Craving a taste of Greece? Imagine juicy, flavorful chicken bites marinated in a zesty lemon-garlic-oregano blend, threaded onto skewers, and grilled to perfection. That’s the magic of Chicken Souvlaki , a popular Greek dish that’s simple yet bursting with Mediterranean flavors. Whether served with fluffy flatbreads, creamy tzatziki, or crisp Greek salad, this meal tantalizes the senses with every bite. Not only is Chicken Souvlaki a perfect dish for summer grilling, but it’s both healthy and delicious!
Ingredients List for Chicken Souvlaki
To begin your Chicken Souvlaki journey, you’ll need the following simple, pantry-friendly ingredients:
For the Marinade:
- ¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil – This is crucial for keeping the chicken moist and adding richness.
- ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice – Provides the tangy brightness that balances the olive oil.
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed – Garlic infuses the chicken with bold and robust flavors.
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano – The herby note most famously tied to Greek cuisine.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Highlights the marinade flavors and penetrates the chicken for seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper – Adds just the right amount of warmth.
Chicken Preparation:
- 2 pounds (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast – Cut into 1-inch pieces for the most tender and bite-sized results.
Optional Ingredients for Serving:
- Flatbreads – Soft and pillowy to wrap around the succulent chicken.
- Tzatziki Sauce – Cool and creamy for dipping or dressing.
- Greek Salad – A refreshing side with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta to complement the Chicken Souvlaki.
With these ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a fresh and hearty Greek feast at home!
How to Make the Perfect Chicken Souvlaki Marinade
Crafting a mouthwatering marinade is the foundation of an authentic Chicken Souvlaki recipe. The marinade not only enhances the flavor of the chicken but also ensures that every bite remains juicy and tender. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Combine the Marinade Ingredients
In a zip-top bag (or a mixing bowl if you don’t have a bag), add the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create a cohesive marinade that bursts with flavor. The olive oil ensures the chicken stays moist, while the lemon provides that signature tang. Oregano and garlic are essential for adding earthiness and aroma.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Once your marinade is ready, add the chicken breast pieces to the bag. Zip the bag closed tightly, ensuring there’s no excess air trapped inside. Gently massage the chicken pieces inside the bag, making sure that each piece gets fully coated with the marinade. This helps the chicken absorb all the Mediterranean flavors.
Step 3: Let It Marinate
Allow the chicken to sit in the marinade for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator. If you have extra time, let it marinate for up to 4 hours—this will make the chicken even more flavorful and tender. Don’t marinate it beyond 4 hours, as the lemon juice may start to over-tenderize the meat, making it slightly mushy.
The secret to outstanding Chicken Souvlaki lies in giving the chicken enough time to soak up all those fresh ingredients before grilling. Trust me—your patience will be rewarded with incredibly tasty and juicy chicken!
Grilling the Chicken Souvlaki
Once your chicken has marinated to perfection, it’s time to fire up the grill and infuse that smoky deliciousness into each piece. Whether you’re using a traditional outdoor grill or a grill pan indoors, these steps will help you achieve beautifully charred, succulent chicken.
Step 1: Soak the Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, you’ll need to soak them in water for about 20-30 minutes before grilling. This step is crucial because it prevents the skewers from burning on the grill. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step.
Step 2: Thread the Chicken
Once your skewers are ready, carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto each skewer. Ensure the pieces are evenly spaced to allow for proper cooking. Avoid overcrowding the skewers—this will help the chicken cook evenly and develop a nice char all around.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan indoors, apply a small amount of oil to prevent sticking. The grill should be hot enough to sizzle when the chicken skewers are placed on it, but not so hot that it immediately chars the outside without cooking the inside.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken Souvlaki
Place the chicken skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side , flipping once, until the chicken is golden brown and charred in spots. The key is to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. You can use a meat thermometer to check this. If you don’t have one, make sure the juices from the chicken run clear once cut.
Step 5: Rest the Chicken
Once the skewers are off the grill, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes . This resting period helps the chicken retain its juices, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
Grilling brings every flavor in the marinade to life, creating a heavenly charred crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy. The aroma alone will have everyone at the table digging in before you can even set the sides!
Serving and Enjoying Chicken Souvlaki
Now that your skewers are perfectly grilled and rested, it’s time to put the finishing touches on your succulent Chicken Souvlaki dish. Pair these juicy morsels with classic Greek sides for a truly authentic Mediterranean feast.
Step 1: Serve the Chicken Souvlaki
Remove the chicken from the skewers or serve them as they are for a rustic look. Feel free to present the skewers on a large serving platter surrounded by the sides of your choice. Chicken Souvlaki is versatile—it can be served on its own or complemented by various accompaniments.
Step 2: Suggested Sides
For the full Greek experience, serve your Chicken Souvlaki with these delicious options:
- Flatbreads or Pita:
Warm and fluffy, perfect for wrapping around the chicken and soaking up the juices. - Tzatziki Sauce:
This classic Greek dip made from yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and lemon adds a refreshing creaminess to balance the zesty chicken. Serve it as a dip or spread inside flatbreads. - Greek Salad:
A fresh salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, olives, and feta cheese dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. It’s light, vibrant, and pairs beautifully with the savory chicken. - Rice or Couscous:
For a heartier meal, you can serve the chicken with a side of fluffy rice or couscous.
Step 3: Garnishing
Top your Chicken Souvlaki with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like dill or parsley, for added color and freshness. A final drizzle of lemon juice will also brighten up the flavors just before serving.
Step 4: Enjoy!
Dig in! Whether you’re assembling a wrap by piling chicken, tzatziki, and salad into your flatbread, or eating the kebabs alongside a salad for a lighter option, every bite will transport you straight to a sunny Greek taverna.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days . To reheat, warm the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s hot through, or you can give it a quick sizzle on a grill pan.
Final Thoughts
Congratulations— you’ve just made an incredibly flavorful and authentic Chicken Souvlaki! With its tender grilled chicken, zesty marinade, and perfect accompaniments, it’s a dish that’s sure to have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe, great for weeknight dinners or impressing guests at a BBQ.
The beauty of Chicken Souvlaki isn’t just in its bold flavors, but it’s also easy to prepare in bulk if you’re hosting. This customizable dish, with a variety of sides and sauces, is a crowd-pleaser and can be personalized to fit your preferences.
So, the next time you’re craving a vacation to Greece, whip out this recipe and get grilling—your taste buds will be thanking you!