Chicken Souvlaki Recipe (2024)

Published | Julia Frey (Vikalinka)

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This chicken souvlaki recipe is easy, straightforward and delicious. The beautiful flavour comes from a simple yogurt marinade, enhanced by the smoke of a grill.

This Hummus with Grilled Eggplant is also an incredible addition to a chicken souvlaki wrap.

Chicken Souvlaki Recipe (1)

It’s difficult to imagine summer meals without grilling, and for us personally without chicken souvlaki!

It might be because one of my best friends is Greek. We’ve had amazing meals at her house we are forever trying to emulate. Or it could be our longing to recreate our holiday memories from Crete!

Either way chicken or pork souvlaki served with fresh pita bread and an array of salads and dips is a summer feast, that is impossible to forget!

Chicken Souvlaki

Great news is souvlaki is easy to make at home. All you need is meat marinated for flavour and tenderness, skewers and grill.

The best way to enjoy these Greek chicken skewers is in a warm pita bread with a generous helping of tzatziki sauce, sliced cucumbers, tomatoes and onions. Those simple ingredients increase the flavour and overall satisfaction by a factor of 100!

The marinade

The recipe I am sharing today is not the most authentic but it produces stellar results. I marinate my chicken in plain yogurt, garlic, lemon zest and juice and a touch of salt, pepper and dried oregano.

You can easily substitute yogurt with olive oil for a more authentic feel but I love using yogurt. Marinating meat for grilling in yogurt or kefir is very common in Russia, so I decided to use the technique here.

Chicken Souvlaki Recipe (2)

How to make it

Making chicken or pork souvlaki is easier than easy. Cut skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs into 2 inch cubes. It’s important not to cut them too small or they will dry out quickly on the grill.

Simply mix yogurt, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, salt and dried oregano and add cubed chicken breasts or thighs, then marinate for at least 3 hours.

Remove the meat from the marinate and skewer on metal or wooden sticks. If using wooden sticks, soak them in water for several hours to prevent them from catching fire on the grill.

Grill for approximately 7 minutes on one side, then turn over and cook for 5 minutes longer on the other side. Cooking time will be longer or shorter depending on the size of chicken pieces.

Chicken Souvlaki Recipe (3)

Serving suggestions

Not too many things are as great as perfectly seasoned grilled chicken inside a pita bread! My favourite way of enjoying the chicken souvlaki is inside of a flatbread of sorts. You can use pita bread or even naan!

I also love adding hummus, tzatziki, sliced tomatoes and cucumbers. My husband adds sliced onions as well as lettuce. Charred eggplant spread Baba Ganoush is also a favourite condiment here.

You can serve your grilled chicken on top of a salad if you are avoiding carbs. This Mediterranean Salad with Hummus and Fried Halloumi is an ideal companion.

In Greece souvlaki is often served with fries, which I absolutely love! If you don’t want to bother with making your own fries, you can opt for a delicious Greek Potato Salad from my amazing friend Lucy of Supergolden Bakes. Or you can make my Greek Orzo Salad with Grilled Zucchini.

More grilled chicken recipes

  • Grilled Chicken Kebab
  • Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
  • Greek Chicken Burger with Feta
  • Thai Grilled Chicken Salad

Chicken Souvlaki Recipe (4)

Chicken Souvlaki

Julia Frey of Vikalinka

This chicken souvlaki recipe is easy, straightforward and delicious. The beautiful flavour comes from a simple yogurt marinade, enhanced by the smoke of a grill.

5 from 7 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Marinating Time 3 hours hrs

Course Main Course

Cuisine Greek

Servings 4

Calories 279 kcal

Equipment

  • Grill

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs skinless boneless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 250ml/1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 lemon juice and zest
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp pepper

Instructions

  • Cut the chicken breasts into 2 inch cubes. (Don't cut them too small or they will dry out in the intense heat of the grill.) Soak wooden skewers in water if using. In a large and shallow bowl combine the plain yogurt, zest and juice of one lemon, minced garlic, salt, pepper and dried oregano. Add the chicken to the marinade, cover with plastic wrap and marinate for at least 3 hours or overnight.

  • Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Skewer the chicken onto wooden or metal skewers. You should get 4 large or 8 smaller skewers. Preheat the grill and either brush with oil or coat with non-stick spray. Grill the chicken for approximately 7 minutes on one side, then turn over and 5-7 on the other side.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 279kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 49gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 147mgSodium: 852mgPotassium: 900mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 83IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 44mgIron: 1mg

Keyword chicken souvlaki, souvlaki recipe

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About Julia Frey (Vikalinka)

Julia Frey is a London based recipe developer and photographer. Julia founded Vikalinka in 2012 with the main mission to provide her readers with delicious and accessible everyday recipes, which could be enjoyed by everyone.
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Chicken Souvlaki Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is souvlaki seasoning made of? ›

Souvlaki Mix Seasoning

let marinate in the refrigerator for 4 hours before cooking. add a dash of lemon juice. Ingredients: salt, sugar, garlic, oregano, onion, paprika, black pepper, mustard, basil, canola oil, coriander, caramel, oleoresin paprika, bay leaves.

