Zesty Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe: A Sun-Kissed Skewer Delight

Sizzling skewers of marinated Greek chicken souvlaki promise a Mediterranean adventure right on your plate.

Tender chunks of chicken absorb a zesty blend of herbs and lemon that dance with vibrant flavors.

Olive oil, garlic, and oregano weave magic into every morsel of this classic Greek street food.

The marinade works its charm, infusing each piece with tantalizing brightness and depth.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings become extraordinary with these succulent grilled skewers.

Served with warm pita, tzatziki, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, this dish transports you to the sun-drenched shores of Greece.

Dive into this mouthwatering recipe and let your taste buds embark on a culinary journey.

Tools Needed for Greek Chicken Souvlaki

• Sharp Knife: Perfect for precisely cutting chicken into neat 1-inch pieces and slicing vegetables.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping chicken and preparing garnish ingredients.
• Zester or Grater: Essential for finely grating lemon zest and garlic.
• Mixing Bowl or Zip-lock Bag: For combining marinade ingredients and marinating chicken.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure herbs, salt, and honey.
• Grill or Grill Pan: Key for cooking chicken skewers with beautiful char marks.
• Metal Skewers: Needed to thread and grill chicken pieces evenly.
• Platter: Large serving dish to arrange grilled chicken and fresh vegetable garnishes.
• Tongs: Great for safely turning skewers and handling hot grilled chicken.

Cooking Guide for Greek Chicken Souvlaki

• Flavor Fusion

Create a zesty marinade blending fresh Mediterranean herbs and citrus. Crush garlic and grate lemon zest into a container, combining with bright olive oil, fragrant oregano, golden honey, and a sprinkle of sea salt.

• Chicken Preparation

Cut tender chicken into bite-sized chunks and immerse in the aromatic marinade. Let the meat absorb the flavors for 30 minutes to 3 hours, allowing the ingredients to dance and mingle.

• Grilling Magic

Heat the grill to a sizzling medium-high temperature. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers and cook until golden and perfectly charred, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.

• Fresh Accompaniments

Slice crisp vegetables into colorful rounds. Chop juicy tomatoes, cool cucumber, and sharp red onion for a vibrant side display.

• Pita Perfection

Warm soft pita bread on the grill. Layer with succulent grilled chicken, fresh vegetable medley, briny olives, and creamy tzatziki sauce. Serve immediately for a true Greek street food experience.

Marinade Tips & Flavor Swaps

• Flavor Boosting Tricks: Crush fresh garlic cloves with the back of a knife to release more intense aromatics before mixing into the marinade.
• Skewer Mastery: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and ensure even chicken cooking.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Marinate chicken overnight in the refrigerator for deeper, more complex flavor profiles that'll make your taste buds dance.
• Alternative Cooking Methods: Can't grill? No problem! Bake chicken skewers in a 425°F oven for 15-20 minutes or use a grill pan on the stovetop for similar charred results.
• Veggie Swap Adventure: Replace chicken with firm tofu, lamb, or shrimp for a delightful protein variation that keeps the Mediterranean spirit alive and exciting.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s in Greek Chicken Souvlaki

• Garlic: Infuses intense flavor and provides aromatic depth to the chicken.
• Lemons: Tenderizes meat and adds bright, zesty citrus notes to the marinade.
• Olive Oil: Creates a silky coating for even marination and helps seal in moisture.
• Dried Oregano: Brings authentic Mediterranean herbal essence and traditional Greek flavor.
• Honey: Balances acidity and helps achieve beautiful caramelization during grilling.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that enhance and round out the overall taste profile.

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Lean protein that absorbs marinade beautifully and grills to tender perfection.

• Skewers: Essential for creating classic souvlaki shape and easy grilling.
• Vegetable Oil: Prevents sticking and helps achieve gorgeous grill marks.

