Grilled Chicken Soulvaki (Greek Skewers)
Chicken souvlaki is a Greek dish made with chunks of chicken marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano, then grilled on skewers. It’s simple, healthy, and packed with Mediterranean flavor—perfect served with warm pita, tzatziki sauce, and a Greek salad.
Total Time
Prep time: 15 minutes
Marinate time: 30 minutes to 2 hours (or overnight)
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: 1 hour (including marination)
Serves: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
1½ lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
¼ cup olive oil
Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tbsp)
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp red wine vinegar (optional, adds sharpness)
½ tsp paprika (optional, adds mild heat and color)
To Serve:
Pita bread or flatbread
Tzatziki sauce
Sliced red onions, tomatoes, cucumber
Chopped fresh parsley or dill
Lemon wedges
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, vinegar, and paprika.
Add chicken pieces and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 hours or overnight.
2. Skewer the Chicken:
Thread the marinated chicken onto wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning).
3. Grill the Souvlaki:
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Grill skewers for 4–5 minutes per side, turning once, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
4. Serve:
Serve hot with warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and fresh vegetables. Optional: drizzle extra lemon juice and sprinkle with fresh herbs.
Notes & Tips
Thighs vs. Breasts: Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving on the grill, but breasts work great too.
Meal prep: Marinate the chicken ahead of time and keep skewers ready to grill.
Pan or Oven Option: If no grill, use a grill pan or bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Add veggies: Add onion, bell pepper, or zucchini to skewers between the chicken pieces.
Frequently asked questions FAQs
Q: Can I use other proteins like pork or shrimp?
A: Absolutely. Pork Soulvaki is traditional, and shrimp works well with shorter marination.
Q: How long can I store leftovers?
A: Store grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q: What if I don’t have skewers?
A: You can grill the marinated chicken pieces directly on a grill pan or broil them in the oven.
Q: Is it freezer-friendly?
A: Yes. Freeze raw marinated chicken in a zip bag. Thaw and grill when ready.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 300kcal
Protein: 35g
Carbs: 20g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 3g