Best Chicken Souvlaki Recipe- Easy & Delicious

Chicken souvlaki recipe! There’s something undeniably magical about the taste of perfectly grilled chicken, marinated to tender perfection and infused with vibrant Mediterranean herbs and zesty lemon. This classic Greek dish, chicken souvlaki, has captured hearts and taste buds around the globe, and for good reason. It’s the epitome of simple, yet incredibly satisfying, cuisine. Whether you’re dreaming of a sun-drenched Greek island or simply craving a healthy and flavourful meal, this chicken souvlaki recipe is your ticket. What makes it truly special is the harmonious blend of fresh ingredients, creating a symphony of tangy, savory, and herbaceous notes that dance on your palate. It’s versatile enough for a quick weeknight dinner served in pita with tzatziki, or an impressive centerpiece for a summer barbecue. Get ready to bring a little bit of Greece to your own kitchen with this easy and delicious chicken souvlaki recipe.

Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about perfectly grilled chicken, especially when it’s infused with bright, zesty flavors and tenderized through a thoughtful marinade. My Chicken Souvlaki recipe is just that – a taste of the Mediterranean right in your own backyard. This dish is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or a casual weekend barbecue. The key to its success lies in a well-balanced marinade that tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with classic Greek aromatics. Paired with warm pita bread, fresh toppings, and a generous dollop of creamy tzatziki, it’s a complete and utterly delicious meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Let’s gather our ingredients to bring this delightful souvlaki to life.

Ingredients:

Marinating the Chicken

The foundation of fantastic souvlaki is a flavorful and effective marinade. This is where we’ll tenderize the chicken and infuse it with the signature Greek flavors.

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag, whisk together the canola or olive oil, white grape juice vinegar, and fresh lemon juice. The acidity from the vinegar and lemon juice will begin extract to break down the chicken’s proteins, making it incredibly tender. Add the smashed garlic cloves – smashing them releases their potent flavor without leaving large chunks. Next, incorporate the fresh minced dill and parsley. These fresh herbs are crucial for that vibrant, authentic taste. Finally, add the dried oregano, coarse salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. Take a moment to smell the beautiful aromas – it’s a preview of the deliciousness to come!

2. Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches. This size is perfect for skewering and ensures even cooking. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. If using a bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap. If using a resealable bag, press out as much air as possible before sealing. Refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor and tenderness, I highly recommend marinating for 2 to 4 hours. You can even marinate it overnight if you have the time. Just be mindful not to marinate for much longer than 24 hours, as the acidity can start to “cook” the chicken too much.

Grilling the Souvlaki

Now that our chicken has had time to soak up all those wonderful flavors, it’s time to cook it. Grilling is my preferred method for souvlaki as it imparts a delicious smoky char.

3. Prepare for Grilling: If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This prevents them from burning on the grill. Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator. If you didn’t use a resealable bag, drain off any excess marinade. Thread the chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers or your metal skewers, leaving a small space between each piece to allow for even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; it’s better to have a few more skewers than to have the chicken steam instead of grill.

4. Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure your grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. Carefully place the skewers on the hot grill. Grill for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has 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 a beautiful golden-brown color and for the chicken to be opaque throughout, with no pink inside. Avoid the temptation to constantly flip the skewers; let them develop those lovely grill marks.

Assembling Your Souvlaki Feast

The grilling is done, and the aroma is incredible! Now it’s time to bring all the elements together for a truly satisfying meal.

5. Assemble and Serve: While the chicken is grilling, warm your Greek pita bread. You can do this on a dry skillet over medium heat, in a low oven, or briefly on the grill. Once the chicken is cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken. To serve, open up the warm pita bread, or spread it open. Place a few pieces of the grilled chicken souvlaki inside. Top generously with sliced tomatoes, thin slices of red onion, and a good dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce. You can add extra fresh dill or parsley if you like. Serve immediately and enjoy the incredible taste of homemade Chicken Souvlaki!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! A foolproof recipe for delicious, authentic Chicken Souvlaki that I hope you’re excited to try. This recipe truly shines because it’s relatively simple to prepare while delivering incredible, vibrant flavors. The marinade tenderizes the chicken beautifully, infusing it with lemon, garlic, and oregano for that classic Greek taste. It’s the perfect dish for grilling season, backyard barbecues, or even a weeknight meal that feels like a special occasion.

I love serving my souvlaki skewers over fluffy rice pilaf, alongside a crisp Greek salad, and with plenty of warm pita bread for scooping up any leftover marinade. Tzatziki sauce is, of course, non-negotiable! For variations, don’t be afraid to experiment. You can easily swap the chicken thighs for chicken breast if you prefer, or even marinate cubes of beef or firm tofu for a vegetarian twist. Add bell peppers and onions to the skewers for a more complete meal.

Give this Chicken Souvlaki recipe a go – I’m confident you’ll love the results and find yourself making it again and again!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the best way to marinate the chicken for souvlaki?

For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken for at least 2-4 hours, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator. Ensure all the chicken pieces are fully submerged in the marinade.

Can I make chicken souvlaki without a grill?

Absolutely! You can achieve delicious results by pan-frying the marinated chicken in a hot skillet until cooked through and nicely browned. Alternatively, you can bake the souvlaki in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.

What are some other authentic Greek side dishes that pair well with souvlaki?

Beyond Greek salad and rice, consider serving your souvlaki with lemon roasted potatoes, grilled halloumi cheese, or a simple side of steamed green beans with olive oil and lemon.

Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

A classic Greek chicken souvlaki recipe with a flavorful marinade, perfect for grilling or pan-frying. Served with warm pita, tomatoes, red onion, and tzatziki sauce.

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 1-1.5 inch cubes. Place in a large bowl.
2. Step 2
   In a separate 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. Pour marinade over chicken, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
3. Step 3
   Thread chicken onto skewers, if using. Discard excess marinade.
4. Step 4
   Grill or pan-fry skewers over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred. If not using skewers, cook chicken pieces in a hot skillet for 5-7 minutes per side.
5. Step 5
   Warm Greek pita bread according to package directions.
6. Step 6
   Assemble souvlaki by stuffing warm pita bread with cooked chicken, 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.