Grilled Chicken Souvlaki
I still remember the first time I tried grilled chicken souvlaki at a Greek restaurant. The combination of the juicy, flavorful chicken, the crispy pita bread, and the refreshing tzatziki sauce was absolute perfection. Since then, I've been on a mission to recreate that dish at home, and after countless experiments, I'm excited to share my version with you.
Grilled chicken souvlaki is a classic Greek dish that's perfect for a quick and delicious dinner. It's made by marinating chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano, then grilling it to perfection. The result is a dish that's both flavorful and healthy, and can be served with a variety of sides, from pita bread to salad.
One of the things I love about this recipe is how easy it is to make. The marinade is simple to prepare, and the chicken can be grilled in just a few minutes. Plus, the dish is very versatile, so you can serve it with your favorite sides and sauces. Whether you're in the mood for something light and refreshing or hearty and satisfying, grilled chicken souvlaki is a great option.
In this recipe, I'll show you how to make authentic Greek-style grilled chicken souvlaki at home. From the marinade to the grilling, I'll guide you through every step of the process, so you can enjoy this delicious dish with your family and friends.
So, if you're looking for a new recipe to add to your repertoire, I highly recommend giving grilled chicken souvlaki a try. It's a dish that's sure to become a favorite, and it's perfect for any occasion, from a quick weeknight dinner to a special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Grilled chicken souvlaki is a quick and easy recipe that's perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- The dish is very versatile, so you can serve it with your favorite sides and sauces.
- The marinade is simple to prepare, and the chicken can be grilled in just a few minutes.
- The dish is both flavorful and healthy, making it a great option for anyone looking for a nutritious meal.
- Grilled chicken souvlaki is a classic Greek dish that's perfect for special occasions or everyday meals.
- The recipe is easy to scale up or down, so you can make it for a crowd or just for yourself.
Why This Recipe Works
The key to making great grilled chicken souvlaki is in the marinade. By using a combination of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano, we create a flavor profile that's both bright and savory. The acidity in the lemon juice helps to break down the proteins in the chicken, making it tender and juicy, while the garlic and oregano add depth and warmth to the dish.
Another important factor is the grilling process itself. By cooking the chicken over high heat, we get a nice char on the outside, which adds texture and flavor to the dish. At the same time, the inside of the chicken stays juicy and tender, thanks to the marinade and the relatively short cooking time.
Finally, the way we serve the dish is also important. By serving the chicken with warm pita bread and a refreshing tzatziki sauce, we create a balanced and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.
Overall, the combination of the marinade, the grilling process, and the way we serve the dish all come together to make grilled chicken souvlaki a truly special recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make grilled chicken souvlaki, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including chicken breasts, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano. You'll also need some skewers, which you can find at most grocery stores or online.
When shopping for the ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality items, such as fresh lemons and good-quality olive oil. This will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish, so it's worth the extra effort.
- 1 1/2 pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch (2.5cm) piecesLook for chicken breasts that are fresh and have a good texture. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer.
- 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oilUse a good-quality olive oil that has a rich, fruity flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, mincedFresh garlic is essential for this recipe, so be sure to use high-quality cloves.
- 2 tbsp (30g) freshly squeezed lemon juiceUse fresh lemons for the best flavor. You can also use bottled lemon juice if you don't have fresh lemons.
- 1 tsp (5g) dried oreganoDried oregano has a more subtle flavor than fresh oregano, but it works well in this recipe.
- 1/2 tsp (2g) saltUse kosher salt or sea salt for the best flavor.
- 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepperFreshly ground black pepper is essential for this recipe.
- 10-12 wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutesSoaking the skewers in water will help prevent them from burning on the grill.
- 1 large onion, cut into 1-inch (2.5cm) piecesUse a sweet onion, such as Vidalia or Maui, for the best flavor.
- 2 large tomatoes, cut into 1-inch (2.5cm) piecesUse fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
- 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsleyFresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor to the dish.
- Salt and pepper to tasteAdd salt and pepper to taste, but be careful not to over-season the dish.
Equipment You’ll Need
How to Make Grilled Chicken Souvlaki
- 1In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
- 2Add the chicken to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- 3Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread the chicken, onion, and tomatoes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
- 4Brush the grill with oil to prevent sticking. Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- 5Transfer the skewers to a plate or platter and garnish with parsley. Serve with warm pita bread and tzatziki sauce, if desired.
- 6To make the tzatziki sauce, combine 1 cup (240g) Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup (120g) diced cucumber, 1 tbsp (15g) chopped fresh dill, 1 tsp (5g) lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste in a bowl. Mix well to combine.
