What is chicken souvlaki and how is it different from other grilled chicken dishes?

Chicken souvlaki is a traditional Greek dish consisting of small pieces of marinated chicken grilled on skewers. What sets it apart is the marinade, typically made with garlic, oregano, lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs, giving it a bright, Mediterranean flavor. It’s usually served wrapped in warm pita bread with toppings like tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and tzatziki sauce. Unlike generic grilled chicken, souvlaki balances savory, citrusy, and herbal notes that reflect Greek cuisine.

How long should I marinate chicken for making souvlaki to get the best flavor?

For the best flavor, marinate chicken for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator. Marinating overnight intensifies the taste, allowing the garlic, herbs, and lemon juice to fully penetrate the meat. If you're short on time, a minimum of 30 minutes also works to add noticeable flavor. Avoid marinating longer than 24 hours, as the acid in the lemon juice can start breaking down the chicken texture.

What is the safe internal temperature to cook chicken souvlaki on the grill?

Chicken souvlaki should be grilled until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest piece for doneness. Cooking to this temperature ensures the chicken is safe to eat while remaining juicy. Overcooking can dry out the meat, so monitoring the temperature helps maintain tenderness.

Can I add vegetables to chicken souvlaki skewers, and what are the best options?

Yes, adding vegetables like bell peppers, red onions, and cherry tomatoes to chicken souvlaki skewers enhances flavor and texture. Choose vegetables that cook quickly and cut them into similar-sized pieces as the chicken to ensure even grilling. Soaking wooden skewers beforehand prevents burning. Grilled vegetables add color and nutrients, making the meal more balanced.

What are traditional sides and sauces to serve with chicken souvlaki?

Chicken souvlaki is commonly served with tzatziki sauce, a yogurt-based dip with cucumber, garlic, and dill. Traditional accompaniments include warm pita bread, Greek salad, lemon roasted potatoes, and sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. These sides complement the savory flavors of the souvlaki and offer freshness and texture contrasts, rounding out the meal in authentic Greek style.

Chicken Souvlaki Skewers With Creamy Tzatziki Recipe

Name: Chicken Souvlaki
Prep time: PT-495056H18M54S
Cook time: PT-495057H58M54S
Total time: PT-495057H58M54S
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: – 2 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast; – 10 garlic cloves; – 2 tablespoons dried oregano; – 1 teaspoon rosemary; – 1 teaspoon sweet paprika; – 1 teaspoon kosher salt; – 1 teaspoon black pepper; – 1/4 cup Greek extra virgin olive oil; – 1/4 cup dry white wine; – Juice of 1 lemon; – 2 bay leaves; – Optional vegetables for skewers: bell peppers and red onions cut into 1-inch pieces; – Greek pita bread (8 to 12 pieces); – Tzatziki sauce; – Sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and Kalamata olives; – Olive oil for brushing pita

Ingredients

– 2 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast

– 10 garlic cloves

– 2 tablespoons dried oregano

– 1 teaspoon rosemary

– 1 teaspoon sweet paprika

– 1 teaspoon kosher salt

– 1 teaspoon black pepper

– 1/4 cup Greek extra virgin olive oil

– 1/4 cup dry white wine

– Juice of 1 lemon

– 2 bay leaves

– Optional vegetables for skewers: bell peppers and red onions cut into 1-inch pieces

– Greek pita bread (8 to 12 pieces)

– Tzatziki sauce

– Sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and Kalamata olives

– Olive oil for brushing pita

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Instructions

First Step: Prepare the Chicken
Trim and cut 2 1/2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1 to 1 1/2 inch pieces to ensure uniform cooking. Set aside while you prepare the marinade.

Second Step: Make the Marinade
In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine 10 peeled garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons dried oregano, 1 teaspoon rosemary, 1 teaspoon sweet (or smoked) paprika, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 cup Greek extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup dry white wine (or additional lemon juice), juice of 1 lemon, and 2 bay leaves. Blend or whisk thoroughly until well combined but excluding the bay leaves from blending.

Third Step: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and add the bay leaves. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours or preferably overnight to develop flavors fully. For quicker meals, a 30-minute room temperature marinade is acceptable.

Fourth Step: Prepare Skewers and Vegetables
Soak 10-12 wooden skewers in water for 30-45 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. Cut optional vegetables (bell peppers and red onions) into 1-inch pieces and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper for enhanced flavor.

Fifth Step: Assemble the Skewers
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, alternating with the prepared bell peppers and onions if using. Leave a little space between pieces to help even cooking.

Sixth Step: Preheat the Grill
Heat your outdoor grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush grill grates with a high smoke point oil like avocado or grapeseed oil to prevent sticking.

Seventh Step: Grill the Chicken Souvlaki
Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for about 5 to 10 minutes, turning evenly to brown all sides. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to 165°F (74°C). Lightly brush with marinade during grilling if desired but discard any leftover marinade.

Final Step: Rest and Serve
Transfer the cooked chicken souvlaki to a serving platter and let rest for 3 to 5 minutes to retain juices. Warm pita breads by brushing them with olive oil and seasoning lightly, then grilling or heating in an oven at 250°C (482°F) for 2 minutes. Serve souvlaki skewers on pita spread with tzatziki sauce, topped with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and optional sides like salads or fried potatoes.

Last Step:

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Notes

🕒 Marinating chicken for a minimum of 2 hours (or overnight) enhances flavor and tenderness, although 30 minutes is sufficient for quicker meals.
🌿 Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning while grilling.
🌞 Using high-quality Greek extra virgin olive oil from Koroneiki or similar olives improves flavor.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Marinating time: Minimum 2 hours or overnight
Cook Time: 5 to 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Greek
Diet: Gluten-Free without pita, Low Sugar

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 skewer
Calories: 191 per skewer
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 230 mg
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 2 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 23 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg