Chicken Souvlaki Recipe | ChefDeHome.com (2024)

Chicken Souvlaki is Greek chicken kabobs marinated in fresh herb oregano (my fav), garlic, lemon, olive oil and seasonings. So simple, but amazingly flavorful chicken kabobs, Chicken Souvlaki is must try for every Mediterranean food lover! *Gluten free, carb-free, low-fat, paleo, and whole-30 diet friendly.

So today I thought to give you another favorite to include in your Summer BBQ menu!

Oh, and no worries if you not looking to grill. I have included instructions to prepare chicken souvlaki kabobs in oven! With just 10 minutes prep and pantry staples, this Greek chicken main course is much easier to prepare at home than you might imagine.

So, let's cook some chicken sooov-lah-kee! Shall we?

Chicken Souvlaki Recipe | ChefDeHome.com (1)

Just like most Greek chicken recipes, herbs and spices are heart of Chicken souvlaki. Being a spice and herbs fanatic, this chicken preparation won me over for my love of oregano. I came across oregano chicken (first time) in a Mexican restaurant... (I know! What are the odds?!)

...then, second time in a Greek restaurant.. even though both marinades and taste profiles were different.. one thing I connected with immediately.. and that was the oregano.

If you love Greek/Mexican cooking.. I'm sure you are no new to flavor of oregano. It is also a good antioxidant and healthy herb. I love using it in soups, and even in salad dressings.

In simple words, there is no chicken souvlaki without oregano. Period.

Of course, garlic, lemon, and olive oil are also important ingredients in souvlaki marinade.. but oregano, is the Star! My personal touch in this marinade is cumin powder (for some earthiness), parsley for freshness, and little chili flakes for a subtle kick.

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For chicken souvlaki recipe, I used combination of fresh and dried oregano. Dried oregano is more potent and adds more punch of flavor. Honestly, when I don't have fresh oregano in-hand, I often replace is all with dried.

How To Prepare Chicken Souvlaki

To prepare chicken souvlaki, I start by mixing marinate ingredients, oregano, garlic, lemon, olive oil, parsley, chili flakes, and cumin powder in a bowl or a seal-able plastic bag. Once marinade is ready, I either slice chicken into bite-size pieces or pound chicken tenders into flat strips to make (little fancy) skewers. Either ways, for good flavor, it is important to marinate chicken for at-least 30 minutes. This is what brings out the flavor of oregano and garlic. Also, marinade tenderizes chicken and kabobs come out moist and juicy. (yum!)

When ready to grill, I skew chicken onto skewers, and throw on pre-heated grill until chicken is fully cooked from all sides and kabobs have nice char.. exactly like you get in Greek restaurants!

That's it! Souvlaki Chicken is really THAT easy recipe. Just make sure to keep an eye on chicken when start to char, don't let oregano burn out. I like to brush kabobs with mixture of lemon, oil and salt.. this mixture keeps kabobs moist and prevents burning of delicious marinade.

Chicken Souvlaki Recipe | ChefDeHome.com (3)

Mix marinade, marinate chicken, skewand grill! #deliciouschickensouvlaki

In-fact, I often marinate an extra batch of chicken. (Marinade recipe doubles easily). then, one weekdays, even when I have no plans to switch-on grill, chicken souvlaki is ready in oven or even on stove-top in a cast iron grill pan. My personal favorite is oven-method.. or I should say, oven broil method because it brings that charred grilled kabobs flavor in chicken.

Note: I have included method to cook chicken souvlaki in oven in the notes because you will be making it again. I bet! This recipe is a sure winner!

Chicken Souvlaki Recipe | ChefDeHome.com (4)

The chicken souvlaki recipe is *gluten free but I'm including grilled pita idea for serving. It is optional, yet I must say,Souvlaki and pitaare simply made for each other. To grill pita, oil pita bread, and throw on the grill just until nice grill mark appears on both sides. Serve on side for a complete Mediterranean chicken dinner with side of rice and salad. I also recommend serving Tzatziki sauce on side.

TIP: If you want to keep dinner gluten free, only serve with side of rice and greens salad. If looking for carb free... Skip rice as well and double the amount of greens.

