Grilled Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and straight-off-the-grill delicious, Grilled Chicken Souvlaki is about to become your new obsession. Juicy chicken, zesty Mediterranean seasoning, and that irresistible char pair perfectly with crisp veggies and pillowy flatbread—this is a weeknight dinner that tastes like a Greek summer holiday!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Grilled Chicken Souvlaki lies in its simple ingredient list—each one chosen for the brightness, texture, and color it brings to the party. From zesty lemon to aromatic herbs, these pantry staples elevate the chicken to something truly special!

• Olive Oil: A generous pour helps the marinade hug every morsel and keeps the chicken lusciously juicy on the grill.
• Lemon Juice and Zest: Lemon wakes up the flavors and gives the chicken that classic Mediterranean tang that makes your mouth water.
• Garlic Cloves, minced: Don’t skimp! Fresh garlic infuses every bite with savory, aromatic depth.
• Dried Oregano: The signature Greek herb, adding warmth and an earthy note to every skewer.
• Dried Rosemary: Just a pinch brings a woodsy complexity and pairs perfectly with the bright citrus.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for pulling out flavor and ensuring your chicken doesn’t taste flat.
• Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat—freshly cracked makes all the difference!
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Lean, easy to cube, and the ideal canvas for those bold marinade flavors.
• Flatbread, Tomatoes, Red Onion, Lettuce, Tzatziki, Feta: For serving—fresh toppings and creamy sauce turn grilled chicken into an epic handheld meal.

Variations

The versatility of Grilled Chicken Souvlaki means you can swap ingredients, play with the marinade, or adapt for dietary needs—making it the ultimate go-to for just about anyone at your table.

• Swap the Protein: Try the same marinade with pork tenderloin, shrimp, or even hearty vegetables like portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian spin.
• Make it Dairy-Free: Skip the feta and use a dairy-free tzatziki alternative for those avoiding lactose.
• Spice It Up: Add a big pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to your marinade for a little heat, or a dusting of smoked paprika for earthy depth.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve the grilled chicken over a Greek salad, skipping the flatbread for a lighter meal.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Souvlaki

Step 1: Mix Up Your Marinade

Grab a medium mixing bowl or a sturdy zip-top bag and whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, rosemary, salt, and pepper. This gorgeous, fragrant mixture is going to breathe new life into your chicken—and trust me, your kitchen will already start to smell amazing.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the cubed chicken breast to your marinade and toss until every piece is coated. The longer you marinate, the deeper the flavor—30 minutes is great in a pinch, but up to overnight in the fridge will really let those herbs and citrus do their magic.

Step 3: Skewer and Grill

Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto metal or bamboo skewers (see note below if using bamboo). Heat your grill to medium-high and oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking. Lay the skewers on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, turning as you go so they caramelize beautifully and cook through. Watch closely—overcooked chicken dries fast!

Step 4: Serve It Up!

Once the chicken is golden and juices run clear, slide them off the grill. Either serve the skewers as-is with tzatziki, or pile chicken onto warm flatbreads with luscious toppings: lettuce, tomato, slivers of red onion, a shower of feta, and extra sauce. Dig in while it’s hot!

Step 5: Broil If Needed

No grill? No worries! Pop the skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil in your oven, rack set one level down from the top, for about 8 minutes—flip once and monitor closely to avoid burning. The result: juicy souvlaki, no outdoor grill required.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Souvlaki

Garnishes

Shower your Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with crumbled feta, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and maybe a squeeze of lemon right before serving—the finishing touches make every bite pop with brightness and creaminess.

Side Dishes

This dish truly shines with Mediterranean extras: think crisp Greek salad bursting with cucumbers and olives, golden roasted potatoes, or a refreshing bowl of creamy hummus and pita chips to share.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, pile all the toppings (flatbreads, veggies, sauce, cheese) onto a big platter for a colorful DIY souvlaki bar—everyone crafts their own masterpiece, making dinner interactive and fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Grilled Chicken Souvlaki into an airtight container (off the skewers) and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It keeps well, making for fabulous lunches or a quick snack straight from the fridge!

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken pieces in a freezer bag for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge. The marinade helps lock in moisture so the chicken stays flavorful even after freezing.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat or in a covered dish in the microwave, just until heated through. Avoid overheating to keep the meat juicy and tender.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Grilled Chicken Souvlaki enough for its unbeatable blend of ease, flavor, and pure good vibes. Whether you’re hosting friends, feeding your family, or simply treating yourself, try it this week and let a taste of Greece brighten your table!

Print