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chicken souvlaki

chicken souvlaki

Chicken souvlaki brings tender, flavorful Greek chicken skewers for light lunches or dinners. Discover this fresh, easy chicken recipe!
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Total Time 41 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g chicken breast fillet cut into cubes
  • 2 tablespoon Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 2 clove garlic crushed
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 12 unit wooden skewers soak in water for 20 minutes

Method
 

  1. Soak the wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, crushed garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix well to form the marinade.
  3. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, toss to coat well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
  4. Preheat a grill pan, barbecue, or large skillet over medium-high heat.
  5. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, packing them snugly.
  6. Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
  7. Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite side, like Greek salad or pita bread.

Notes

Chicken souvlaki is one of those dishes that combines simplicity, convenience, and deep Greek flavors, making it an excellent choice for quick weeknight meals or weekend gatherings. Its versatility allows you to customize it to your taste and it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.

Pro Tips for the Juiciest Chicken Souvlaki

Opt for full-fat Greek yogurt in your marinade for extra creaminess and moisture retention. The lactic acid breaks down the chicken fibers, resulting in succulent, tender bites. If you don’t have Greek yogurt, plain natural yogurt works well, or try a dairy-free alternative if needed.
Don’t skip marinating for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, go for two hours—the flavors develop much more! For a citrusy punch, zest the lemon before juicing and add the zest to your marinade.

Mastering the Skewers

Soak wooden skewers well to prevent burning during grilling. If using metal skewers, remember they heat up quickly, so handle with care.
Make sure your chicken pieces are uniformly sized for even cooking. Too small and they risk drying out; too large and the centers may be undercooked.

Serving & Pairing Inspiration

Serve your chicken souvlaki hot off the grill with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. For an authentic Greek experience, accompany with
  • pita bread
  • tzatziki sauce
  • a fresh Greek salad of tomatoes, cucumber, feta, and olives
.
Looking for variety? Swap chicken for pork or try a mix of vegetables on some skewers. You can also assemble souvlaki wraps with your favorite toppings like red onion, lettuce, and a dollop of hummus.
Tip: Leftover souvlaki is fantastic cold in salads or sliced for sandwiches. Make a few extra skewers for meal prep or next-day lunches!