Grilled Chicken Souvlaki is a Mediterranean classic that brings the flavors of Greece straight to your backyard. Imagine juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken, kissed by the grill and laced with bright oregano, zesty lemon, and fragrant garlic—it’s the kind of meal that makes you want to gather friends, pour a little wine, and feast! With a remarkably simple marinade and minimal prep, this dish comes to life with vibrant color and pure, satisfying flavor. Whether you’re planning a weekday dinner or a summer cookout, Grilled Chicken Souvlaki is bound to delight everyone at the table, capturing that irresistible balance of freshness and savory char.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Grilled Chicken Souvlaki lies in its straightforward lineup of bold flavors—each ingredient is simple, but together they create magic. The key is using fresh, quality staples and letting them shine in every bite, from the juicy chicken to the bright pops of lemon and oregano.
- Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Choose boneless, skinless pieces for the juiciest, most tender results—either cut works beautifully, so pick your favorite!
- Olive Oil: This is the backbone of the marinade, keeping the chicken moist and adding a subtle, peppery richness.
- Lemon Juice: Bright and tangy, fresh lemon brings a zing that wakes up all the other flavors.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Just a splash adds complexity and a gentle bite that balances the richness of the olive oil.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the marinade with irresistible aroma and classic Mediterranean warmth.
- Dried Oregano: This quintessential Greek herb is earthy and fragrant—a must for authentic flavor.
- Salt: Just enough to bring all the savory notes forward and make the chicken sing.
- Black Pepper: Adds a gentle heat and rounds out the marinade’s flavors.
- Wooden or Metal Skewers: If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them first to prevent burning on the grill.
- Optional—Chopped Fresh Parsley and Lemon Wedges: These add a burst of color and fresh flavor when serving, making the finished dish even more inviting.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Souvlaki
Step 1: Make the Marinade
Start things off by whisking together your olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This simple mix is the heart of Grilled Chicken Souvlaki—it bathes the chicken in flavor while keeping it tender and juicy. Take a moment to inhale; you’ll know you’re on the right track when you catch that garlicky citrus aroma!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Once your marinade is ready, tumble in the chicken pieces and toss them until every morsel is well coated. Cover the bowl and stash it in your fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours if you have the patience. The longer you marinate, the deeper the flavors soak into the chicken, so don’t skip this part—it’s what makes your Grilled Chicken Souvlaki so unforgettable.
Step 3: Prep the Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This little trick keeps your skewers from charring up on the grill. Once soaked (or if you’re using metal skewers), thread on the marinated chicken pieces, leaving a little space between each one for even cooking and those perfect grill marks.
Step 4: Fire Up the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high and give the grates a swipe of oil to prevent sticking. This step helps create those delicious crispy edges everyone craves. When the grill’s nice and hot, lay the skewers down and let the magic happen, turning them a few times so every side gets golden with charred bits. Cook for 8–10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through but still juicy.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once the chicken is off the grill, let it rest for a few minutes to keep it wonderfully moist. A quick sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon right before serving makes the Grilled Chicken Souvlaki pop with color and bright, fresh flavor. You’re ready to tuck in!
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Souvlaki
Garnishes
The simplest finishing touches can really elevate your Grilled Chicken Souvlaki. Scatter a handful of chopped fresh parsley over the skewers for a gorgeous burst of green, and don’t forget those lemon wedges—guests love giving their own fresh squeeze right at the table. If you’re feeling a little extra, a dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce on the side is pure bliss!
Side Dishes
Pull out all the stops and make it a Mediterranean feast! Serve Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with fluffy pita bread, a vibrant Greek salad loaded with tomatoes and feta, or a bowl of golden roasted potatoes. Even a side of simple grilled vegetables works beautifully for a lighter option.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try a DIY souvlaki bar—set out skewers, sauces, and all the fixings so everyone can build their own wraps. Or slide the cooked chicken off the skewers onto a big platter to create crowd-pleasing pita sandwiches. For parties, serve mini skewers as an appetizer with dipping sauces; the versatility of Grilled Chicken Souvlaki makes it perfect for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got extras (lucky you!), simply remove the chicken from the skewers and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, perfect for lunch bowls or salads the next day.
Freezing
Looking to get ahead? You can freeze uncooked marinated chicken pieces for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge and proceed with the skewers and grilling. Cooked chicken souvlaki can also be frozen, though it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken pieces in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven at 300°F until heated through. This keeps them juicy and helps revive that beautiful grilled flavor. Add a fresh splash of lemon just before serving to bring the flavors back to life!
FAQs
Can I cook Grilled Chicken Souvlaki indoors?
Absolutely! A grill pan or even a broiler works in a pinch. Get your pan really hot and cook the skewers just as you would outdoors, still turning for even browning and that savory char.
What’s the best chicken cut for souvlaki?
Both chicken thighs and breasts work great with Grilled Chicken Souvlaki. Thighs are juicier and more forgiving, while breasts offer a leaner bite; it comes down to personal preference.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
While 30 minutes will work if you’re short on time, 2–4 hours is ideal for soaking in all those delicious Mediterranean flavors. You’ll truly notice a difference in tenderness and depth!
Is Grilled Chicken Souvlaki gluten-free?
Yes! The marinade and chicken are naturally gluten-free—just serve with gluten-free sides or pita if needed to keep the whole meal wheat-free.
What can I do with leftover souvlaki?
Shred it into salads, toss into grain bowls, tuck into wraps, or stuff into pita with fresh veggies. Leftover Grilled Chicken Souvlaki is one of the most versatile meal-prep champions out there.
Final Thoughts
When you fire up the grill and savor that first bite, you’ll see why Grilled Chicken Souvlaki deserves a place in your regular recipe rotation. It’s easy, impressive, and deeply satisfying—give it a try and bring the bright spirit of the Mediterranean to your kitchen tonight!
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Grilled Chicken Souvlaki** Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Tender and flavorful Grilled Chicken Souvlaki is a classic Greek dish made with marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection. Serve with tzatziki sauce and pita for a delicious meal!
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Additional:
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken, coat evenly, and marinate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
- Prep Skewers: Thread marinated chicken onto skewers. Soak wooden skewers if using.
- Grill Chicken: Preheat grill, oil grates, and grill skewers for 8–10 minutes, turning until cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from grill, rest briefly, then garnish with parsley and lemon wedges before serving.
Notes
- For more flavor, pair with tzatziki, pita, and Greek salad.
- Can be cooked on a stovetop grill pan as well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (about 6 ounces)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
