Tasty Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe for Family Dinners

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this Greek chicken souvlaki recipe delivers pure Mediterranean magic.

Tender marinated chicken pieces sing with zesty herbs and bright lemon notes.

Authentic flavors dance across your plate, promising a quick and delicious meal that transports you straight to a sunny Greek taverna.

Marinating the chicken is the secret to unlocking incredible depth and tenderness.

Each skewer brings a burst of garlic, oregano, and olive oil that makes taste buds dance with joy.

Grilling transforms these simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to savor a slice of Greece right at your dinner table.

Why This Greek Chicken Souvlaki Stands Out

• Dive into a marinade that transforms ordinary chicken into a Mediterranean masterpiece with minimal effort and maximum taste.
• Perfect for outdoor cooking adventures, this recipe lets you enjoy restaurant-quality souvlaki right from your backyard grill.
• Prepare the marinade ahead of time and let the chicken soak up delicious flavors, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
• Versatile enough for family gatherings, barbecues, or a quick weeknight meal that satisfies everyone's taste buds.

Must-Have Ingredients for Chicken Souvlaki

• Chicken: Tender protein that serves as the star of this Greek-inspired dish.

• Olive Oil, Vinegar: Provide moisture and help tenderize the chicken.
• Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor to the marinade.
• Greek Seasoning: Delivers authentic Mediterranean taste profile.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, citrusy notes and helps tenderize the meat.

• Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor and bring out the chicken's natural taste.

How to Grill Perfect Chicken Souvlaki

Step 1: Prepare Marinade Magic

• Olive oil
• Vinegar
• Minced garlic
• Greek seasoning
• Fresh lemon juice
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create a vibrant marinade that will transform your chicken.

Step 2: Coat and Chill Chicken

Drop chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring every morsel gets completely covered.

Seal the bag and give it a good shake to distribute the flavors.

Refrigerate for 6-8 hours or overnight for maximum taste infusion.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature.

For outdoor grills, allow 10-15 minutes of preheating to reach optimal cooking temperature.

Step 4: Skewer with Style

Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.

Thread chicken pieces onto pre-soaked wooden or metal skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces for even cooking.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Place skewers on hot grill.

Cook for 10-12 minutes, rotating occasionally to achieve beautiful char marks.

Press slightly in grill pan for attractive grill lines.

Chicken is ready when internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Wrap grilled skewers in foil and let rest for 5 minutes.

This crucial step allows juices to redistribute, ensuring tender, succulent chicken.

Serve hot and enjoy your Greek culinary adventure!

Tips for Juicy Greek Souvlaki

• Marinate the chicken for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow the Greek seasonings to deeply penetrate the meat, creating a more robust and delicious taste.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning, or use metal skewers for easier grilling and even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F, guaranteeing perfectly cooked, juicy meat without any risk of undercooking.
• Always let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking, which helps retain moisture and makes each bite incredibly tender and flavorful.
• Pair the souvlaki with tzatziki sauce, fresh pita bread, or a crisp Greek salad to complete the authentic Mediterranean experience.

Saving and Reheating Souvlaki Properly

• Transfer leftover chicken souvlaki to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Wrap individual souvlaki portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil to restore moisture.
• Place souvlaki on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and reheat in 30-second intervals. Stop when the internal temperature reaches 165°F to avoid overcooking.

Tasty Sides for Greek Chicken Souvlaki

• Zesty White Wine Pairing: Crisp Greek assyrtiko wine perfectly complements the bright lemon and herb flavors of souvlaki, cutting through the grilled chicken's richness with its refreshing acidity.
• Tangy Mediterranean Salad: Create a classic horiatiki (Greek village salad) with tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, and olives to balance the smoky grilled chicken and add fresh, vibrant textures to the meal.
• Creamy Tzatziki Sidekick: Prepare a cool, garlicky tzatziki sauce using yogurt, cucumber, and dill to provide a smooth, cooling contrast to the charred, seasoned chicken skewers.
• Rustic Pita Wrap Technique: Serve souvlaki wrapped in warm, soft pita bread with a drizzle of tzatziki, creating a handheld meal that captures the essence of Greek street food and allows all flavors to mingle deliciously.

Recipe Ideas for Greek Souvlaki

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace Greek seasoning with a homemade blend of dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, and salt to eliminate potential gluten-containing spice mixes.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, marinating the plant-based protein using the same seasoning method for similar flavor profiles.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip traditional skewers and grill chicken pieces directly on a grill mat, reducing carbohydrate intake while maintaining authentic Greek flavors.
• Oven-Friendly Adaptation: When grilling isn't possible, bake marinated chicken in a preheated 400°F oven for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even cooking and beautiful golden-brown exterior.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for the marinade?

The marinade includes olive oil, vinegar, garlic, Greek seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. These ingredients create a tangy and flavorful base that infuses the chicken with classic Greek flavors.

• How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least 6 hours, but overnight is best. The longer marinating time allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, making it more tender and delicious.

• What type of skewers work best for this recipe?

Both wooden and metal skewers work well. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water beforehand to prevent burning during grilling. Leave a little space between chicken pieces for even cooking.

• How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures the chicken is safely cooked through while remaining juicy and flavorful.

Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

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• Total Time: 6 hours 12 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Greek chicken souvlaki brings Mediterranean flavors straight to your kitchen with minimal effort. Marinated tender chicken skewers deliver authentic Greek taste that transports you to sunny coastal landscapes in mere bites.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite size pieces)

Seasonings and Flavoring:

• 3 tablespoons Greek seasoning
• 4 large garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1 large lemon (juiced)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Cooking Liquid:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust marinade by blending olive oil, vinegar, minced garlic, Greek seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a large ziplock bag. Submerge chicken pieces completely, ensuring thorough coating. Seal and gently massage to distribute marinade evenly. Refrigerate for minimum 6 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Prepare grill or grill pan by heating to medium-high temperature. Allow outdoor grill 10-15 minutes to reach optimal cooking temperature, ensuring consistent heat distribution.
3. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Carefully thread meat onto pre-soaked wooden or metal skewers, maintaining slight spacing between pieces to promote uniform cooking.
4. Position skewers on heated cooking surface. Grill approximately 10-12 minutes, rotating periodically to achieve consistent charring and golden-brown exterior. Apply gentle pressure if using grill pan to create distinct grill marks. Confirm doneness when internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Transfer grilled skewers to foil and let rest 5 minutes. This crucial resting period allows meat juices to redistribute, guaranteeing succulent, tender chicken with enhanced flavor profile.

Notes

• Wooden skewers should be soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and potential fire hazards.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the most tender and flavorful souvlaki, cutting them into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
• Enhance marinade depth by adding fresh herbs like oregano or rosemary, which complement the traditional Greek flavor profile and boost nutritional value.
• For gluten-free or low-carb options, serve the grilled chicken over a crisp salad or wrapped in lettuce leaves instead of traditional pita bread.

• Prep Time: 6 hours
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 325
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg