Imagine biting into juicy, marinated chunks of chicken, grilled to perfection and bursting with flavor. The aroma wafting through your kitchen is enough to make anyone weak at the knees. perfect side for Chicken Souvlaki This Chicken Souvlaki recipe offers an unforgettable taste experience that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
Now, picture this: a warm summer evening, laughter echoing from friends gathered around your table as they savor each tender morsel. explore Mediterranean and Indian flavors Chicken Souvlaki isn’t just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors, perfect for any occasion—be it a cozy family dinner or a lively barbecue party.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This amazing Greek chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing
Sharing this recipe with my friends led to cheers and happy dance moves in the kitchen; I knew I had struck gold.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness; avoid bottled varieties if possible.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil gives depth and richness to the marinade.
Dried Oregano: Look for high-quality oregano to enhance that authentic Mediterranean flavor.
Paprika: Smoked or sweet paprika can add an exciting twist to your chicken.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate all flavors in the dish.
For the Sauce:
Tzatziki Sauce: A creamy cucumber yogurt sauce that pairs perfectly with Chicken Souvlaki for an extra zing. For more inspiration, check out this Air Fryer Chicken Rissoles recipe.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss in cubed chicken until fully coated. Let it marinate for at least one hour; overnight is even better!
Preheat Your Grill or Oven: Get your grill ready by preheating it to medium-high heat (around 375°F/190°C). If using an oven, set it to broil.
Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
Grill Away!: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through. delicious soup pairing You want that delicious char without drying out your chicken!
Prepare Tzatziki Sauce: While the chicken is grilling, mix Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill (if desired), salt, and pepper until combined. Chill until serving.
Serve & Enjoy!: Once cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C), remove from grill and serve hot with tzatziki sauce drizzled generously over each skewer. Pair with pita bread and a Greek salad for a feast!
You Must Know
- This amazing Greek chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first over medium-high heat, then cook vegetables while letting the flavors blend beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Try swapping chicken with shrimp or tofu for a fun twist. Adding feta cheese elevates the dish.
Storing & Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always marinate the chicken for at least two hours to deepen flavor
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a vibrant taste
- Let the cooked chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy
The first time I made Chicken Souvlaki for friends, they practically begged me to host every weekend after that!
FAQ
What is Chicken Souvlaki?
Chicken Souvlaki is a Greek dish featuring marinated grilled chicken skewers, bursting with flavor. For more inspiration, check out this Chicken Sausages with Zucchini recipe.
How long should I marinate Chicken Souvlaki?
Marinating for at least two hours enhances the flavors and tenderness of the chicken.
Can I use different meats for Souvlaki?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with pork, lamb, or even vegetables for a vegetarian option.

Chicken Souvlaki
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Chicken Souvlaki, a classic Greek dish featuring tender, marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection. Each bite is infused with zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and a hint of oregano, delivering a delightful taste experience. Perfect for summer gatherings or cozy family dinners, this recipe is easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests. Serve it with homemade tzatziki sauce for an extra layer of flavor!
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Tzatziki Sauce: 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add cubed chicken breasts and coat well. Let marinate for at least one hour; overnight is ideal.
- Set your grill to medium-high heat (375°F/190°C) or preheat your oven to broil.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto soaked wooden skewers or metal skewers.
- Place on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
- While grilling, mix Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Chill until ready to serve.
- Remove from grill and serve hot with tzatziki sauce drizzled over each skewer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 100mg