Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your grill with this Chicken Souvlaki. Juicy, marinated chicken threaded onto skewers promises a burst of Greek-inspired flavor in every bite.
Fresh, zesty, and perfectly charred, Chicken Souvlaki is the simple weeknight meal or backyard BBQ staple that never disappoints.
What You’ll Need for Chicken Souvlaki
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts – The star of this dish, tender and juicy when marinated well.
- Onion – Optional but adds sweet, caramelized bites between the savory chicken pieces.
- Olive oil – Infuses moisture and richness into the chicken while helping the marinade cling.
- Fresh lemon juice – Brightens the marinade with a citrus tang that balances the savory flavors.
- Garlic – Crushed garlic brings a punch of aromatic depth to the marinade.
- Dried oregano – A classic herb that gives Chicken Souvlaki its signature Greek flair.
- Salt & black pepper – Simple seasonings that make all the other flavors pop.
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki Skewers
Marinate the chicken cubes with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes—longer if possible for deeper flavor. Soak your wooden skewers so they don’t burn on the grill.
Thread the marinated chicken and onion onto the skewers, then grill over medium-high heat, turning often until the chicken is charred at the edges and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Serve hot and savor that zesty, smoky perfection.
Chicken Souvlaki Tips & Tasty Twists
For even more flavor, marinate the chicken overnight—the extra time tenderizes the meat beautifully. If you want variety, add bell peppers or zucchini chunks between the chicken pieces for colorful, tasty skewers.
Don’t have a grill? No problem! Broil the skewers in the oven until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred. Serve with warm pita bread, a dollop of tzatziki, and a crisp Greek salad for a complete meal.
Keeping Chicken Souvlaki Fresh
Store leftover Chicken Souvlaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on a grill pan or in the oven to maintain that delicious charred flavor. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the chicken. If you’d like to freeze the skewers, wrap them tightly and store for up to two months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ onion optional
- 3 cloves garlic crushed
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed into 1-inch pieces (approximately 1½ lbs)
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice from about 1 lemon
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl or resealable freezer bag, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, crushed garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Introduce the chicken cubes and onion slices, if desired, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Transfer to the refrigerator and marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor. Submerge wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Retrieve the marinated chicken, allowing any excess marinade to drain off, and discard the remaining marinade. Carefully thread the chicken and onion pieces onto the prepared skewers. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Arrange the skewers on the grill, turning occasionally, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
