If you’re craving a taste of the Mediterranean that’s fresh, vibrant, and downright delicious, this Grilled Chicken Souvlaki Recipe will quickly become your go-to dish. Tender, juicy chicken cubes marinated in a zesty blend of lemon, garlic, oregano, and olive oil are grilled to perfection on skewers, delivering mouthwatering smoky char with every bite. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing friends at your next BBQ, this classic Greek favorite offers unbeatable flavor with simple, wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the flavors in this Grilled Chicken Souvlaki Recipe come alive because of each carefully chosen ingredient — nothing fancy, just fresh and essential. From the acidity in lemon juice that tenderizes the meat to the fragrant oregano that gives it its signature herbaceous note, every item plays a starring role.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Cubed into bite-size pieces for quick, even grilling.
- ¼ cup olive oil: Adds richness while keeping the chicken juicy and helps the marinade cling.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Bright acidity that tenderizes and lifts the flavor of the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Provides a subtle tang and balances the lemon’s sharpness.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the chicken with deep savory aroma and flavor.
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano: The star herb that gives this dish its authentic Greek character.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances and brings out the natural flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick and warmth without overpowering.
- Wooden or metal skewers: Essential for threading the chicken pieces for grilling; soak wooden ones beforehand to prevent burning.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Chicken
Start by whisking together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. This mixture creates the perfect marinade that not only imparts amazing flavor but also tenderizes the chicken. Next, toss your cubed chicken in the marinade to coat every piece thoroughly, cover the bowl, and refrigerate for at least an hour. If you have more time, letting it sit up to four hours deepens the taste wonderfully.
Step 2: Thread the Chicken onto Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This simple step prevents them from burning on the grill. Carefully thread the marinated chicken cubes onto each skewer, leaving just a little space between pieces to ensure even cooking and char.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat, lightly oil the grates, and place the skewers on the heat. Grill for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally so that the chicken cooks evenly and develops that irresistible grilled char. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure the chicken is juicy and safe to eat. The aroma during grilling is an instant sign of something wonderful to come!
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Garnishes
To make your plate pop with freshness and texture, serve these skewers alongside or topped with classic garnishes like creamy tzatziki sauce, crisp sliced tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and thin rings of red onion. These bright accents complement the smoky chicken wonderfully and add a cooling contrast that’s irresistible.
Side Dishes
For a complete Mediterranean feast, pair your grilled chicken souvlaki with warm pita bread to wrap the chicken and garnishes into delicious handheld bites. Simple Greek salad or lemony roasted potatoes make excellent sides as well, offering vibrant flavor and grounding the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Beyond skewers, you can get creative by serving the grilled chicken souvlaki in a pita wrap with all the fixings for a street-food vibe, or chop the cooked chicken and toss it into a grain bowl with quinoa, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of extra tzatziki. The versatility of the Grilled Chicken Souvlaki Recipe makes it perfect for both casual meals and impressive entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover grilled chicken souvlaki in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for quick and tasty next-day meals or additions to salads and wraps.
Freezing
If you want to save grilled chicken souvlaki for a longer period, transfer the cooked skewers to a freezer-safe container or bag. Properly sealed, they keep well for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool completely before freezing to preserve maximum flavor and texture.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your souvlaki is on a grill or grill pan over medium heat to revive that lovely char and juiciness. Alternatively, you can warm it gently in the oven or microwave, but take care not to overcook and dry the chicken out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Grilled Chicken Souvlaki Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually a fantastic choice because they tend to stay juicier and more flavorful during grilling. Just cut them into similar-sized cubes for even cooking.
Do I have to marinate the chicken overnight?
While marinating overnight will give the deepest flavor, a minimum of one hour is sufficient for the marinade ingredients to work their magic and tenderize the chicken nicely.
Can I add vegetables to the skewers?
Yes! Bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes make fantastic additions for extra color, nutrition, and flavor. Just thread them alternating with the chicken pieces for a beautiful mixed skewer.
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I use a grill pan?
Definitely. A grill pan works wonderfully indoors and will give you lovely sear marks and the smoky flavor you want from grilling, just watch the heat to avoid burning.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Grilled Chicken Souvlaki Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free sides. Just watch out for any pita or sauces that might contain gluten if you’re avoiding it.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Chicken Souvlaki Recipe is hands down one of my favorite ways to bring vibrant Mediterranean flavors to the table with minimal effort and maximum joy. The balance of lemony brightness, aromatic herbs, and smoky grill marks makes every bite a celebration. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how effortlessly this dish becomes a cherished favorite in your meal rotation!
Print
Grilled Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus at least 1 hour marinating time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Grilled Chicken Souvlaki is a classic Greek dish featuring tender, marinated chicken pieces skewered and grilled to perfection. This recipe combines olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano to create a flavorful and juicy main course that pairs wonderfully with pita bread and fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Additional
- Wooden or metal skewers (soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before use)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create a vibrant marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss well to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to infuse the meat.
- Soak the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the soaked wooden or metal skewers, arranging them evenly.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and achieve a slightly charred exterior. Confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
- Serve: Remove from grill and serve the chicken souvlaki hot with warm pita bread, tzatziki, and sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions for an authentic Greek experience.
Notes
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the skewers to increase flavor and variety.
- For extra flavor, reserve some of the marinade before adding the chicken and brush it over the skewers during grilling.
- Ensure wooden skewers are thoroughly soaked to prevent burning on the grill.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
