Zesty Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe: A Taste of Mediterranean Magic

Succulent greek chicken souvlaki promises a Mediterranean escape right in your kitchen.

Marinated chunks of tender meat capture the essence of sunny islands and coastal tavernas.

Fragrant herbs and zesty lemon create a symphony of flavors dancing across your palate.

Authentic spices blend seamlessly with juicy chicken, transporting you to a quaint Greek village.

Each bite tells a story of traditional cooking passed through generations.

Crisp vegetables and warm pita complement the perfectly grilled protein.

You’ll want to savor every morsel of this delightful culinary journey.

What Makes Greek Chicken Souvlaki So Loved

• Savor Mediterranean Magic: Transport your taste buds to Greece with this authentic souvlaki recipe packed with zesty lemon and aromatic herbs that capture the essence of Mediterranean cooking.
• Master Flexible Cooking Techniques: Enjoy the freedom of grilling or baking, giving you versatile options to prepare delicious chicken souvlaki based on your kitchen setup and preference.
• Create Quick and Healthy Protein: Discover a lean protein dish that comes together fast, delivering maximum flavor with minimal ingredients and offering a nutritious meal for the whole family.
• Elevate Simple Ingredients: Transform basic chicken and common pantry spices into a restaurant-quality meal that impresses without complicated cooking methods or hard-to-find ingredients.

All You Need For Greek Chicken Souvlaki

• Chicken: Lean and tender meat that serves as the main protein in this Greek-inspired dish.

• Olive Oil, Lemon Juice: Provides moisture and tangy flavor to tenderize and enhance the chicken.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic base to the marinade.
• Oregano: Classic Greek herb that imparts a distinctive Mediterranean flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken.

• Pita Bread: Soft, warm flatbread that serves as a perfect wrap for the grilled chicken.
• Tomatoes, Red Onions: Fresh vegetables that add crispness and brightness to the dish.
• Tzatziki Sauce: Creamy Greek yogurt-based sauce that provides a cool and tangy complement.
• Lemon: Adds a fresh, citrusy finish to the souvlaki.

How To Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Easily

Step 1: Marinate The Chicken

• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Minced garlic
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Toss everything together until chicken is completely coated. Cover and chill in refrigerator for about an hour to let flavors meld beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare Skewers

Remove chicken from marinade and carefully thread onto wooden or metal skewers. Leave small gaps between chicken pieces for even cooking. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water beforehand to prevent burning.

Step 3: Fire Up The Grill

Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Clean and lightly oil grates to prevent sticking and create beautiful grill marks.

Step 4: Grill To Perfection

Place skewers on hot grill. Cook for 8-10 minutes, rotating occasionally to ensure golden brown exterior. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 163°F. Brush with reserved marinade during cooking.

Step 5: Alternative Oven Method

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken on greased baking sheet. Bake on top rack for 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature hits 163°F.

Step 6: Rest And Serve

• Sliced tomatoes
• Chopped red onions
• Creamy tzatziki sauce
• Fresh lemon wedges

Helpful Notes For Greek Chicken Souvlaki

• Marinate Masterfully: Refrigerate chicken in the marinade for at least 45 minutes to let the flavors deeply penetrate and tenderize the meat.
• Prevent Skewer Burning: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to stop them from catching fire during cooking.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 163°F for perfect doneness and food safety.
• Rest and Relax: Allow grilled chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute juices and keeps the meat incredibly moist.
• Flexible Cooking Methods: Switch between grilling and baking based on your kitchen setup or weather conditions without compromising the chicken's flavor and texture.

Ways To Tweak Greek Chicken Souvlaki

• Vegetarian Souvlaki: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, marinated in same Greek-style seasonings. Grill or bake using identical method for a plant-based protein option.
• Spicy Mediterranean Version: Add red pepper flakes and smoked paprika to marinade for extra heat. Include sliced jalapeños during grilling for additional kick.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Skip pita bread and serve over mixed greens or cauliflower rice. Use lettuce wraps as another carbohydrate-reduced serving suggestion.
• Lamb Souvlaki Swap: Substitute chicken cubes with lean lamb pieces, maintaining identical marinade and cooking techniques. Perfect for meat lovers seeking richer flavor profile.