• Plum Tomatoes, English Cucumber, Red Onion: Crisp vegetables that add fresh texture and vibrant color.
• Kalamata Olives: Provide briny, rich Mediterranean flavor and authentic Greek character.
• Pita Breads: Soft, pillowy vessel for serving and wrapping souvlaki.
• Tzatziki Sauce: Creamy, cooling complement that ties all flavors together.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki

• Mediterranean Feast Plating: Create a stunning Greek-style platter with grilled souvlaki skewers arranged beautifully alongside colorful vegetable garnishes and warm pita bread.
• Tzatziki Dipping Delight: Serve a generous bowl of cool, creamy tzatziki sauce next to the skewers for guests to generously drizzle or dip their chicken and vegetables.
• Family-Style Gathering: Spread all components across a large wooden board, allowing everyone to build their own perfect souvlaki wrap with fresh ingredients and personal preferences.
• Refreshing Accompaniment: Pair the chicken souvlaki with a crisp Greek salad or chilled white wine to enhance the Mediterranean flavors and create a complete summer meal experience.

Planning Ahead for Greek Chicken Souvlaki Meals

• Leftover Love: Store grilled chicken souvlaki in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Separate meat from vegetables to maintain freshness and prevent soggy ingredients.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Wrap marinated or cooked chicken skewers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare marinade and cut chicken in advance. Keep marinated chicken sealed in the refrigerator for quick weeknight dinners. Cook within 24 hours for best flavor and texture.
• Reheat with Care: Warm leftover souvlaki in a skillet over medium heat or briefly on the grill. Add a splash of olive oil to prevent drying. Avoid microwave to maintain juicy chicken texture.

Sizzling Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent Greek chicken souvlaki delivers Mediterranean flavors straight from Athens’ streets. Marinated meat, grilled to perfection, promises a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor with each tender bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) olive oil
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) dried oregano
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 medium lemons, divided
• ¾ tsp (4 g) kosher salt
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp (5 ml) honey
• 2 medium plum tomatoes
• ½ medium english cucumber
• ¼ small red onion
• ⅓ cup (50 g) pitted kalamata olives (about 10)
• 4 (6-inch) pita breads
• Tzatziki sauce, for serving
• Vegetable oil for grilling
• 4 to 6 skewers

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Craft a zesty blend by combining minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, dried oregano, honey, sea salt, and black pepper in a spacious container. Whisk ingredients until perfectly integrated, releasing vibrant citrus and herbal aromatics.
2. Chicken Preparation: Trim chicken into uniform bite-sized cubes, then immerse completely in the prepared marinade. Allow to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate up to three hours for maximum flavor infusion.
3. Grill Setup: Fire up outdoor grill to medium-high heat, lightly oiling metal grates to prevent adhesion. Carefully thread marinated chicken onto skewers, maintaining consistent spacing for even cooking.
4. Grilling Process: Cook chicken skewers, rotating periodically to achieve golden caramelized edges and ensure safe internal temperature, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Simultaneously, warm pita breads to enhance their texture and impart a subtle smoky nuance.
5. Vegetable Arrangement: While chicken grills, artfully slice ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and pungent red onion into delicate rounds. Arrange these alongside halved kalamata olives on a rustic serving platter.
6. Final Assembly: Create the ultimate souvlaki by positioning grilled chicken skewers atop warm pitas, lavishly garnishing with fresh vegetable medley, briny olives, and a generous drizzle of cooling tzatziki sauce.

Notes

• Maximize Marinade Penetration: Let chicken soak for at least 30 minutes to absorb deep, rich flavors and tenderize meat effectively.
• Grill Temperature Control: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve perfect caramelization without burning chicken, aiming for golden-brown exterior and juicy interior.
• Even Skewering Technique: Space chicken pieces uniformly on skewers to ensure consistent cooking and prevent uneven heat distribution.
• Serving Pro Tip: Warm pita bread briefly on grill to enhance texture and add subtle smoky flavor, elevating the overall dining experience.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg