Chicken Souvlaki

Chicken Souvlaki is a delightful dish that captures the essence of Greek cuisine. Juicy and tender, this grilled chicken on a stick is marinated in a blend of garlic, yogurt, lemon, and olive oil, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a cozy family dinner, Chicken Souvlaki stands out with its vibrant flavors and simplicity.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This recipe takes just 50 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Customizable Flavors: Adjust the marinade ingredients to fit your taste preferences. Add more garlic or spices for an extra kick!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve as an appetizer at parties or as a main dish for casual gatherings. It’s versatile!
• Healthy and Delicious: Packed with protein and made with wholesome ingredients, Chicken Souvlaki is both nutritious and satisfying.
• Grill-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for outdoor grilling but can also be cooked indoors on a grill pan.

Tools and Preparation

To make Chicken Souvlaki successfully, having the right tools will streamline your cooking process and enhance the experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Bamboo skewers
• Grill (outdoor or indoor)
• Mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Bamboo skewers: Essential for threading chicken pieces. Soaking them prevents burning during grilling.
• Grill: The key to achieving that delicious charred flavor. Both indoor and outdoor options work well.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for marinating chicken evenly with all the flavorful ingredients.
• Knife: A good knife ensures safe and precise cutting of chicken into uniform cubes.

Ingredients

Chicken Souvlaki – juicy and moist grilled Greek chicken souvlaki recipe made with garlic, yogurt, lemon and olive oil. The best chicken on a stick ever!

For the Marinade

• 12 oz (350g) skinless and boneless chicken breast (cut into cubes)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Pompeian Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 dashes ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For Grilling

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for grilling)
• Ranch dressing (for dipping)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Chicken Souvlaki

Step 1: Soak the Skewers

Soak the bamboo skewers in cold water for one hour. This step prevents them from burning while grilling.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken into 16 equal-sized cubes. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they absorb the marinade well.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, ground black pepper, minced garlic, and salt. Add the cubed chicken to this mixture and allow it to marinate for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble the Skewers

Thread four pieces of marinated chicken onto each skewer. Repeat this process until you have four skewers ready to go.

Step 5: Grill the Chicken

Fire up your outdoor or indoor grill over medium heat. Grill the chicken skewers until they are cooked through, about 10 minutes total. While grilling, brush each skewer with olive oil for added flavor.

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot with ranch dressing on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Souvlaki!

How to Serve Chicken Souvlaki

Serving Chicken Souvlaki can elevate your meal experience, making it a delightful dish for any occasion. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, there are numerous ways to enjoy this Greek classic.

With Pita Bread

• Warm pita bread is perfect for wrapping around the chicken souvlaki. Add some fresh veggies and sauce for a satisfying bite.

Accompanied by Tzatziki Sauce

• Tzatziki is a traditional Greek yogurt sauce made with cucumber and garlic. It pairs wonderfully with the flavors of grilled chicken souvlaki.

On a Salad

• Serve the grilled chicken over a bed of greens, topped with tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. This creates a refreshing Mediterranean-style salad.

With Rice Pilaf

• A side of fluffy rice pilaf complements the chicken’s smoky flavor, making for a hearty and comforting meal.

How to Perfect Chicken Souvlaki

To ensure your Chicken Souvlaki turns out juicy and flavorful, follow these helpful tips.

• Marinate Well: Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. This enhances flavor and tenderness.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality olive oil will greatly improve the overall taste.
• Preheat Your Grill: Make sure your grill is hot before adding the skewers. This helps achieve those perfect grill marks and seals in moisture.
• Don’t Overcook: Grill until just cooked through to maintain juiciness; overcooking can lead to dry chicken.
• Let It Rest: After grilling, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Souvlaki

Chicken Souvlaki pairs beautifully with various side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some delicious options to consider:

1. Greek Salad: A mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, olives, and feta cheese tossed in olive oil and oregano.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant drizzled with olive oil and herbs make a healthy side.
3. Hummus: Creamy hummus served with fresh vegetables or pita chips adds a rich flavor contrast to the grilled chicken.
4. Lemon Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with lemon juice and zest provides a zesty complement.
5. Feta Dip: A tangy feta cheese dip served with crunchy vegetables or pita chips enhances your meal’s Mediterranean flair.
6. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter adds sweetness that balances the savory chicken souvlaki.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken Souvlaki, it’s essential to avoid common mistakes that can lead to less flavorful results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the Marinade: Failing to marinate the chicken can result in bland skewers. Ensure you marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to infuse it with flavor.

• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Choosing subpar olive oil or yogurt will affect the taste of your Chicken Souvlaki. Opt for high-quality ingredients to enhance the overall flavor.

• Overcrowding Skewers: Stuffing too much chicken on a skewer can lead to uneven cooking. Stick to four pieces per skewer for even grilling.

• Neglecting Grill Temperature: Cooking at the wrong temperature can cause dry chicken or burnt edges. Preheat your grill properly before adding the skewers.

• Not Soaking Skewers: Using dry bamboo skewers can lead to burning. Soak them in water for an hour before grilling to prevent this issue.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Chicken Souvlaki in an airtight container.
• It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Always let it cool down before sealing and storing.

Freezing Chicken Souvlaki

• Freeze cooked Chicken Souvlaki in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months.
• Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Chicken Souvlaki

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

• Microwave: Place the skewers on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in short intervals (30 seconds) until hot, turning as needed.

• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil. Cook each skewer for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chicken Souvlaki?

Chicken Souvlaki is a popular Greek dish made of marinated chicken grilled on skewers, often served with dips and sides like tzatziki or ranch dressing.

How do you make authentic Chicken Souvlaki?

To make authentic Chicken Souvlaki, use quality ingredients such as fresh herbs, garlic, yogurt, lemon juice, and good olive oil for marinades.

Can I make Chicken Souvlaki in the oven?

Yes! You can create delicious Oven Souvlaki by placing marinated chicken skewers on a baking sheet and broiling them in the oven until cooked through.

What should I serve with Chicken Souvlaki?

Pair your Chicken Souvlaki with pita bread, fresh vegetables, tzatziki sauce, or a Greek salad for a complete meal experience.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Souvlaki recipe is not only juicy and flavorful but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding different spices or pairing it with various sauces. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this dish is sure to impress your guests. Give it a try and discover why it’s one of the best grilled dishes around!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Chicken Souvlaki

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Lucille
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves approximately four people 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Chicken Souvlaki is a mouthwatering Greek dish that combines marinated, grilled chicken skewers with vibrant flavors. This recipe features juicy chicken pieces marinated in a harmonious blend of garlic, yogurt, lemon juice, and olive oil, resulting in a tender and flavorful meal perfect for any gathering. Quick to prepare and easily customizable, Chicken Souvlaki can be served as an appetizer or a main course alongside fresh pita bread, tzatziki sauce, or a refreshing salad. Whether you’re enjoying a barbecue or cozy family dinner, this dish brings the taste of Greece to your table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz skinless and boneless chicken breast (cut into cubes)
• 1 ½ tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 1 ½ tbsp lemon juice
• 3 dashes ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• ¼ tsp salt
• Additional olive oil for grilling

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Soak bamboo skewers in cold water for one hour.
2. Cut chicken into equal-sized cubes and pat dry.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, black pepper, minced garlic, and salt. Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
5. Preheat grill to medium heat and grill skewers for about 10 minutes, brushing with olive oil while cooking.
6. Serve hot with ranch dressing on the side.

• Prep Time: 50 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 oz (113g)
• Calories: 215
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 457mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 75mg