Now, this is the magic of home cooking! Isn't it? Gluten free, carb free or just a Greek-style dinner night, you can take homemade food and go many healthy directions!

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More Summer Grill Season Recipes

I'm all about summer grilling these days. Try following reader's favorite recipes:

  1. Malai Chicken Tikka
  2. Greek-style Grilled Turkey Burgers
  3. Chickpea Burgers
  4. Chimichurri Chicken
  5. Huli-Huli Chicken

Don't stop there! This week, I have plans to bring to you, two more recipes that will add value to your Chicken Souvlaki Dinner! If you making this tonight, cook some extra and save leftovers. hint hint

Updates: June 6: Tzatziki Sauce.
June 9: Creamy Healthy Tzatziki Chicken Salad

-Savita x

Chicken Souvlaki

5.0 (55reviews)

Chicken Souvlaki Recipe | ChefDeHome.com (6)

Total Time: Prep Time: Cook Time: Cuisine: Mediterranean () Difficulty: Easy

Yields: 1.5 lb skewers - Serves: 3

Nutrition: 328 calories per serving (Nutrition per serving does not include Pita Bread or Rice.)

Ingredients

Chicken Souvlaki

Grilled Pita, for Serving (optional)

Directions

  • 1. Prepare Souvlaki Marinade:To make the Souvlaki Marinate, in a wide bowl (with a lid) or in seal-able bag, add all ingredients except chicken in the ingredient list above. Mix well and set aside.
  • Chicken Souvlaki Recipe | ChefDeHome.com (7) 2. Marinate Chicken:Slice chicken breast into small 1-2 inch pieces. Add to the marinade and coat into the marinade. Cover with lid (or close the bag), refrigerate until ready to use. Marinating for 20-30 minutes tenderize the meat and makes it very flavorful. You can marinate it up-to overnight. Additional Notes: You can also use chicken tenders or cut chicken breast into small strips (2 inch long, 1-2 inch wide), place on a tray. Top with piece of plastic wrap, then pound a bit to make even size.
  • Chicken Souvlaki Recipe | ChefDeHome.com (8) 3. Make Chicken Skewers and Grill:For grilling, preheat grill. Skew pieces of marinated chicken souvlaki into the skewers. I **skewed about 4-5 long tenders per skewer. Grill on preheated grill until chicken is fully cooked from all sides. Additional Notes:If cooking in oven, check **Oven Method in notes.
  • Chicken Souvlaki Recipe | ChefDeHome.com (9) 4. Grill Pita and Serve Chicken Souvlaki:If serving grilled pita on side, spray oil on grill pita bread until nice grill marks appear on both sides (30 sec to 1 minute each side). Serve on side with Chicken Souvlaki! Serve and enjoy!
Savita's Notes:

Grilling Tips:

  1. Leave a little space towards handle of skewers for proper handling on grill.
  2. If using wooden skewers, pre soak them in water so that these not burn quickly on grill. I also cover tips of skewers with aluminum foil to avoid burning while grilling.

Chicken Souvlaki in OvenTo prepare in oven, preheat oven, place skewers on sheet lined with foil/parchment. Set broiler on, cook 5-7 minutes each side or until kabobs are fully cooked.

Calories/Serving: There are 328 calories per serving. It does not include side of pita bread or rice. Please note, in grilled meats, oil used in marinade mostly drips away. So, actually calories will be even lesser.

Disclaimer: Recipe adapted from - Foodnetwork.com

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? Tag @SAVITACHEFDEHOME on Instagram and hashtag it #SAVITACHEFDEHOME

© Chef De Home. Post content including video and photos are copyright protected.

Chicken Souvlaki  Recipe | ChefDeHome.com (2024)

FAQs

What is souvlaki marinade made of? ›

Chicken Souvlaki Marinade: The marinade is the star here, which is a combination of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. Tzatziki Sauce: I love to make my own tzatziki sauce when I have time. But of course, you can buy your favorite brand as well.

