Master the Best Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe: Juicy Skewers with Lemony Marinade & Homemade Tzatziki
Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable culinary journey to the heart of Greece with this incredible Chicken Souvlaki Recipe. As the weather warms and the grill calls, there’s no better dish to celebrate the season than these perfectly marinated and grilled chicken skewers. You’ll be amazed by how incredibly tender and flavorful the boneless chicken thigh meat becomes, infused with a vibrant lemony Mediterranean marinade. This authentic Greek delight is traditionally served with a cooling, creamy tzatziki sauce and nestled in soft pita bread, accompanied by your favorite fresh Greek toppings. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings the sunny flavors of Greece right to your backyard BBQ.
Why This Chicken Souvlaki Recipe is a Must-Try
As we eagerly welcome the arrival of warmer weather, it’s the perfect time to fire up the grill! We are thrilled to be celebrating grilling season with you today, and especially proud to partner with Smart Chicken, ensuring the highest quality chicken for this exquisite dish. This Chicken Souvlaki Recipe is truly the ideal way to kick off your outdoor cooking adventures.
There’s nothing quite like succulent chicken skewers, lovingly marinated in a bright, zesty, lemony concoction and then grilled to absolute perfection. The result is consistently juicy, tender pieces of chicken that burst with flavor in every bite. If you’re not yet familiar with the delights of Chicken Souvlaki, you’re in for a truly delightful treat. My husband Mike and I discovered our love for Chicken Souvlaki during a memorable trip to Greece a few years ago. It’s a ubiquitous and popular street food, easily found in Athens and served widely in Greek restaurants, and quickly became a favorite for us.
For me, falling in love with this dish was effortless, largely due to my adoration for lemons. The signature souvlaki marinade leverages the bright acidity of lemon juice, which not only imparts a wonderful flavor but also helps to tenderize the chicken. Alongside the fresh lemon juice, this marinade features robust extra virgin olive oil, a generous amount of fresh garlic, aromatic paprika, fragrant oregano, and earthy thyme. This combination creates an unparalleled harmony of traditional Greek flavors.
An added bonus to this delicious recipe is its simplicity. It’s an easy dish to prepare for your family, relying on straightforward ingredients that you likely already have on hand or can easily find at your local grocery store. For those who enjoy chicken skewers, you might also like these Greek Marinated Chicken Kabobs or these savory Lebanese Chicken Kabobs for more flavorful options.
What is Chicken Souvlaki? Exploring Greek Flavors
You might be wondering, “What exactly is Chicken Souvlaki?” Souvlaki is a quintessential Greek fast food, beloved for its simplicity and incredible flavor. It typically consists of small pieces of meat, and sometimes vegetables, expertly grilled on a skewer. The word “souvlaki” itself comes from the Greek word “souvla,” meaning “skewer.” It’s a dish deeply rooted in Greek culinary tradition, often enjoyed as a quick bite from street vendors or as a more substantial meal in tavernas.
For this particular recipe, I’ve opted for boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which I find yield the most succulent and juicy results. However, you can certainly use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or even chicken tenders, cutting them into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking. While Chicken Souvlaki is popular, in Greece, Pork Souvlaki is often the most common variety. Yet, it can also be made with chicken, beef, and occasionally lamb. I personally prefer chicken for its ability to absorb the marinade’s flavors so beautifully, transforming into incredibly tender and juicy morsels when grilled.
We absolutely love serving our homemade Chicken Souvlaki in the traditional Greek style: wrapped in warm pita bread, generously slathered with cool, creamy tzatziki, and adorned with a delightful array of fresh Greek toppings. Imagine adding briny kalamata olives, crisp cucumber, fresh parsley, ripe tomatoes, and salty feta cheese – each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to your preference, making it a crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
Recipe Ingredients: Crafting Authentic Greek Souvlaki
The magic of our Chicken Souvlaki truly begins with carefully selected, fresh ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what makes this recipe shine:
- BONELESS SKINLESS CHICKEN THIGHS: While chicken breasts can be used, I highly recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. Their slightly higher fat content ensures the chicken remains incredibly juicy and tender, even after grilling, and they absorb the marinade flavors beautifully. Just be sure to cut them into uniform 1-inch chunks for even cooking.
