If you dream of sun-soaked Greek summers and crave bright Mediterranean flavor, you absolutely need this Chicken Souvlaki recipe in your life! Juicy, zesty marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection—it’s the quintessential crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is impossible to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Burst of Sunshine Flavor: Each bite of Chicken Souvlaki is full of bright lemon, garlic, and herbs for a taste that transports you straight to Greece.
- Quick & Weeknight-Friendly: The minimal prep and speedy grill time mean dinner can be on the table in under an hour—even if you opt to marinate just 30 minutes!
- Versatile for Parties or Meal Prep: Serve Chicken Souvlaki on skewers for sharing, tuck it in flatbread wraps, or enjoy it in bowls—this recipe flexes to every occasion.
- Healthy, Fresh, and Satisfying: High-protein, low-carb, and loaded with Mediterranean veggies, it’s a meal that feels as good as it tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to unforgettable Chicken Souvlaki is all in the ingredients! Each element—zesty citrus, aromatic herbs, juicy chicken—plays its own delicious part. Gather these pantry staples and get ready for big, bold Greek flavor.
- Olive oil: This is the heart of the marinade, helping infuse flavor and keep your chicken moist and tender on the grill.
- Lemon juice & zest: Fresh lemon brings brightness and zing—it’s the key to Chicken Souvlaki’s signature taste.
- Garlic cloves (minced): For that deep, aromatic savoriness that makes the marinade irresistible.
- Dried oregano: The traditional Greek herb that gives every bite its unmistakable rustic aroma.
- Dried rosemary: Adds a subtle, earthy flavor that balances the lemon and garlic beautifully.
- Kosher salt & ground black pepper: Just the right seasoning to bring everything together—don’t skimp!
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Cut into 1-inch cubes for even marinating and perfect grilling.
- Flat bread: Warm, pillowy flatbreads are perfect for wrapping up your souvlaki, or for serving alongside.
- Tomatoes, red onion, lettuce: All the crisp, colorful veggies that add crunch and freshness.
- Tzatziki sauce: Creamy, tangy, garlicky magic, and an absolute must as a drizzle or dip.
- Feta cheese: A briny, crumbly finish that takes each bite over the top.
Variations
Chicken Souvlaki is endlessly adaptable—swap, add, or subtract according to what you have in the kitchen, your dietary preferences, or your mood. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
- Swap the protein: Try boneless, skinless thighs for extra juiciness, or use pork or lamb for a classic Greek twist.
- Go vegetarian: Marinate chunks of halloumi or big pieces of portobello mushroom instead of chicken—delicious!
- Spice it up: Add a little smoked paprika or chili flakes to the marinade for a gentle kick.
- Herb it up: Toss in some fresh parsley, dill, or mint for more herbal depth and fragrance.
- Low-carb wraps: Serve in lettuce leaves for a lighter, refreshing meal that’s just as flavorful.
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki
Step 1: Make the Marinade
In a medium bowl or large zip-top bag, combine your olive oil, lemon zest and juice, minced garlic, oregano, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until everything is beautifully combined and fragrant—the scent alone will make your mouth water!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add your chicken cubes to the marinade, tossing to coat each piece evenly. Let the chicken soak up all those flavors for at least 30 minutes (on busy nights), but if you can, marinate up to overnight in the fridge for extra flavor-packed, tender results.
Step 3: Skewer the Chicken
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving just a bit of space between each chunk so they grill evenly. Both metal and bamboo skewers work—just remember to cover exposed bamboo with foil if grilling, so nothing burns.
Step 4: Grill or Broil Until Golden
Heat your grill to medium-high and oil the grates well. Grill skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until beautifully golden with enticing char marks, and juices run clear. Prefer to broil? Line a sheet pan with foil, arrange skewers, and broil for about 8 minutes, flipping once—watch closely so they don’t burn!
Step 5: Serve with All the Fixings
Slather warm flatbread with creamy tzatziki, pile on grilled Chicken Souvlaki, and load up with lettuce, tomato, onion, and feta. Or simply slide the chicken off the skewers and dig in with your favorite sides—simple, fresh, and fabulous!
