Grilled Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Grilled Chicken Souvlaki is a Mediterranean masterpiece that will transport your tastebuds straight to a sun-drenched Greek island with every juicy, charbroiled bite. Tender chunks of chicken are bathed in a garlicky lemon marinade, skewered, then grilled to absolute perfection for an irresistibly fresh and aromatic dinner. Whether you’re planning a feast for friends or a simple weeknight meal, Grilled Chicken Souvlaki is the kind of dish that never fails to impress and satisfy—especially when served with easy fixings like pita, crisp salads, and a dollop of cool, creamy tzatziki.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of making Grilled Chicken Souvlaki is just how uncomplicated the shopping list is! Every ingredient plays a starring role, coming together to create layers of zesty, herby, and savory flavor—plus colors that look gorgeous on the plate.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless; they soak up the marinade, stay juicy, and are easy to cube for perfect skewers.
- Olive Oil: Acts as the fat base, helping the marinade penetrate the meat while lending a subtle richness.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, tangy kick that tenderizes the chicken and brings that signature Greek zing.
- Garlic: Minced fresh for punchy aroma and depth—you’ll notice its magic in every bite.
- Dried Oregano: Essential for an authentic Mediterranean note; don’t skimp on this herb!
- Salt: Seasons the chicken through and through, heightening all the other flavors.
- Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and rounds out the flavor profile.
- Wooden Skewers: Soaking these ensures they won’t burn on the grill—a small step that prevents big frustration.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Souvlaki
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
The marinade is where the magic begins! In a big mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk this together until it’s all perfectly blended. Add in the chicken cubes, tossing to coat every piece thoroughly. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour—though up to four hours really lets the flavors sink in deep.
Step 2: Prep Your Skewers and Grill
While your chicken is soaking up those Mediterranean flavors, soak your wooden skewers in water (if you haven’t already) to keep them from burning. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and give the grates a quick oil—this prevents sticking and gives those grill marks we all love.
Step 3: Thread and Grill the Chicken
Now comes the fun part: thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the soaked skewers, packing them close but not squished. Arrange the skewers on the hot grill and let them cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally with tongs. You’re looking for golden, lightly-charred edges and an internal temperature of 165°F. That aroma? Pure summer joy.
Step 4: Rest and Serve Hot
Once the chicken skewers are cooked through and slightly charred, pull them off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This lets the juices stay put so every bite is ridiculously juicy. Serve piping hot—extra points for warm pita and a generous swoosh of tzatziki!
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Souvlaki
Garnishes
To really make your Grilled Chicken Souvlaki pop, don’t skip the finishing touches. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or dill wakes up the flavors, while a squeeze of lemon right before serving brings an extra kick of brightness. For even more Mediterranean flair, add a handful of diced cucumbers or tomatoes on top—your plate will look as vibrant as it tastes.
Side Dishes
There are so many ways to round out your Grilled Chicken Souvlaki feast! Classic options like warm, fluffy pita bread and creamy tzatziki sauce are fan favorites. Consider adding a Greek salad bursting with ripe tomatoes, briny olives, and salty feta. If you want something heartier, rice pilaf or oven-roasted potatoes will soak up those chicken juices like a dream.
Creative Ways to Present
Take Grilled Chicken Souvlaki from usual to unforgettable by serving the skewers “deconstructed” on a platter with all the toppings and breads arranged for DIY wraps. Or try sliding the chicken off the skewer and piling high in a grain bowl with quinoa and loads of crunchy veggies. For parties, mini skewers make the ultimate finger food—watch them disappear at any gathering!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Grilled Chicken Souvlaki (lucky you!), pop the cooled skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The chicken will stay juicy and flavorful, making for easy lunches or quick dinners the next day.
Freezing
You can easily freeze cooked or uncooked marinated chicken. For best results, place the chicken (off the skewers) in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen Grilled Chicken Souvlaki keeps well for up to two months, making it a dream for future meal prepping.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until hot. A splash of lemon juice will perk up any reheated pieces, so don’t be shy! Avoid microwaving if you can; it’s the quickest way to dry out your hard-earned souvlaki.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Grilled Chicken Souvlaki?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative—they become unbelievably juicy and flavorful, and the extra fat can make your souvlaki even more tender on the grill.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! You can broil the skewers on a tray in your oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through. You’ll still get gorgeous browning and all the Mediterranean flavors of traditional Grilled Chicken Souvlaki.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Aim for at least one hour, but up to four hours is ideal for amazing depth of flavor. If you’re tight on time, even a quick 30 minutes will give your Grilled Chicken Souvlaki a tasty boost.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
You sure can! Mix up the marinade a day ahead and keep it in a sealed jar in the fridge. When you’re ready, just pour it over the chicken and let the flavors get to work.
Is Grilled Chicken Souvlaki gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe itself is totally gluten-free! Just be sure to pair with gluten-free sides if needed and double-check any store-bought sauces or pita breads you serve alongside.
Final Thoughts
Grilled Chicken Souvlaki is the kind of recipe that brings pure joy to both cook and crowd—simple to prep, bursting with bold flavors, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re new to Mediterranean cooking or already a souvlaki superfan, this dish is a guaranteed hit. Fire up that grill and dig in!
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Grilled Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes plus marinating time
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Savor the flavors of the Mediterranean with these juicy Grilled Chicken Souvlaki skewers. Marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon, and herbs, these tender chicken pieces are perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight meal. Serve with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a crisp salad for a complete and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Additional:
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add chicken cubes to the marinade, toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the Grill: Oil the grates and preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Grill the Skewers: Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through.
- Serve: Serve hot with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a side salad.
Notes
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the skewers under the broiler for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through.
- This dish pairs beautifully with rice pilaf or roasted potatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes plus marinating time
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