What is souvlaki seasoning made of? ›

Ingredients: Herbs, Salt, Dehydrated Vegetables, Sugar, Rice flour, Maltodextrin (Maize), Spices, Natural flavour, Lemon Peels, canola Oil, Citric Acid (330), Lemon Oil.

What is the difference between chicken gyro and chicken souvlaki? ›

Here's how to tell the difference: Souvlaki is marinated pork, chicken, beef, or lamb grilled on a skewer. It's typically served on a skewer, but you can also eat it in a warm pita or over salad. Gyros are made with stacked meat (usually pork, but other meats are common) that has been cooked on a vertical rotisserie.

What's the difference between souvlaki and kebabs? ›

But while kebabs originated in the region now known as Turkey, souvlaki is a Greek dish. Another major difference: According to Delighted Cooking, traditional Turkish kebabs almost never feature pork, a nod to the dietary preferences of the country's Muslim population.

What is the key ingredient in marinade? ›

A typical marinade is made up of three essential components: an acid (such as vinegar, wine, or citrus), an oil (such as olive oil or sesame oil), and a flavouring agent (such as herbs and spices).

Is chicken souvlaki healthy? ›

One of the main reasons why souvlaki can be a healthy option is that it's typically made with lean proteins like chicken, pork, or lamb. These meats are excellent sources of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue.

What are the herbs in gyros souvlaki? ›

Oregano, Paprika, Salt, Pepper, Cumin.

What are the main spices used in Greece? ›

Today, spices like garlic, onion, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, nutmeg, pepper, paprika, cloves and sesame constitute an integral part of what makes the Greek cuisine so aromatic.

Do Greeks put chips in souvlaki? ›

Putting chips in souvlaki is a trend that has swept Greece. In Australia, restaurants and souvlaki stores are split. Greeks who have recently migrated to Australia may find themselves confused, finding no chips in their souvlaki, but rather, lettuce.

What is the English of souvlaki? ›

Meaning of souvlaki in English

a Greek food made of small pieces of meat that are put on skewers (= long, thin pieces of metal) and grilled: Barbecue the souvlaki over medium coals, until it's done the way you like it.

How do you eat souvlaki? ›

Souvlaki (Greek: σουβλάκι, souvláki, [suˈvlaci]; plural: σουβλάκια, souvlákia) is a Greek fast food consisting of small pieces of meat and sometimes vegetables grilled on a skewer. It is usually eaten straight off the skewer while still hot.

What does souvlaki taste like? ›

The addictive taste of Souvlaki can be attributed to its fresh and flavourful ingredients, the grilling process, and its convenience factor. The combination of the smoky flavour, tender meat, tangy tzatziki sauce, and fresh toppings make it hard to resist.

Is gyros or souvlaki healthier? ›

Which is healthier, souvlaki or gyro? Both souvlaki and gyro can be nutritious choices, depending on how they are prepared and served. Both are made with relatively lean meat cuts and grilled, making them a great lean protein source.

What nationality is chicken souvlaki? ›

Souvlaki is a popular Greek dish consisting of small pieces of chicken, beef or lamb and sometimes vegetables that are grilled on a skewer. The word souvlaki has roots in the Greek word souvla, meaning skewer (souvlaki means small skewer).

Why do people marinate chicken in Greek yogurt? ›

Yogurt tenderizes meat much more gently and effectively than regular marinades. While acidic vinegar- or citrus-based marinades can toughen proteins like chicken breast to a rubbery consistency, yogurt slowly tenderizes them, resulting in meat that can practically be pulled apart by hand.

What is turkey marinade made of? ›

In the clean stockpot, make the marinade by stirring together together sliced oranges, sliced lemons, onion, green bell pepper, parsley, cloves, garlic powder, cinnamon sticks, paprika, olive oil, and pepper. Place the turkey into the stockpot and rub the marinade into the turkey. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

What is tzatziki made of? ›

What is tzatziki? Tzatziki is a salted yogurt and cucumber dip that's made of strained yogurt, shredded cucumber, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and herbs. Authentic Greek tzatziki is most often made with sheep or goat yogurt, but my tzatziki recipe calls for regular full-fat Greek yogurt.

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