- LEMONS: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is paramount! It’s not just for its bright, zesty flavor, but also its natural acidity acts as a tenderizer for the chicken, making it wonderfully soft.
- EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL: Opt for a high-quality extra virgin olive oil if possible. It’s a cornerstone of Mediterranean cuisine, contributing a rich, fruity depth to the marinade and offering numerous nutritional benefits.
- GARLIC CLOVES: Fresh garlic is non-negotiable for that authentic aromatic punch. Minced garlic cloves infuse the chicken with an irresistible fragrance. If fresh isn’t available, garlic powder can be a substitute, but adjust the quantity (about 1/2 teaspoon powder for each fresh clove).
- RED WINE VINEGAR: This provides another layer of acidity and a subtle tang that perfectly complements the lemon juice, creating a balanced and flavorful marinade.
- SPICES: DRIED THYME, DRIED OREGANO AND PAPRIKA: These classic Greek herbs and spices are the soul of the marinade. Dried oregano offers an earthy, pungent note, thyme adds a subtle floral touch, and paprika brings a mild sweetness and beautiful color. They combine to create that unmistakable Greek flavor profile. If you prefer, a good quality Greek seasoning blend can be used in conjunction with paprika.
Chicken Gyros vs. Chicken Souvlaki: Understanding the Distinction
During my travels in Greece, I indulged in both gyros and souvlaki frequently, loving them equally! While both are iconic Greek street foods featuring seasoned meat, they have distinct preparation methods and presentations.
Gyros are created by thinly slicing meat that has been cooked on a vertical rotisserie, slowly roasting and crisping up as it spins. You most commonly find gyros made with pork or chicken, though beef or lamb can also be used. Gyros are typically served wrapped in warm pita bread with a medley of toppings like tzatziki, tomatoes, onions, and sometimes even a few French fries tucked inside. They can also be enjoyed as a platter meal with roasted vegetables or Greek potatoes.
Souvlaki, on the other hand, consists of small, marinated pieces of meat (like chicken or pork) that are threaded onto skewers and then grilled. This method creates those delightful charred edges and tender interiors. Souvlaki is often served directly on a skewer, or removed from the skewer and placed into a pita, much like a gyro, but with the distinctive grilled chunks of meat. It too is accompanied by tzatziki, fresh vegetables, and potatoes, making both dishes incredibly satisfying and versatile.
How Do You Make Chicken Souvlaki? A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating delicious Chicken Souvlaki at home is simpler than you might think. Follow these clear steps for a perfect meal every time:
Step 1. Create the Flavorful Marinade: In a small mixing bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients: fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until well combined. This is the secret to tender, flavorful chicken.
Step 2. Prepare and Cut the Chicken: Take your boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts) and cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes. Consistency in size is key for even cooking. Place the chicken pieces into a large, resealable Ziploc bag or a glass tupperware container.
Step 3. Marinate the Chicken for Tenderness: Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or close the container securely, then toss gently to ensure every piece of chicken is thoroughly coated. Refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate and the lemon to tenderize the meat. For the best results, aim for about 2 hours of marination. Do not marinate for longer than 2 hours, as the acidity of the lemon can start to break down the chicken too much.
Step 4. Prepare Skewers and Grill: If you’re using wooden or bamboo skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 20 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. This step isn’t necessary for metal skewers. When you’re ready to cook, preheat your outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge, discard any remaining marinade from the container or bag.
