Chicken Souvlaki is a vibrant, flavorful Greek dish that will transport you to the sun-soaked beaches of the Mediterranean. With its lemony, garlicky aroma and crispy exterior, this juicy grilled chicken is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend feast. Skip the takeout and prepare this simple and savory recipe in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Chicken Souvlaki is packed with bold flavors from garlic, lemon, and oregano, making each bite incredibly satisfying. You’ll love how easy it is to make with just a handful of ingredients and a minimal amount of effort. Whether you grill it, cook it in the oven, or use a skillet, the chicken turns out juicy and tender every time. It’s perfect for meal prep and tastes just as great reheated. Plus, you can serve it in various ways, from pita wraps to fresh salads, ensuring you get multiple meals out of it.

Ingredients

• 1½ pounds chicken breast (skinless and boneless, cut into bite-sized pieces)

• 5 cloves garlic (minced)

• 2 tablespoons dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 3 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Marinate the chicken: In a large sealable bag or airtight container, combine the chicken pieces, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice. Toss everything together to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.

2. Soak the skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 1-2 hours to prevent burning during grilling.

3. Skewer the chicken: Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space at the ends for easy handling. You’ll get about 6 skewers.

4. Grill the chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for about 3 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be golden brown with a slight char.

5. Rest and serve: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy it on its own or serve with fresh pita, tzatziki, and a Greek salad.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 skewers

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Marinating time: 2 hours (or overnight)

• Cook time: 12 minutes

• Total time: 2 hours 17 minutes

Variations

• Chicken thighs: For a richer, juicier flavor, swap chicken breasts for thighs.

• Skillet method: No grill? No problem! Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, cooking the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side.

• Oven method: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place the skewers on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, finishing with a broil for 1-3 minutes to get a golden char.

• Vegetarian option: Substitute the chicken with vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a plant-based souvlaki.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover chicken souvlaki can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can warm it in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are a great choice if you prefer juicier and more flavorful meat. Just make sure to cut them into even pieces.

2. How long should I marinate the chicken for?

Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but overnight will provide the best flavor.

3. What can I serve with chicken souvlaki?

Chicken souvlaki is perfect with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, a Greek salad, or a side of Greek rice or hummus.

4. Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?

Yes, a grill pan works just as well! Heat it over medium-high heat and cook the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side.

5. Can I freeze the marinated chicken souvlaki?

Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and cook as directed.

6. Can I make chicken souvlaki without skewers?

Yes, you can cook the marinated chicken as individual pieces on a grill or in a skillet.

7. How do I get a crispy exterior on my chicken souvlaki?

To achieve a crispy char, make sure the grill is preheated to medium-high, and avoid overcrowding the skewers.

8. What kind of chicken should I use for souvlaki?

Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs are ideal for souvlaki. Make sure to cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks for even cooking.

9. Can I use fresh oregano instead of dried?

Yes, fresh oregano works great too. Just double the amount since it’s less concentrated than dried oregano.

10. How do I know when my chicken is done cooking?

The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, the chicken should be golden brown with a slight char.

Conclusion

This Easy Chicken Souvlaki recipe is a winner for anyone craving a quick, delicious, and healthy meal. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can recreate the mouthwatering flavors of Greek cuisine in your own kitchen. Whether served on skewers, in a pita, or paired with a fresh salad, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it today and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean!

Print