceptional souvlaki lies in the marinade. This blend of citrus, herbs, and garlic will tenderize the chicken and infuse it with authentic Greek flavors.

1. Begin extract by preparing your chicken. Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts. You can then choose to cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes (about 1-inch pieces) for skewers, or you can leave them as whole breasts to grill and then slice. For this recipe, I find cubing the chicken is the most traditional and convenient way to serve souvlaki in pita. Place the cubed chicken into a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag.

2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white grape juice vinegar, fresh lemon juice, smashed garlic cloves, minced fresh dill, minced fresh parsley, dried oregano, coarse salt, and black pepper. The white grape juice vinegar offers a milder tang than regular white vinegar, complementing the lemon beautifully. Whisk until everything is well combined.

3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that every piece is coated. If you’re using a bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap. If you’re using a plastic bag, seal it tightly, pressing out any excess air. Refrigerate the chicken and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, I recommend marinating for 2 to 4 hours. You can even marinate it overnight for an even deeper infusion of flavor, though don’t marinate for much longer than 24 hours as the acid in the lemon juice can start to “cook” the chicken too much.

Grilling the Souvlaki

Once your chicken has had ample time to soak up all those delicious flavors, it’s time to get cooking. Grilling imparts that wonderful smoky char that is synonymous with souvlaki.

4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you are using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning on the grill. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece to ensure even cooking. Discard the leftover marinade. If you are grilling whole chicken breasts, simply place them directly on the grill.

5. Place the souvlaki skewers (or whole chicken breasts) on the preheated grill. Grill for about 6-8 minutes per side for cubed chicken, or 7-10 minutes per side for whole breasts, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcrowding the grill; cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning and prevent steaming. Once cooked, remove the souvlaki from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

Assembling Your Souvlaki Pitas

The final step is to assemble your souvlaki into delicious, handheld delights. This is where the fresh toppings and warm pita bread really shine.

6. While the chicken is resting, gently warm your Greek pita bread. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for about 20-30 seconds, or by lightly toasting them on the grill or in a dry skillet for a minute or two per side. Once warmed, carefully open each pita to create a pocket.

7. To assemble, place a generous portion of the grilled chicken souvlaki into each pita pocket. Top with slices of fresh tomato, thinly sliced red onion, and a dollop of cool, creamy tzatziki sauce. You can also add other favorite toppings like a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a squeeze of extra lemon juice. Serve immediately and enjoy the taste of Greece! This recipe is wonderfully versatile, and you can easily scnon-alcoholic ale it up for larger gatherings. The marinade can also be used for beef or lamb if you’re looking for a variation. Enjoy every flavorful bite!

Conclusion:

I hope you’re as excited to try this Chicken Souvlaki recipe as I am to share it with you! This dish truly embodies the vibrant flavors of Greek cuisine, offering a delightful balance of zesty marinade, perfectly grilled chicken, and incredible freshness. It’s remarkably easy to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight meal or a show-stopping option for your next backyard barbecue. The tender, succulent chicken skewers are a guaranteed hit, and the aroma alone will transport you straight to the Mediterranean. Don’t be intimidated by the marinating step; it’s crucial for infusing those incredible flavors into every bite!

Beyond the recipe itself, let’s talk about how you can enjoy your delicious chicken souvlaki. Serve it traditionally with warm pita bread, a generous dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce, and a crisp Greek salad. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with lemon roasted potatoes or fluffy rice. Feeling adventurous? You can easily adapt this recipe! Swap chicken thighs for breasts, or even use firm tofu for a vegetarian twist. Experiment with different herbs like dill or oregano in your marinade. I genuinely encourage you to get into the kitchen and give this fantastic chicken souvlaki a whirl. You won’t be disappointed!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I grill the chicken souvlaki indoors?

Absolutely! If grilling outdoors isn’t an option, you can achieve delicious results indoors. Use a grill pan on your stovetop over medium-high heat, or broil the skewers in your oven. Ensure good ventilation as there might be some smoke.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the best flavor infusion, aim for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours of marinating time. However, if you have the time, marinating overnight in the refrigerator will yield even more tender and flavorful chicken souvlaki.

What can I serve with the chicken souvlaki if I don’t have pita bread?

There are plenty of delicious alternatives! You can serve the chicken souvlaki over a bed of fluffy basmati rice, quinoa, or even a hearty grain salad. It also makes a fantastic addition to a wrap using tortillas or even large lettuce leaves for a lighter option.

Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Authentic and flavorful Greek chicken souvlaki, marinated and grilled to perfection. Served with warm pita, fresh tomatoes, onions, and creamy tzatziki.

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
• juice of 2 lemons
• 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
   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, fresh dill, fresh parsley, dried oregano, coarse salt, and black pepper.
2. Step 2
   Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
3. Step 3
   Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat. If using skewers, thread the marinated chicken onto them.
4. Step 4
   Grill or broil the chicken souvlaki for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and lightly charred. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Step 5
   While the chicken is cooking, warm the Greek pita bread.
6. Step 6
   Assemble the souvlaki wraps by spreading tzatziki sauce on the warm pita, then filling with grilled chicken, sliced tomatoes, and thin red onion slices.

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.