Step 5. Thread the Chicken onto Skewers: Lay out a large platter or wooden cutting board. Carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto your prepared wood or metal skewers. Don’t pack them too tightly; leave a small space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
Step 6. Prepare the Creamy Tzatziki: While your grill is heating up, whip up the essential Tzatziki sauce. In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt (2% or whole milk works best for creaminess), minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, white vinegar, chopped fresh dill, and grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the cucumber for a thicker sauce). Season with a dash of salt and pepper, stir well, then cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 7. Assemble the Fresh Greek Salad: For the accompanying Greek salad, combine diced English cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, halved kalamata olives, chopped fresh parsley, dried oregano, and crumbled feta cheese in another medium mixing bowl. In a separate small jar or salad dressing container, whisk together lemon juice and olive oil for the dressing. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Refrigerate the salad until it’s time to serve. Before adding the chicken, make sure to brush your grill grates with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
Step 8. Grill the Chicken to Perfection: Place the threaded chicken skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for approximately 7-8 minutes in total, turning the skewers once halfway through to ensure even cooking and beautiful grill marks. The chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) using a meat thermometer. Once done, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve your succulent chicken skewers immediately with the warm pita bread, refreshing Greek salad, and a generous dollop of homemade tzatziki.
What Should I Pair with My Greek Chicken Souvlaki?
To complete your authentic Greek dining experience, pairing your Chicken Souvlaki with the right side dishes is essential. Here are some fantastic suggestions:
- In my opinion, the ultimate topping and side for Greek souvlaki is a vibrant Greek Salad. I often prepare a large bowl of this crisp Village Greek Salad, a hearty Greek Chickpea Salad, or this refreshing Greek Tabbouleh. These salads add a wonderful freshness and crunch when added to a Chicken Souvlaki Pita or served alongside.
- Potatoes are another classic and satisfying accompaniment to this meal. I particularly love serving these flavorful Spicy Lebanese Potatoes or these aromatic Lemon Cilantro Potatoes. Their savory notes perfectly complement the grilled chicken.
- If you’re looking to explore alternatives to the classic Creamy Tzatziki Sauce, you can also consider other delightful yogurt-based sauces like this refreshing Creamy Dill Sauce Recipe or a rich, nutty Tahini Sauce for a slightly different Mediterranean flair.
What Toppings Should I Put on Chicken Souvlaki?
The beauty of Chicken Souvlaki lies in its customizable toppings. Here’s a list of traditional and popular options to elevate your pita experience:
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a salty, tangy kick that is quintessential Greek.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion provides a sharp, pungent contrast to the savory chicken.
- Cucumber: Diced or sliced cucumber offers a cool, crisp texture.
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds herbaceous brightness.
- Fresh Dill: Similar to tzatziki, fresh dill complements the lemony chicken beautifully.
- Chopped Tomatoes: Ripe, juicy tomatoes bring sweetness and acidity.
- Kalamata Olives: Briny kalamata olives add a distinct Mediterranean flavor.
- Pepperoncinis: For those who enjoy a little heat and tang, sliced pepperoncinis are a great addition.
Recipe FAQ: Your Chicken Souvlaki Questions Answered
The key to evenly cooked chicken is to cut the pieces into uniform sizes. I aim for 1-inch cubes, but you can go slightly larger if you prefer. Just make sure all pieces are roughly the same so they cook at the same rate, preventing some from being overcooked while others are undercooked. Also, avoid overcrowding the skewers or the grill.
The marinade is crucial for infusing flavor and tenderizing the chicken. You should marinate the chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes. Ideally, marinate for 2 hours in the refrigerator for the best flavor penetration and texture. However, I strongly advise against marinating for much longer than 2 hours, as the acidity from the lemon juice can start to break down the chicken fibers too much, resulting in a mushy texture rather than tender.
Absolutely! This recipe is fantastic for leftovers, and honestly, I often find it tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to deepen. Store leftover cooked chicken souvlaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it gently in a pan or microwave, then serve it over rice bowls, drizzle with extra creamy tzatziki sauce, pair it with homemade hummus, or toss it into a fresh chopped salad for a quick and healthy lunch.
