Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe
If you love the idea of juicy, flavorful chicken wrapped in all the Mediterranean goodness, you’re going to adore this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe. It’s super simple yet packs a punch with vibrant herbs, garlic, and lemon. Trust me, once you marinate the chicken and grill it up, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make this sooner. So grab your skewers, and let’s get cooking—I promise this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic!
Why This Recipe Works
- Bright, Balanced Flavors: The lemon juice and garlic give the chicken a zesty, fresh punch that’s classic Greek soul food.
- Simple Prep, Big Taste: Marinating overnight infuses the chicken with flavor, making it juicy and tender on the grill.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you’re using a grill, stove top grill pan, oven, or air fryer, this recipe adapts perfectly.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: It’s great for weeknight dinners, weekend cookouts, and even meal prep, making it wildly practical.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe shines because each ingredient plays a role in balancing flavor, juiciness, and that signature savory punch. When you shop, look for fresh garlic and a good-quality Greek seasoning blend to bring out those authentic vibes.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: I prefer thighs for juiciness, but breasts work if you want leaner meat. Both soak up marinade beautifully.
- Olive oil: Classic Greek cooking staple; it helps coat the chicken and lock in moisture.
- White wine vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that brightens the marinade without overpowering.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh and minced for that deep, savory flavor punch.
- Greek seasoning: The magic blend here—oregano, thyme, and other herbs really make this authentic.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is key—it adds brightness and tenderizes the chicken as it marinates.
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Simple but essential seasonings to bring it all together.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of the best things about this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I sometimes punch up the heat with crushed red pepper flakes, or swap in Greek yogurt-based tzatziki for dipping. You can totally customize it for your vibe!
- Variation: When I’m in the mood for something lighter, I use chicken breast and add fresh herbs like dill and parsley to the marinade for extra freshness.
- Vegetarian Twist: Try the same marinade on halloumi cheese or portobello mushrooms for a meatless option that still tastes fantastic.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika if you like a smoky heat—it’s a crowd-pleaser without being overwhelming.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Mix Up That Flavorful Marinade
In a ziplock bag (or a covered bowl), I combine olive oil, white wine vinegar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, Greek seasoning, salt, and cracked black pepper. Give it a good shake so everything melds together. This marinade is the heart of your skewers, so don’t skimp on mixing it well!
Step 2: Add the Chicken and Let It Chill
Drop your bite-sized chicken pieces into the marinade and shake again, making sure every piece is coated. Then pop it in the fridge for at least 6 hours, but honestly, overnight is best for deep flavor. I always plan ahead for this step—you’ll thank me when your chicken tastes like you grilled it in Greece.
Step 3: Skewer and Grill to Perfection
When it’s time to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the leftover marinade for safety), then thread the pieces onto skewers. Grill over medium-high heat—whether it’s a backyard grill or a handy grill pan on your stove—for about 10-15 minutes, flipping occasionally. You want the chicken cooked through, reaching an internal temp of 165°F. Juicy and charred in all the right spots—that’s the goal!
Step 4: Let It Rest, Then Enjoy!
Don’t skip resting! I wrap the skewers in foil for about 5 minutes once off the grill. This little pause keeps the juices locked in, making each bite tender and flavorful. Then it’s time to serve and enjoy—you’re going to love this part.
Pro Tips for Making Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe
- Marinate Overnight for Deep Flavor: I’ve noticed the flavor really blossoms when you give the chicken plenty of time in the marinade. The longer, the better!
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid dry chicken, I always check for 165°F. It’s the perfect balance of safety and juiciness.
- Soak Wood Skewers in Water: If you’re using wood skewers, soak them for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- Rest Before Serving: That little resting period after grilling makes a huge difference—don’t rush it!
How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
I always top my souvlaki with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese—it adds that salty, creamy contrast that I just can’t resist. A wedge of lemon on the side for an extra squeeze brightens each bite beautifully.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides are fluffy pita bread and a tangy tzatziki sauce for dipping. Pair it all with a Greek salad loaded with cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and olives, and you’ve got a dinner that feels like a trip to the islands without leaving your kitchen.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I love serving these skewers on a big platter surrounding a bowl of tzatziki, with pita triangles stacked nearby. Another fun idea is to load them into pita pockets with fresh veggies and a drizzle of sauce—kind of like souvlaki sandwiches. Trust me, your guests will be wowed.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to remove the chicken from the skewers before storing leftovers — it just fits better in my containers. Store in an airtight container in the fridge, separate from sauces and toppings, so everything stays fresh for up to 5 days.
Freezing
Sometimes I prep and marinate the chicken ahead, then freeze it right in the ziplock bag with the marinade. When I’m ready, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and cook it as usual — super helpful when time is tight!
Reheating
For reheating, I prefer warming the chicken in a hot skillet over medium heat to keep it juicy and get a little crisp edge again. Microwave works in a pinch, but you might lose some texture that way.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually my favorite here because they stay juicy and tender even when grilled. If you prefer leaner meat, chicken breasts work fine too; just watch the cooking time to avoid drying out.
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How long should I marinate the chicken?
I recommend marinating for at least 6 hours, but overnight is ideal. This gives the lemon and garlic enough time to tenderize the meat and infuse full flavor.
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Can I cook these chicken souvlaki skewers indoors?
Yes! You can use a grill pan on your stovetop, or cook them in the oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway. An air fryer also works well at 370°F for 20 minutes with flipping.
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How do I prevent the wooden skewers from burning?
Great question! Soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken on. This helps them stay moist and prevents burning on the grill.
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What should I serve with Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers?
Classic sides like pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a fresh Greek salad make a perfect meal. Adding some grilled veggies or lemon rice also pairs beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe is one of those dishes I turn to when I want something that feels special, but isn’t a hassle. It’s cozy, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. If you give it a try, I bet it’ll become a staple in your kitchen like it did in mine—just a simple way to bring a little Mediterranean sunshine to your dinner table.
Print
Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe features tender, marinated chicken pieces seasoned with traditional Greek herbs and spices. The chicken is skewered and grilled or cooked using alternative methods like air frying or oven baking for a juicy, flavorful dish perfect for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite size pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 4 large garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons Greek Seasoning
- 1 large lemon, juiced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Combine olive oil, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, Greek seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a ziplock bag. Add chicken pieces and shake well to coat. Refrigerate and marinate overnight or for at least 6 hours.
- Prepare for Cooking: Remove chicken from marinade and discard leftover marinade. Thread chicken pieces onto skewers evenly.
- Choose Cooking Method: For grilling, cook chicken on an outdoor grill or stovetop grill pan until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Alternatively, cook in air fryer at 370°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, or bake in oven at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, wrap skewers in foil and let rest for 5 minutes to retain juices and tenderness.
- Serve: Remove chicken from skewers if desired and serve with your favorite accompaniments such as pita bread, tzatziki sauce, or Greek salad.
Notes
- To Store: Refrigerate cooked souvlaki in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Removing the chicken from skewers before storage is recommended for convenience.
- To Freeze: Marinate chicken and freeze in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before cooking as directed.
- Alternative Cooking Methods: Use air fryer at 370°F for approximately 20 minutes flipping halfway, or bake at 400°F for 20 minutes flipping halfway for a convenient indoor option.
- Resting the chicken after cooking ensures the meat remains juicy and tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
