Easy Chicken Souvlaki Recipe- Grill This Greek Favorite

Chicken Souvlaki is more than just a meal; it’s a vibrant celebration of fresh flavors and simple perfection. Imagin extracte succulent pieces of marinated chicken, grilled to a beautiful char, bursting with the zesty notes of lemon and oregano. It’s this irresistible combination that makes chicken souvlaki a perennial favorite, transporting your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched shores of Greece with every bite. We love it for its incredible versatility – it’s fantastic tucked into warm pita bread with tzatziki, piled high over fluffy rice, or even served alongside a crisp Greek salad. What truly makes this chicken souvlaki recipe special is the balance achieved in the marinade; it tenderizes the chicken beautifully while infusing it with that signature Mediterranean magic. Get ready to bring a taste of authentic Greek grilling into your own kitchen!

Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Ah, chicken souvlaki! The mere mention of it conjures up images of sun-drenched Greek islands, bustling tavernas, and the irresistible aroma of grilled meat. This recipe is my go-to for capturing that authentic, vibrant flavor right in my own kitchen. It’s surprisingly simple to make, and the results are always spectacular, whether you’re serving it up for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a barbecue. The key is a well-balanced marinade that infuses the chicken with bright, herbaceous, and garlicky goodness. Once grilled to perfection, this tender, flavorful chicken is the star of the show, ready to be tucked into warm pita bread with fresh toppings and creamy tzatziki. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

Cooking Instructions:

Marinating the Chicken

The foundation of truly delicious souvlaki is a flavorful marinade. This is where we’ll tenderize the chicken and pack it with Mediterranean zest. First, prepare your chicken. Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and then cut them into bite-sized cubes, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in size. Uniformity in size will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly. Place these chicken pieces in a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag.

Now, let’s build that marinade! In a separate bowl, whisk together the canola or olive oil, white grape juice vinegar, and the juice of your lemons. For the garlic, I like to smash the cloves with the flat side of my knife. This releases their aromatic oils without making them too overpowering. Add the smashed garlic to the liquid mixture. Next, finely mince your fresh dill weed and parsley. Fresh herbs make a world of difference in souvlaki, so don’t be tempted to skip them! Stir in the minced herbs, dried oregano, coarse salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good whisk until well combined. Pour this beautiful marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is coated. If using a bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap. If using a bag, seal it securely. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, I recommend marinating it for 2 to 4 hours. You can even marinate it overnight for an even deeper flavor infusion. Avoid marinating for much longer than 24 hours, as the acidity from the lemon juice can start to break down the chicken’s texture too much.

Preparing for Grilling

Once the chicken has had ample time to soak up all those wonderful flavors, it’s time to get ready for grilling. If you’re using wooden skewers, and I highly recommend them for that authentic souvlaki look, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand. This crucial step prevents the wooden skewers from burning on the grill. Drain the marinated chicken, discarding the marinade. Thread the chicken cubes onto the prepared skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking. Aim for about 4-5 pieces of chicken per skewer, depending on their size. This will make them easy to handle and cook beautifully.

Grilling the Souvlaki

Now for the main event – grilling! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This temperature is perfect for achieving a lovely char on the outside of the chicken while ensuring it cooks through to the center without drying out. Clean your grill grates thoroughly and then lightly oil them to prevent sticking. Carefully place the chicken skewers onto the hot grill. You’ll want to cook them for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has those irresistible grill marks. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken pieces and the heat of your grill. Resist the urge to constantly flip them; let them develop a nice sear on each side. You’ll know they’re done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) or when the juices run clear.

Warming the Pita and Assembling

While the chicken is grilling, take this opportunity to warm your Greek pita bread. You can do this gently on the grill for a minute or two on each side, or in a warm oven. You want them to be soft, pliable, and slightly warm to the touch. Once the chicken is grilled to perfection, remove the skewers from the grill and let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite. While the chicken rests, slice your tomatoes and red onion thinly.

Finally, it’s time to assemble your delicious chicken souvlaki! Lay a warm pita bread flat. You can spread a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce directly onto the pita, or serve it on the side for dipping. Place a few pieces of the grilled chicken souvlaki onto the pita. Top with the sliced tomatoes and thin red onion rings. You can add a little extra fresh dill or parsley if you like, and a drizzle of extra olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice can also elevate the flavors. Fold the pita in half, and your incredible homemade chicken souvlaki is ready to be devoured! Enjoy the taste of Greece!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – your guide to making incredibly delicious Chicken Souvlaki right at home! This recipe is a winner because it’s packed with vibrant, authentic Greek flavors, incredibly versatile, and surprisingly simple to pull off, even for a weeknight meal. The tender marinated chicken, infused with lemon, garlic, and oregano, is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect way to bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table without any fuss.

When it comes to serving, the possibilities are endless! I love serving my Chicken Souvlaki skewers alongside warm pita bread, a generous dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce, a fresh Greek salad bursting with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta, and perhaps some fluffy rice or crispy roasted potatoes. For variations, don’t be afraid to experiment! You can swap chicken thighs for breasts for extra richness, marinate chunks of beef or even halloumi cheese for a vegetarian option, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a touch of heat.

I truly hope you’ll give this Chicken Souvlaki recipe a try. It’s a fantastic meal that’s both healthy and satisfying, and the joy of creating something so flavorful from scratch is immense. Let me know how it turns out for you!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?

For optimal flavor and tenderness, I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but for the absolute best results, let it sit in the marinade for 2-4 hours in the refrigerator. You can even marinate it overnight if you have the time!

Q: Can I grill the souvlaki indoors if I don’t have an outdoor grill?

Absolutely! You can achieve fantastic results by cooking your Chicken Souvlaki indoors. A cast-iron grill pan on the stovetop works wonderfully, mimicking the char of an outdoor grill. Alternatively, you can broil them in the oven or even bake them on a baking sheet at a high temperature (around 400°F or 200°C) until cooked through and slightly browned.

Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Authentic and flavorful Greek chicken souvlaki, marinated in lemon, herbs, and garlic, perfect for grilling or pan-searing. Served with warm pita, fresh tomatoes, red onion, and creamy tzatziki.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
15 Minutes

Total Time
35 Minutes

Servings
4-6 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 cloves, minced dill, minced parsley, dried oregano, coarse salt, and black pepper.
2. Step 2
   Add chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, for optimal flavor.
3. Step 3
   Preheat grill to medium-high heat or heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil.
4. Step 4
   Thread chicken onto skewers (if using) or add chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
5. Step 5
   Grill or pan-sear chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and lightly browned. Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Step 6
   Warm the Greek pita bread according to package directions.
7. Step 7
   Assemble the souvlaki by filling warmed pita bread with cooked chicken, sliced tomatoes, thin-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.