Chicken Souvlaki is a vibrant, tasty Greek dish that's simple to make and packed with flavor. It features boneless chicken marinated in a delicious blend of spices, then skewered and grilled until perfectly juicy.
What You’ll Find On This Page
This dish is a beloved part of Mediterranean cuisine and pairs wonderfully with different sides like rice pilaf, saffron rice, or roasted veggies. Alternatively, wrap it in flatbread with tzatziki sauce or hummus for a satisfying meal.
The name 'souvlaki' originates from a Greek word meaning 'meat on skewers.' Besides chicken, souvlaki can be made with pork, lamb, or beef and is a common street food in Greece, savored fresh off the grill.
In this post, I’m excited to show you how to cook Chicken Souvlaki right on your stovetop using a grill pan. This method is fantastic for indoor cooking, though you can definitely take it outside for a summer barbecue. Let’s dive into the recipe and start cooking!
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Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
For this Chicken Souvlaki, you'll need boneless chicken and some basic Mediterranean pantry staples. Here’s the detailed ingredient list.
- Boneless Chicken: Choose between chicken breast or thighs. Both cuts are excellent for this dish and absorb the marinade well, ensuring juicy results.
- Olive Oil: A cornerstone of Mediterranean cooking, olive oil enriches the dish with its smooth, full flavors. Opt for classic olive oil for a richer taste, or light olive oil for a subtler flavor.
- Red Wine Vinegar: This adds a gentle tang and helps tenderize the chicken, making it tender and juicy. If unavailable, white wine vinegar is a fine substitute.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best for a bright, citrusy kick, but you can also use 100% lemon juice from the store if needed.
- Garlic: Freshly crushed or minced garlic infuses the souvlaki with a strong, authentic flavor. Don't hesitate to use a good amount for that traditional garlicky taste.
- Dried Herbs: Thyme, rosemary, and oregano are crucial for building the herbaceous backbone of the dish. Alternatively, fresh herbs can offer a more intense and fresh flavor.
- Seasonings: Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning. Add chili flakes or mild paprika if you like a bit of heat.
How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki at Home?
Let's make Greek Chicken Souvlaki! I'll show you how to marinate the chicken, skewer it, and grill it to perfection on a stovetop grill pan. Follow along with my step-by-step photos and videos. Let’s get grilling!
Discover More Chicken and Skewers Recipes:
- Chicken Kabobs
- Chicken Skewers
- Chicken Satay
- Chicken Tandoori
- Chicken Lollipop
- Baked Chicken Legs
- Moroccan Harissa Chicken
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers
- Vegetable Skewers
- Paneer Tikka
Greek Chicken Souvlaki
Ingredients
For Chicken Souvlaki
- 2 lb Boneless Chicken Breasts , or thighs, bite-size pieces
- ¼ cup Olive Oil
- ¼ cup Red Wine Vinegar, or white wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 10 cloves Garlic, minced or crushed
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 tsp Dried Rosemary
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme
- 1 tsp Black Pepper Powder
- Salt, to taste
For Grilling
- 3 tbsp Oil, or enough to drizzle the pan
Instructions
Marinating Chicken
- Begin by placing the boneless chicken pieces in a bowl along with all the listed ingredients for your Chicken Souvlaki. Mix thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. This marinating time allows the chicken to fully absorb the flavors, making it more tender and delicious.
Making Greek Chicken Souvlaki
- After the chicken has marinated, start threading it onto wooden or steel skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece. This spacing allows heat to circulate evenly and ensures thorough cooking.
- Heat your grill pan over medium heat and lightly oil it to prevent sticking. Arrange the chicken skewers on the pan without crowding them. If you have many skewers, grill them in batches to prevent steaming and achieve a good sear on the chicken.
- Cook the skewers, turning them regularly to ensure each side is evenly grilled. This usually takes about 12-15 minutes per batch, depending on how thick your chicken pieces are. Once grilled to perfection, your Chicken Souvlaki is ready to serve and enjoy.