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Souvlaki
- Marinate for Maximum Tenderness: Let your chicken rest in the marinade as long as possible; overnight infuses the most flavor and guarantees melt-in-your-mouth results.
- Flat Skewers Are Game Changers: If you have flat metal skewers, use them! They keep chicken pieces from spinning, making grilling easier and more even.
- Oil the Grill Grates Well: Prevent sticking by brushing grates with oil just before you add your Chicken Souvlaki skewers—this helps you get those gorgeous char marks without any mess.
- Don’t Overcook! Pull chicken just as juices run clear and internal temp hits 165°F—overcooking is the only way to dry out this juicy classic.
How to Serve Chicken Souvlaki
Garnishes
Nothing beats a sprinkle of tangy feta cheese and extra fresh dill or parsley over your warm Chicken Souvlaki. A squeeze of lemon just before serving makes the flavors sing, and a drizzle of extra tzatziki always earns rave reviews!
Side Dishes
Pair your Chicken Souvlaki with simple Greek salad, lemony roasted potatoes, or a mound of fluffy rice pilaf. Don’t forget a plate of warm flatbreads, extra veggies, and maybe a handful of olives for the ultimate Mediterranean feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve Chicken Souvlaki skewers with a build-your-own flatbread bar—think bowls of bright veggies, a mountain of tzatziki, and crumbled feta galore. Or, pile the chicken into colorful bowls with grains, greens, and all the fixings for an eye-catching, customizable meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Souvlaki is just as tasty the next day! Slide any remaining chicken off the skewers and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It makes for dreamy lunch wraps or easy grain bowls on the fly.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Chicken Souvlaki for up to two months. Let cool, remove from skewers, and freeze in a single layer before transferring to a bag—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for quick weeknight dinners.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Chicken Souvlaki gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or pop it in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. Microwave works in a pinch, but lower, slower heat keeps it juicy!
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast for Chicken Souvlaki?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute and offer extra juiciness and flavor. Just cut them into the same size pieces, marinate, and cook as directed—watch for doneness, as thighs may cook slightly faster.
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How long should I marinate Chicken Souvlaki for best flavor?
Even 30 minutes will make a difference, but if you have time, marinate the chicken for 2-4 hours, or up to overnight for the absolute deepest flavor and most tender texture.
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Do I have to use skewers, or can I grill the chicken pieces directly?
Skewers make turning and serving the chicken easier, but you can grill the marinated chicken pieces directly on the grates or use a grill basket—just be sure nothing slips through, and adjust cook time as needed.
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Can Chicken Souvlaki be cooked indoors if I don’t have a grill?
Yes! Use your oven’s broiler as a quick and easy substitute. Broil skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet, flipping once, until charred and cooked through—a delicious year-round option.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you’ll treat yourself and your loved ones to a platter of Chicken Souvlaki soon—it’s the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with laughter, sunshine, and the irresistible aroma of Greece. Fire up your grill and let every bite transport you somewhere wonderful!
Print
Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 51 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Grilling
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
This Chicken Souvlaki recipe is a delicious and flavorful Greek dish perfect for a quick and tasty meal. Marinated in a blend of olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs, the chicken is grilled to perfection and served with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 Lemon
- Zest of 1 Lemon
- 3 Garlic Cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon dried Oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried Rosemary
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 teaspoon ground Black Pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless Chicken Breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4–6 pieces flat bread
- tomatoes
- red onion
- lettuce
- Tzatziki sauce
- Feta cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a medium bowl or a gallon zip lock bag, combine olive oil, lemon zest and juice, garlic, oregano, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat.
- Marinate: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Skewer Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high, oil it, and grill the skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Broil: Alternatively, broil the skewers in the oven for 8 minutes, flipping once.
- Serve: Serve the chicken souvlaki with Tzatziki sauce or in flatbread with toppings.
Notes
- Nutritional values are for the souvlaki only, excluding additional serving suggestion ingredients.
- Use foil under bamboo skewers on the grill to prevent burning.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 295 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 109mg
