Chicken Souvlaki Skewers

Come summertime, Chicken Souvlaki Skewers are on rotation for our weekly meals. We could eat souvlaki every day and never get sick of it. Because our upbringing included time in Greece, this recipe feels like home to us and Greece will forever have our heart. Souvlaki is a popular Greek dish consisting of bite-size pieces of chicken, beef, or lamb (and sometimes vegetables), which are skewered and grilled. The word souvlaki has roots in the Greek word souvla, meaning skewer. This recipe paired with our homemade tzatziki and Greek pita is what Mediterranean summer dreams are made of.

What stands out

Souvlaki is suited to meal prep because the meat can be marinated and kept in the refrigerator up to few days in advance of cooking. This recipe uses chicken breast or thighs and thanks to that marinade, the chicken is succulent juicy and not dry at all. The flavors are on point too: tangy lemon and herby oregano are classic flavors that will pair wonderfully with a juicy tomato salad, fresh pita bread and tangy tzatziki. It’s summertime barbecue perfection!

How to Prepare Chicken Souvlaki Skewers

First, using a sharp knife cube the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Add the chicken to a bowl along with the olive oil, oregano, garlic, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well and marinate for at least 1 hour at room temperature or in the fridge.

Now, take each chicken cube and add it onto the skewer stacking them all the way until the end.

Meanwhile, preheat the barbeque to medium heat.

Then, cook the skewers for 7 to 8 minutes on each side, rotating them 1 to 2 times so that they cook evenly. After 15 minutes the chicken should be perfectly golden and charred.

Finally, let the skewers rest for at least 5 minutes and then enjoy with salad, potatoes, tzatziki, or on a pita.

Kitchen tip

The longer you let this marinate, the more tender the meat will be. If you are in a hurry, you do not have to wait an hour before skewering and grilling the chicken, though that marination time is preferred.

Swaps

1. You can make this recipe with pork chops lamb, or even beef as well.
2. Instead of chicken, go vegetarian and toss big chunks of bell pepper, red onion and zucchini with the marinade and then skewer and grill.
3. Oregano is THE ultimate Greek herb, but you can swap with parsley or thyme if you prefer.
4. Instead of boneless, skinless chicken breast, you can certainly use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for these Chicken Souvlaki Skewers.

Serve it with

• Our homemade Tzatziki is a MUST with these Chicken Souvlaki Skewers.
• Serve this with our beautiful Greek Salad Feta Board.
• For a crowd, serve these skewers platter-style with a bright and fresh Greek Feta Salad warm pitas, tzatziki, olives and lemon wedges.

Questions

Can we use any other protein instead of chicken?

For sure! We think that cubed up pork, lamb, or even beef will work well here.

Can i use this marinade for veggies?

This marinade is perfection and will make your veggies sing! Instead of chicken, toss big chunks of bell pepper, red onion and zucchini with the marinade and then skewer.

can i make these chicken souvlaki skewers indoors?

Yes, you can certainly adjust this recipe to make these indoors. You do not need to use a barbecue if you don’t have one as you can easily make these on the grill, or even in the oven (broil the last minute or so for a nice char).

can i use disposible wooden skewers instead of metal?

Yes! We use these reusable metal mark skewers, but you can certainly use mark wooden as well. Be sure to soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before you add the meat. This will prevent the skewers from burning.

what’s the best method for grilling chicken souvlaki skewers?

We like to first oil the grill grates to prevent food from sticking to the grill. We also keep the metal skewer handles hanging on the outside of the barbecue so they don’t get too hot and we are able to turn them. Let the chciken sit for a few minutes before turning to ensure they get those beautiful grill marks.

Will chicken thighs work in this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs as well to make these Chicken Souvlaki Skewers. Just makes sure to cut the pieces more or less the same size so everything cooks evenly.

Ingredients

Makes 5 large skewers

• 5 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1.5 inch cubes
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 lemons, juiced
• ½ teaspoon salt, more or less to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper, more or less to taste
• Greek pitas & tzatziki, for serving

Equipment

• Metal Skewers
• Wooden Skewers
• Nakiri Knife
• Cutting Board
• Redmond Real Salt
• Mixing Bowls

Method

1. Add the chicken to a bowl along with the olive oil, oregano, garlic, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour at room temperature or in the fridge.
2. If you leave the meat in the fridge to marinate, be sure to take it out and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Take each chicken cube and add it onto the skewer, stacking them all the way until the end.
3. Preheat the barbeque for medium heat. Cook the skewers for 7 to 8 minutes on each side, rotating them 1 to 2 times so that they cook evenly. We leave the metal skewer handles hanging on the outside of the barbecue so they don’t get too hot and we are able to turn them.
4. After 15 minutes the chicken should be nice and golden and charred. You may use an instant-read meat thermometer to check for doneness: the chicken should be 165F. The cook time will depend on how thickly you cut the chicken cubes.
5. Let the skewers rest for at least 5 minutes and enjoy with salad, potatoes, tzatziki, on pita, or any way you like.