This Chicken Souvlaki recipe is flavorful, fresh, and incredibly simple to prepare. The marinade is rich in lemon, garlic, and herbs, infusing the chicken with authentic Greek taste. It’s a versatile dish that can be grilled, baked, or cooked in a skillet, making it ideal for any season. Plus, it’s healthy, high in protein, and customizable to your preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless
Olive oil
Fresh lemon juice
Garlic cloves, minced
Dried oregano
Salt
Black pepper
Wooden or metal skewers
Directions
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken to the marinade and mix well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes.
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers.
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Cook the skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred.
Serve hot with pita, tzatziki sauce, and your favorite sides.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings. Preparation time: 15 minutes Marinating time: 1 hour (minimum) Cooking time: 10–12 minutes Total time: About 1 hour 25 minutes
Variations
Herb Swap: Try using fresh thyme or rosemary in place of oregano for a different herbal note.
Protein Options: Substitute chicken with pork, shrimp, or tofu for a different take.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
Baked Version: Bake the skewered chicken at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes if grilling isn’t an option.
Wrap Style: Serve wrapped in pita with tomatoes, onions, and sauce for a handheld meal.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover Chicken Souvlaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the skewers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or microwave on medium heat until heated through. Avoid overcooking to prevent dryness.
FAQs
What is Chicken Souvlaki made of?
Chicken Souvlaki is made of marinated chicken pieces, usually grilled on skewers, seasoned with lemon, garlic, oregano, and olive oil.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to grill.
Do I need a grill for this recipe?
No, you can also use a grill pan, stovetop skillet, or oven to cook the skewers.
What should I serve with Chicken Souvlaki?
It pairs well with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, Greek salad, or rice pilaf.
Can I freeze Chicken Souvlaki?
Yes, freeze the uncooked marinated chicken in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw before cooking.
How do I keep the chicken juicy?
Marinate it long enough and avoid overcooking. Thighs also stay juicier than breasts.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, the chicken itself is gluten-free. Just make sure all sides and sauces used are gluten-free too.
Can I use metal skewers?
Yes, metal skewers are great and reusable. Just handle with care when hot.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 1 hour is recommended, but marinating overnight gives the best flavor.
What’s the difference between souvlaki and gyro?
Souvlaki uses grilled meat on skewers, while gyro meat is usually cooked on a vertical rotisserie and sliced.
Conclusion
Chicken Souvlaki is a delicious and easy way to bring Greek flavors to your table. With a vibrant marinade and quick cooking time, it’s a great go-to for flavorful meals any day of the week. Whether grilled outdoors or cooked in your kitchen, it’s sure to become a favorite.
Chicken Souvlaki is a classic Greek dish made with marinated chicken grilled on skewers, packed with Mediterranean flavors like lemon, garlic, and oregano. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken to the marinade and mix well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes.
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers.
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Cook the skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred.
Serve hot with pita, tzatziki sauce, and your favorite sides.
Notes
Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor.Use chicken thighs for a juicier result.Can be baked at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes as an alternative to grilling.Add red pepper flakes for a spicy variation.Can be made ahead and frozen before cooking.
Nutrition
Serving Size:1 serving (approx. 6 oz cooked chicken)