Yes, you certainly can adapt this recipe to make Greek Chicken Kabobs! To do this, I suggest cutting the chicken into slightly larger chunks (around 1.5 inches). Then, alternate threading the chicken with colorful sliced vegetables such as zucchini, red onion, bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), or cherry tomatoes onto the skewers. This adds extra flavor, texture, and visual appeal to your kabobs.
You have two main options for skewers: metal or wooden. Metal skewers are reusable and conduct heat well, helping to cook the chicken from the inside. If you opt for wooden or bamboo skewers, it’s crucial to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling. This prevents them from burning and charring excessively over the hot grill, ensuring your chicken cooks perfectly without any unwanted wood flavor.
Several factors contribute to perfectly grilled souvlaki. First, always preheat your grill to medium-high heat. A hot grill ensures a good sear and helps the chicken cook evenly and quickly. Second, brush the grill grates with a little olive oil before adding the chicken to prevent sticking. Third, do not overcrowd the grill; work in batches if necessary to maintain consistent heat. Finally, turn the skewers occasionally to get an even char on all sides. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
Other Delicious Chicken Recipes You Might Like:
If you’ve enjoyed this delightful chicken souvlaki, you’ll surely love exploring more of our easy and flavorful chicken recipes!
- BAKED CHICKEN FINGERS
- CHICKEN LENTIL SOUP
- CHICKEN SLIDERS
- FRENCH ONION CHICKEN
- GREEK MARINATED CHICKEN THIGHS
- AIR FRYER CHICKEN TENDERS
- RANCH CHICKEN THIGHS
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Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
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Ingredients
- 2 pounds of Chicken Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs,, cut into 1-inch chunks
FOR THE MARINADE
- 2 Lemons,, juiced
- 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves,, minced
- 3 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon dried oregano {or 2 tablespoons fresh oregano}
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
FOR THE TZATZIKI
- 1 1/2 cups Greek yogurt,, 2% or whole milk yogurt works best
- 3 garlic cloves,, minced
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons fresh dill
- 2 cups of grated cucumber,, about 1 small cucumber, squeeze out the excess juice from the cucumber
- Dash of salt and pepper
FOR GREEK SALAD
- 1/2 of an english cucumber,, diced
- 2 cups of cherry tomatoes,, halved
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives,, halved
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley,, chopped
- 1/2 cup of feta cheese
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 Tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
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Mix all of the marinade ingredients together in a small mixing bowl.
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Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes and put them in a large Ziploc bag or glass tupperware container and pour in the marinade. Seal the bag or close the container and toss to coat the chicken with the marinade. Refrigerate the chicken for up to two hours but at least for a 1/2 of an hour.
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Before grilling soak wooden or bamboo skewers in water for 20 minutes unless you are using metal skewers.
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When you are ready to grill the chicken heat the grill to medium high heat. Remove the chicken from the fridge and take the chicken from the container or bag and discard the marinade.
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Set out a large platter or wooden cutting board. Thread the chicken onto the wood or metal skewers.
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While the grill is heating make the Tzatziki sauce by combining the Greek yogurt, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, white vinegar, cucumber, salt and pepper.
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Put in a covered container and refrigerate until ready to serve.
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To make the Greek salad combine the cucumber, tomato, olives, parsley, oregano and feta cheese in a medium mixing bowl.
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In a mason jar or salad dressing container combine the lemon juice and olive oil and then pour on the salad and stir to combine.
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Refrigerate the salad until ready to use.
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Brush the grates with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
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Add the chicken to the grill and cook for about 7-8 minutes, turning once. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
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Remove from the grill. Serve the chicken skewers with pita, greek salad and tzatziki.
Notes
- You can marinade up to 2 hours. Don’t marinade more than 2 hours or the chicken starts to bread down.
- You could add vegetables on the skewers if you want. I like zucchini, red onion and red bell pepper.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Today’s recipe is in partnership with Smart Chicken. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.