Serving
- Serve your Chicken Souvlaki alongside rice pilaf, yellow rice, roasted vegetables, pita bread, or any other Mediterranean dishes you prefer. For additional pairing ideas and inspiration, be sure to explore our Serving Suggestions section below.
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
Preparation Tips:
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Since we're using just a few ingredients to marinate the chicken, the freshness really matters. Go for fresh garlic, lemon juice, and herbs to pack your souvlaki with vibrant flavors.
- Cut Evenly: Make sure all your chicken pieces are about the same size. This helps them cook evenly on the grill, avoiding any overly dry or undercooked spots.
- Marinate Well: Give your chicken plenty of time to soak up those delicious flavors. An hour is great, but if you've got the time, letting it marinate overnight in the fridge will make it even tastier.
- Skewering Smart: When threading your chicken onto skewers, leave a bit of space at each end. This makes them easier to handle. And watch out for those sharp ends!
- Prep Your Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, give them a good soak in warm water for about 30 minutes before you start grilling. This keeps them from burning up.
Cooking Tips:
- Cooking Heat Temperature: Always start by preheating your grill pan or outdoor grill to medium heat. If you find the chicken is charring too quickly, lower the heat or move the pieces to a cooler part of the grill.
- Avoid Splattering: To reduce mess, make sure the souvlaki isn't dripping with excess marinade before it hits the grill. You can pat the skewers dry with a paper towel. For stovetop grilling, consider using a splatter guard to keep things tidy while still allowing heat and air to circulate.
- Check for Safety: It’s crucial to cook the chicken to the right temperature for safety. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F, as recommended by the FDA, guaranteeing your chicken is both safe and delicious.
- Keep Your Meat Juicy: If you're grilling multiple batches, cover the already grilled skewers with aluminum foil to keep them juicy. This helps retain moisture and keeps the chicken tender.
- Grilling Outdoors: Preheat your grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Cook the skewers evenly by turning them frequently, ensuring all sides get nicely charred.
- Baking in the Oven: For oven cooking, preheat to 450°F and place the skewers on a wire rack above a baking sheet to allow good air circulation. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until fully cooked. For an extra smoky flavor, broil on high for 1-2 minutes at the end.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Looking for more delicious, restaurant-quality chicken dishes? Check out our collection of chicken dinner recipes, featuring fried chicken, thighs, breasts, and curries along with skewers and Mediterranean recipes. Each recipe showcases a variety of global cuisines and cooking techniques you can easily try at home.
Serving Suggestions
You can serve this Chicken Souvlaki with a variety of sides to make it a complete meal. Here are my favorite dishes to enjoy with these delicious Greek chicken skewers:
- Rice Dishes: Pair the souvlaki with rice pilaf, yellow rice, saffron rice, or even plain basmati rice for a hearty addition.
- Grain Dishes: Serve with couscous, farro, and quinoa for a diverse side dish. Each grain adds unique texture and flavor, enhancing your meal with light, chewy, and nutty elements.
- Roasted Veggies: Complement your meal with roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes, or zucchini for a healthy touch.
- Flatbreads: Wrap the souvlaki in pita, lavash, or naan, adding roasted veggies and lettuce for a satisfying meal.
- Sauces and Dips: Enhance the flavors with dips such as hummus, aioli, tzatziki, garlic, or tahini sauce. Use these as dips or spreads in your wraps.
- Salads: Serve with a Greek salad, couscous salad or a simple green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to refresh your palate.
- Pickles and Cheese: Add pickles like Kalamata olives and onions, along with tangy feta or goat cheese, for a truly Mediterranean experience.
Storage Suggestions
I usually serve Chicken Souvlaki warm and fresh, directly from the grill, pan, or oven, to best enjoy its juicy and delicious flavor.
If you have leftovers or have made a large batch, here’s how to store them:
- Remove the souvlaki from the skewers and allow them to cool to room temperature.
- Store the souvlaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator; they'll keep for up to 2 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat the souvlaki in the microwave until warmed through. Keep in mind that the reheated chicken might not be as juicy or succulent as when freshly made.
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