Chicken Souvlaki with Grilled Vegetables
This dish features tender cubes of chicken marinated in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs — grilled until golden and slightly charred — paired with smoky Mediterranean vegetables. It’s simple, healthy, and bursting with classic Greek flavor
⏳Time
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Marination Time: 1–2 hours
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Ingredients
For the chicken souvlaki:
600 g (about 1 ¼ lb) boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tbsp olive oil
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
½ tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the grilled vegetables:
1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 red onion, cut into wedges
1 small eggplant, cubed (optional)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For serving:
Pita bread or lemon rice
Greek yogurt or tzatziki sauce
Lemon wedges
Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken cubes and mix well to coat.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 6 hours for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
1. Toss the chopped vegetables with olive oil, balsamic (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. Set aside while the chicken marinates.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken and Veggies
Option 1 — Skewers:
Thread chicken cubes onto skewers.
On separate skewers, thread veggies (so you can control doneness).
Option 2 — Grill Pan or Sheet Pan:
Grill chicken and veggies separately on a grill pan or outdoor grill.
Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
Grill veggies for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and charred.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Arrange chicken souvlaki and grilled vegetables on a platter.
Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges, warm pita bread, and tzatziki or Greek yogurt.
Optional: Serve over a bed of lemon rice or couscous.
Mix together:
½ cup Greek yogurt
¼ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
1 tsp olive oil
½ tsp lemon juice
½ clove garlic, minced
Salt and fresh dill to taste
Notes & Tips
Don’t rush the marination: Lemon and garlic tenderize the chicken beautifully.
Add color: Cherry tomatoes and mushrooms grill well too.
Oven option: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, then broil for a golden finish.
Meal prep: Chicken and veggies reheat well for lunches.
Frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes — skip tzatziki or use a coconut yogurt base.
Q: Can I bake everything together on one sheet pan?
Yes — start chicken first, then add veggies halfway through.
Q: What pairs well with souvlaki?
Lemon rice, Greek salad, or roasted potatoes make perfect sides.
⚡ Nutritional Information
Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 40 g
Carbs: 14 g
Fat: 22 g
Fiber: 3 g