- 7Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- 8Just before serving, give the sauce a good stir and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- 9Serve the grilled chicken souvlaki with the tzatziki sauce, warm pita bread, and your favorite sides or salads.
- 10To make ahead, prepare the marinade and sauce up to a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- 11To freeze, place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen skewers to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. Grill or bake frozen skewers until cooked through.
- 12To reheat, grill or bake the skewers until warmed through. Serve with the tzatziki sauce and your favorite sides or salads.
Expert Tips
- Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh lemons and good-quality olive oil, for the best flavor.
- Don't over-marinate the chicken, as this can make it tough and dry.
- Make sure to soak the skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Don't overcrowd the grill, as this can lower the temperature and affect the cooking time.
- Let the skewers rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Experiment with different seasonings and spices to find your favorite flavor combination.
- Consider using a grill pan or indoor grill if you don't have an outdoor grill.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-marinating the chicken, which can make it tough and dry.
- Not soaking the skewers in water, which can cause them to burn on the grill.
- Overcrowding the grill, which can lower the temperature and affect the cooking time.
- Not letting the skewers rest before serving, which can cause the juices to run out.
- Not using a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Not experimenting with different seasonings and spices to find your favorite flavor combination.
Variations and Substitutions
- Try using different types of protein, such as beef or pork, for a variation on the recipe.
- Experiment with different seasonings and spices, such as cumin or coriander, to find your favorite flavor combination.
- Add some heat to the dish by incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos.
- Use a variety of colorful bell peppers, such as red, yellow, or orange, for a pop of color.
- Try serving the dish with a side of quinoa or brown rice for a nutritious and filling meal.
- Consider using a grill pan or indoor grill if you don't have an outdoor grill.
- Make the dish more substantial by adding some crumbled feta cheese or chopped kalamata olives.
What to Serve With Grilled Chicken Souvlaki
Grilled chicken souvlaki is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and sauces. Some ideas include warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, mixed greens salad, roasted vegetables, quinoa or brown rice, and lemon wedges.
Consider serving the dish with a refreshing side, such as a mixed greens salad or a fruit salad, to balance out the richness of the chicken and sauce.
Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating
To store the dish, place the skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To freeze, place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen skewers to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
To reheat, grill or bake the skewers until warmed through. Serve with the tzatziki sauce and your favorite sides or salads.
When reheating, make sure to cook the chicken to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can also reheat the sauce by giving it a good stir and adjusting the seasoning if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of chicken to use for grilled chicken souvlaki?
The best type of chicken to use for grilled chicken souvlaki is boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. You can also use a combination of both.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
The chicken should be marinated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. You can marinate it for up to 2 hours for more intense flavor.
What is the best way to cook the skewers?
The best way to cook the skewers is to grill them over medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Can I make the dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dish ahead of time by preparing the marinade and sauce up to a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.
How do I store the dish?
To store the dish, place the skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the skewers for up to 3 months.
What is the best way to reheat the dish?
The best way to reheat the dish is to grill or bake the skewers until warmed through. Serve with the tzatziki sauce and your favorite sides or salads.
Can I use a grill pan or indoor grill?
Yes, you can use a grill pan or indoor grill if you don't have an outdoor grill. This is a great option for cooking the skewers during the winter months or in a small kitchen.
What are some variations on the recipe?
Some variations on the recipe include using different types of protein, such as beef or pork, or adding some heat to the dish by incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos.

Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch (2.5cm) pieces
- 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp (30g) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp (2g) salt
- 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper
- 10-12 wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
- 1 large onion, cut into 1-inch (2.5cm) pieces
- 2 large tomatoes, cut into 1-inch (2.5cm) pieces
- 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
- Add the chicken to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread the chicken, onion, and tomatoes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
- Brush the grill with oil to prevent sticking. Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Transfer the skewers to a plate or platter and garnish with parsley. Serve with warm pita bread and tzatziki sauce, if desired.
- To make the tzatziki sauce, combine 1 cup (240g) Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup (120g) diced cucumber, 1 tbsp (15g) chopped fresh dill, 1 tsp (5g) lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste in a bowl. Mix well to combine.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Just before serving, give the sauce a good stir and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the grilled chicken souvlaki with the tzatziki sauce, warm pita bread, and your favorite sides or salads.
- To make ahead, prepare the marinade and sauce up to a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- To freeze, place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen skewers to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. Grill or bake frozen skewers until cooked through.
- To reheat, grill or bake the skewers until warmed through. Serve with the tzatziki sauce and your favorite sides or salads.