Greek Chicken Souvlaki : Authentic Mediterranean Skewers

Did you know that Greek Chicken souvlaki dates back to ancient Greece, where it was mentioned in the works of Aristotle from the 4th century BCE? With its perfect balance of tender marinated chicken, bright lemon, and aromatic herbs, authentic GREEK CHICKEN SOUVLAKI consistently ranks as one of the most beloved Mediterranean dishes worldwide.

Studies show that Mediterranean diet staples like this greek chicken souvlaki contribute to longer lifespans and reduced inflammation, making this recipe not just delicious but nutritionally beneficial.

Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or craving a healthy weeknight dinner with international flair, these flavorful skewers will transport your taste buds straight to the shores of Santorini.

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced (optional)

For serving:

• Tzatziki sauce
• Pita bread
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced cucumbers
• Sliced red onion
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Crumbled feta cheese

Timing

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Marinating time: 2-24 hours
• Cooking time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes active (plus marinating time)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. This aromatic mixture is the key to authentic GREEK CHICKEN SOUVLAKI flavor.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Cut the chicken thighs into 1½-inch pieces. Add the chicken to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours for the most flavorful results.

Step 3: Skewer the Chicken

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, adding a slice of lemon between pieces if desired.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook the chicken skewers for 10-15 minutes, rotating occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown with slightly charred edges and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the cooked souvlaki rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.

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Nutritional Information

• Calories: 260 kcal per serving (chicken only)
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Serves: 6 people

Healthier Alternatives for this Recipe

While traditional GREEK CHICKEN SOUVLAKI is already a nutritious Mediterranean diet staple, here are some modifications to consider:

• Use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner protein option with less fat
• Replace half the olive oil with lemon juice for a lighter marinade with fewer calories
• Add more vegetables to the skewers, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes for extra nutrients and fiber
• Serve over a bed of leafy greens instead of with pita for a lower-carb alternative
• Use whole wheat pita instead of white for added fiber and nutrients
• For a dairy-free version, replace the feta with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or dairy-free tzatziki

Serving Suggestions

Authentic GREEK CHICKEN SOUVLAKI pairs beautifully with:

• Warm pita bread wrapped around the skewers with tzatziki sauce for a traditional street-food experience
• A vibrant Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, kalamata olives, and feta cheese
• Fluffy lemon rice or roasted lemon potatoes for a complete Mediterranean meal
• A side of grilled vegetables brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt
• Hummus and baba ganoush for a mezze-style feast

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the marinating time: The flavor magic happens during marination—don’t rush this crucial step
• Cutting chicken pieces too small: This leads to dry, overcooked meat—aim for 1½-inch chunks
• Overcrowding the skewers: Leave small spaces between meat pieces for even cooking
• Cooking at too high heat: This chars the outside while leaving the inside undercooked—medium-high heat is ideal
• Serving immediately after cooking: Always allow the meat to rest for juicier results
• Using dried herbs exclusively: While the recipe calls for dried herbs in the marinade, adding fresh herbs as garnish before serving brightens the flavor

Storing Tips

• Store leftover cooked GREEK CHICKEN SOUVLAKI in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
• For meal prep, prepare the marinade and chicken separately, then combine when ready to cook
• Freeze marinated, uncooked chicken directly in a freezer bag for up to 3 months—just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking
• Store tzatziki sauce separately from the cooked chicken to maintain proper textures
• Reheat leftover souvlaki gently in a covered pan with a splash of water to prevent drying out
• Repurpose leftovers in salads, grain bowls, or wraps for quick lunches

FAQs

Q: Can I make GREEK CHICKEN SOUVLAKI in the oven instead of grilling? A: Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Q: Is GREEK CHICKEN SOUVLAKI gluten-free? A: The chicken souvlaki itself is naturally gluten-free, but traditional accompaniments like pita bread contain gluten. Serve with gluten-free pita alternatives or over rice for a completely gluten-free meal.

Q: How do I make homemade tzatziki sauce for my souvlaki? A: Combine 1 cup Greek yogurt, ½ grated cucumber (squeezed of excess moisture), 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon fresh dill or mint. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Q: Can I use this marinade for other proteins like lamb or pork? A: Yes! This versatile Greek marinade works beautifully with lamb, pork, or even firm fish like swordfish. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the protein used.

Q: What makes this dish specifically “souvlaki” rather than just grilled chicken? A: Souvlaki (meaning “little skewers” in Greek) specifically refers to small pieces of meat grilled on skewers after marinating in the traditional Greek blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano. The cooking method and these signature Mediterranean flavors define authentic souvlaki.

Conclusion

This authentic GREEK CHICKEN SOUVLAKI recipe captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine—simple ingredients transformed through time-honored techniques into something extraordinary. The combination of tender, herb-infused chicken with bright lemon and garlic creates a dish that’s simultaneously bold and balanced.

Whether you’re recreating a favorite vacation memory or exploring Greek cuisine for the first time, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. The versatility of GREEK CHICKEN SOUVLAKI makes it perfect for everything from casual family dinners to impressive entertaining.

Try it this week and discover why this ancient recipe has remained a beloved favorite for thousands of years!

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