Chicken souvlaki is a classic Greek dish made with juicy, marinated chunks of chicken that are skewered and grilled until perfectly tender and slightly charred. Originating from Greece, souvlaki has been a staple of Mediterranean cuisine for centuries, known for its simple ingredients and bold, fresh flavors. Whether wrapped in pita with toppings or served alongside a fresh salad, this dish is a delicious way to switch up the usual chicken and rice with some mouthwatering flavour.

Components

• Chicken breast
• Garlic
• Lemon
• Olive oil
• Greek yogurt
• Oregano
• Fresh rosemary
• Coriander seeds
• Black pepper
• Salt
• Mustard
• Butter
• Lemon juice

Sauce/Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Avocado oil
• White vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Oregano
• Salt

The Marinade: Flavor Secrets

The secret to delicious chicken souvlaki is all in the marinade. With just a few simple ingredients, you can turn plain chicken into juicy, flavorful skewers that taste like they’re straight from Greece. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in bringing out the best of flavors:

• Garlic - Adds a strong, tasty flavor that makes the chicken savory and delicious.
• Lemon - Gives the chicken a fresh, tangy taste and helps make it tender.
• Olive Oil - Keeps the chicken juicy and helps the flavors stick to the meat.
• Greek Yogurt - Makes the chicken creamy and tender while adding a little tang.
• Oregano - A key herb that gives the marinade its classic Greek flavor.
• Fresh Rosemary - Adds a fresh, pine-like taste that brightens the marinade.
• Coriander Seeds - Gives a warm, slightly citrusy flavor that adds depth.
• Black Pepper - Adds a gentle spicy kick to enhance the overall taste.
• Salt - Brings out all the other flavors and helps keep the chicken moist.
• Mustard - Adds tang and helps mix the oil and lemon juice well, boosting flavor.

Marinate your chicken for at least 2 to 3 hours, but overnight is best for maximum flavor. If you're in a rush, even 30 minutes can make a difference!

How to cook Chicken Souvlaki?

Once your chicken is marinated and full of flavor, it's time to cook it! You can grill it, cook it on a stovetop or bake it in the oven.

1. Grilling (Best for flavor) - grilling gives the chicken a smoky, charred taste!
   • Preheat your grill to medium-high
   • Thread chicken onto skewers
   • Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning every few minutes, until fully cooked and slightly charred.
2. Pan-Searing (Quick & easy)
   • Heat some olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat
   • Add chicken (with or without skewers)
   • Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning to brown all sides, until fully cooked
3. Oven Roasting (Good for larger batches)
   • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C)
   • Place skewers on a baking tray
   • Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. Broil for the last 2-3 minutes for a charred finish

Serving Suggestions

Chicken souvlaki is delicious and easy to serve in a ton of way. My go to is serving it with a side of fluffy greek inspired yellow rice with a greek salad of course. Or try it wrapped in soft pita with tzatziki, tomatoes, and onions for a classic Greek-style meal, or serve just fresh veggies for a quick and light lunch. It’s also great on a mezze platter with dips, olives, and warm pita, or tossed on top of a crisp Greek salad. No matter how you serve it, it’s full of flavour and always a hit!

Storage & Leftovers

Leftover chicken souvlaki is easy to store and perfect for quick meals. Let it cool, then keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, use a pan with a little oil, pop it in the oven, or microwave it if you're in a hurry. You can enjoy the leftovers in so many ways—toss them into a salad or rice bowl, make a quick pita wrap, add them to a breakfast scramble, or even turn them into a cheesy quesadilla with flatbread.

Tools used for the perfect chicken souvlaki skewers

• 8" metal skewers
• non-stick grill pan
• immersion blender