Best Pairings With Greek Chicken Souvlaki

• Pairing Powerful Flavor Companions
• Elevate Greek Crisp White Wine: Assyrtiko from Santorini matches perfectly with the lemony, herb-infused chicken, cutting through the protein's richness while complementing Mediterranean flavors.
• Refresh with Zesty Sides: Greek horiatiki salad loaded with cucumber, tomatoes, and feta cheese creates a vibrant contrast to the grilled chicken's smoky profile, adding bright, cool textures.
• Match Herbal Beer Choice: Craft wheat beer or Greek lager like Mythos provides a light, crisp backdrop that harmonizes with the oregano and garlic marinade, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Balance with Cool Tzatziki: Traditional yogurt-cucumber sauce not only serves as a condiment but acts as a creamy, tangy accompaniment that softens the chicken's intense grilled notes.

How To Store Greek Chicken Souvlaki Well

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place chicken on microwave-safe plate, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange chicken on baking sheet, cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 10-15 minutes, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.

Questions About Greek Chicken Souvlaki

• Why is marinating important for this recipe?

Marinating helps tenderize the chicken, infuse flavors deeply, and keep the meat moist during cooking. The combination of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs breaks down protein fibers and adds delicious Greek-style taste.

• Can I use chicken breasts or thighs for souvlaki?

Chicken breasts work perfectly for this recipe, offering lean protein. Thighs are also excellent, providing more juiciness and richer flavor. Just ensure you cut them into uniform cubes for even cooking.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature. The chicken should reach 163°F when grilling or baking. After resting, it will naturally rise to the safe 165°F, ensuring it’s thoroughly cooked without becoming dry.

Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes (including marinating)
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Greek chicken souvlaki brings Mediterranean flavors right to your kitchen with tender marinated meat and zesty herbs. Grilled to perfection and served with warm pita, this classic dish offers a delightful journey through authentic Greek cuisine you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Liquid and Oil Ingredients:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon)

Accompaniments and Garnishes:

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 plum tomatoes, sliced
• Tzatziki sauce
• Pita bread (khubz)
• Lemon slices for squeezing

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Instructions

1. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a mixing container to create a vibrant marinade.
2. Submerge chicken cubes completely in the marinade, ensuring thorough coating. Refrigerate for 45-60 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
3. Prepare wooden skewers by soaking in water for 30 minutes to prevent charring during cooking.
4. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, maintaining slight spacing between pieces for even heat distribution.
5. Heat grill to medium-high (around 400°F), thoroughly cleaning and lightly oiling cooking grates to prevent sticking.
6. Grill chicken skewers for 8-10 minutes, rotating periodically to achieve golden-brown exterior and consistent cooking.
7. Monitor internal chicken temperature, aiming for 163°F. Carefully baste once with reserved marinade during grilling.
8. Remove skewers from grill and allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes, which helps internal temperature reach 165°F.
9. Optional alternative cooking method: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake chicken on a greased baking sheet for 5-7 minutes per side.
10. Serve hot chicken skewers atop warm pita bread, accompanied by fresh tomatoes, sliced red onions, tzatziki sauce, and a zesty lemon squeeze.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for maximum flavor by letting it sit in the refrigerator for at least 45 minutes, allowing the herbs and lemon to deeply penetrate the meat.
• Prevent wooden skewers from burning by soaking them in water for 30 minutes before threading the chicken, ensuring even cooking and preventing charring.
• Maintain food safety by using a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, which kills harmful bacteria and keeps the meat juicy.
• Customize the dish for different diets by substituting chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version, or using gluten-free pita for those with wheat sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes (including marinade preparation and threading skewers)
• Cook Time: 8–10 minutes grilling or 10–14 minutes baking
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 311 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 215 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg