Authentic Chicken Souvlaki Recipe- Easy Greek Grill

Chicken Souvlaki Recipe: Get ready to transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched shores of Greece with this vibrant and utterly irresistible Chicken Souvlaki Recipe. We all crave those perfectly grilled, marinated skewers of tender chicken, bursting with herbaceous, citrusy, and garlicky goodness, don’t we? That’s precisely what makes Chicken Souvlaki such a universally loved dish. It’s more than just grilled chicken; it’s an experience. The magic lies in the marinade – a simple yet profound blend of olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, and a hint of rosemary – that transforms humble chicken into something truly spectacular. Whether you’re serving it in warm pita bread with a dollop of tzatziki, alongside a crisp Greek salad, or simply as a delightful appetizer, this Chicken Souvlaki Recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and a staple in your summer repertoire.

Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about perfectly grilled, marinated chicken skewers. Chicken souvlaki, a classic Greek dish, is a prime example. Tender pieces of chicken, infused with bright lemon, garlic, and fragrant herbs, are grilled to smoky perfection. It’s a dish that transports you straight to a sunny Mediterranean taverna, even if you’re just in your backyard. The beauty of souvlaki lies in its simplicity and the incredible depth of flavor achieved through a well-balanced marinade. It’s a recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner but special enough for a gathering with friends. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious dish.

Ingredients:

Preparing the Chicken and Marinade

The first step to achieving incredibly flavorful chicken souvlaki is to prepare your chicken and, more importantly, its marinade. You’ll want to trim any excess fat from your chicken breasts. Then, cut the chicken into roughly 1-inch cubes. Consistency in size is key here, as it ensures that all the pieces cook evenly. For the marinade, we’re creating a vibrant blend that will tenderize and infuse the chicken with authentic Greek flavors. In a large bowl, combine the canola or olive oil, white grape juice vinegar, and the fresh juice of your lemons. Don’t be afraid to add that third lemon if your first two aren’t yielding much juice; the citrus is crucial for both flavor and tenderizing the chicken. Next, add the smashed garlic cloves. Smashing the garlic releases more of its pungent flavor than mincing it finely. Now, add your fresh herbs: the minced dill and parsley. Fresh herbs are always superior for this type of dish, offering a bright, clean flavor that dried herbs can’t quite replicate. If you can’t find fresh dill or parsley, you can use about 1 tablespoon of each dried herb, but the flavor will be less vibrant. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, coarse salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly.

Marinating the Chicken

Once your marinade is ready, add the chicken cubes to the bowl. Toss the chicken well, ensuring every piece is coated in the marinade. This is where the magic happens. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and marinade to a resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but for the best flavor, I highly recommend marinating it for 4-6 hours, or even overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more tender and flavorful it will become. The acidity from the lemon juice and vinegar will start to break down the chicken fibers, making it incredibly succulent when cooked. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before you plan to grill. This prevents them from burning on the grill.

Grilling the Souvlaki

Now for the exciting part – cooking! You have a couple of options for grilling your souvlaki. You can use an outdoor grill or an indoor grill pan.

Grilling on an Outdoor Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once the grill is hot, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto your soaked wooden skewers or your metal skewers. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave a little space between each piece of chicken so they cook evenly and get those beautiful grill marks. Lightly oil your grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the hot grill. Grill for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Grilling on an Indoor Grill Pan: If you’re using an indoor grill pan, preheat it over medium-high heat. You might want to add a tablespoon of oil to the pan to ensure the chicken doesn’t stick. Thread the chicken onto skewers as you would for an outdoor grill. Place the skewers on the hot grill pan. Cook for about 7-9 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and nicely seared.

Regardless of your grilling method, it’s important not to overcook the chicken. Overcooked souvlaki can become dry and tough.

Warming the Pita and Assembling

While your chicken is grilling or resting, it’s time to prepare your accompaniments. Gently warm the Greek pita bread. You can do this by wrapping them in foil and placing them on the side of the grill for a few minutes, or by warming them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until they are soft and pliable. Sliced tomatoes and thinly sliced red onion are essential for adding freshness and a little crunch to your souvlaki. Have your tzatziki sauce ready to go.

Serving Your Chicken Souvlaki

Once the chicken is cooked and has rested for a couple of minutes (this allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist), you’re ready to assemble. Lay out a warm pita bread. Spoon a generous amount of tzatziki sauce onto the pita. Then, place a few skewers of the delicious chicken souvlaki on top of the tzatziki. Top with sliced tomatoes and red onion. You can also add a sprinkle of extra fresh dill or parsley if you like. Fold the pita in half or roll it up, and your fantastic Chicken Souvlaki is ready to be devoured. This dish is also wonderful served with a side of Greek salad or some roasted potatoes. Enjoy the taste of Greece!

Conclusion:

You’ve now got everything you need to create incredibly delicious and authentic Chicken Souvlaki right in your own kitchen! This recipe is truly a winner because it delivers tender, flavorful chicken marinated in a vibrant blend of lemon, garlic, and herbs, all grilled to perfection. It’s a dish that feels both impressive and surprisingly simple to execute, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. The smoky char from the grill combined with the bright, zesty marinade is simply irresistible. I can’t wait for you to try it!

To serve, I highly recommend pairing your Chicken Souvlaki with warm pita bread, a fresh Greek salad, creamy tzatziki sauce, and perhaps some fluffy rice or roasted potatoes. The combination of textures and flavors is a true delight. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations! You could try marinating beef or lamb for a different souvlaki experience, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your marinade for a touch of heat. The possibilities are endless, and I encourage you to make this recipe your own!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Chicken Souvlaki without a grill?

Absolutely! While grilling imparts a wonderful smoky flavor, you can achieve delicious results indoors. You can pan-sear the marinated chicken skewers in a hot skillet or cook them under the broiler in your oven until golden brown and cooked through. Just keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

What is the best cut of chicken for souvlaki?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are generally preferred for souvlaki as they remain incredibly moist and flavorful during the marinating and cooking process. Chicken breast can also be used, but it’s important not to overcook it to prevent it from becoming dry.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the best flavor, I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. However, to really let those beautiful Mediterranean flavors fully infuse the meat, marinating for 2-4 hours or even overnight in the refrigerator is ideal.

Chicken Souvlaki

Delicious and authentic Greek chicken souvlaki marinated and grilled to perfection. Served with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
15 Minutes

Total Time
35 Minutes

Servings
6-8 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 is 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, minced dill, minced parsley, dried oregano, coarse salt, and black pepper. Add chicken to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
2. Step 2
   Preheat grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
3. Step 3
   Thread marinated chicken onto skewers. Discard any excess marinade.
4. Step 4
   Grill skewers for 6-8 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
5. Step 5
   While chicken is grilling, warm the Greek pita bread according to package instructions.
6. Step 6
   Assemble the souvlaki by filling warm pita bread with grilled 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.