What is souvlaki sauce made of? ›

Prepare sauce: Mix yogurt, cucumber, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and salt together in a bowl. Refrigerate sauce for flavors to blend, 1 to 2 hours.

What is the difference between chicken gyro and chicken souvlaki? ›

Here's how to tell the difference: Souvlaki is marinated pork, chicken, beef, or lamb grilled on a skewer. It's typically served on a skewer, but you can also eat it in a warm pita or over salad. Gyros are made with stacked meat (usually pork, but other meats are common) that has been cooked on a vertical rotisserie.

Do Greeks put chips in souvlaki? ›

Putting chips in souvlaki is a trend that has swept Greece. In Australia, restaurants and souvlaki stores are split. Greeks who have recently migrated to Australia may find themselves confused, finding no chips in their souvlaki, but rather, lettuce.

What meat is traditionally used in souvlaki? ›

While pork is traditionally the most common meat used in Souvlaki, chicken, beef and lamb can be substituted as well.

What's the difference between souvlaki and souvlaki? ›

Souvla (Greek: σούβλα) is a popular dish from Cyprus. It consists of large pieces of meat cooked on a long skewer over a charcoal barbecue. It differs from the popular Greek dish souvlaki, in that meat cuts are much larger and slow cooked for a much longer period at a greater distance from the hot charcoal.

What is the Italian version of souvlaki? ›

Mixed Speducci - An Italian Version of Souvlaki.

Is chicken souvlaki healthy? ›

Incorporating chicken souvlaki into your diet can contribute to a well-rounded and nutritious meal plan. Its protein content helps maintain and build muscle, while fresh vegetables and Mediterranean spices provide essential nutrients and support overall health.

What's the difference between chicken souvlaki and shish kebabs? ›

The Greek souvlaki is a version of shish kebab that uses only meat, quite similar to the Turkish çöp şiş, “skewered garbage,” a jocular name that refers to the fact that the meat is often scrap left over after other cuts have been taken off. Kebabs are often eaten with yogurt sauce and served with rice.

What nationality is chicken souvlaki? ›

Souvlaki is a popular Greek dish consisting of small pieces of chicken, beef or lamb and sometimes vegetables that are grilled on a skewer. The word souvlaki has roots in the Greek word souvla, meaning skewer (souvlaki means small skewer).

Which is healthier, gyro or souvlaki? ›

Which is healthier, souvlaki or gyro? Both souvlaki and gyro can be nutritious choices, depending on how they are prepared and served. Both are made with relatively lean meat cuts and grilled, making them a great lean protein source.

What is a fun fact about souvlaki? ›

In fact, the word “souvlaki” comes from the Greek word “souvla,” which means skewer. Souvlaki was originally made with small pieces of meat that were cooked on a skewer over an open flame. It was a popular dish among Greek soldiers who used to grill meat on their swords during their travels.

What is souvlaki marinade made of? ›

Greek Souvlaki Marinade.

It's a simple marinade with the perfect balance of flavors—lots of raw garlic along with spices like oregano, rosemary, and sweet paprika. The liquid in this souvlaki marinade is a combination of excellent extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and dry white wine.

How do Greeks eat souvlaki? ›

It is usually eaten straight off the skewer while still hot. It can be served with pita bread, fried potatoes, lemon, and sauces, but the souvlaki itself is eaten on its own, with the side dishes eaten subsequently. The meat most used in Greece and Cyprus is pork, although chicken, beef, and lamb may also be used.

Does souvlaki have lettuce? ›

Onion, parsley, and pickled green chili peppers are common accompaniments, as are yogurt and tzatziki. Cut lemons are always included with souvlaki, as they are with all grilled meats in Cyprus. Lettuce is not traditional and is seldom used in souvlaki outside of tourist resorts.

What does souvlaki taste like? ›

The addictive taste of Souvlaki can be attributed to its fresh and flavourful ingredients, the grilling process, and its convenience factor. The combination of the smoky flavour, tender meat, tangy tzatziki sauce, and fresh toppings make it hard to resist.

What does Greek seasoning contain? ›

Place salt, garlic powder, basil, oregano, cinnamon, black pepper, parsley, rosemary, dill, marjoram, cornstarch, thyme, and nutmeg in a small bowl; mix well. Transfer to an airtight container for storage.

Why is souvlaki healthy? ›

These meats are excellent sources of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. Additionally, souvlaki can also contain nutrient-rich ingredients like vegetables and herbs, which provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are important for maintaining overall health.

What are the herbs in gyros souvlaki? ›

Spices included: Oregano, Paprika, Salt, Pepper, Cumin.

References

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