Chicken Souvlaki
Emma
Juicy, marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection, paired with cool, creamy tzatziki sauce—it’s a dish that feels like a Greek summer on a plate.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 8 minutes mins
Cooling Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 58 minutes mins
Course Dinner
Cuisine Greek
Servings 4
Calories 248.7 kcal
Mixing Bowls
Grater
Skewers
Grill or Grill Pan
Tongs
Meat Thermometer
For the Marinade
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice from 2 lemons
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 ½ teaspoons chopped fresh oregano (or ½ teaspoon dried oregano)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek-style yogurt
- ½ of an English seedless cucumber, peeled, grated, and squeezed dry
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh dill
- Dash of ground black pepper
Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor
The secret to truly mouthwatering Chicken Souvlaki is all in the marinade. I always recommend marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, letting it sit for a few hours or even overnight will take the flavor to the next level
Grate the cucumber using the coarse side of a box grater.Squeeze out the excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. This is key to keeping your sauce thick and creamy.In a bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, fresh dill, kosher salt, and a dash of pepper.Stir until smooth and well combined, then cover and refrigerate until ready to serve
Soak Wooden Skewers (if using) in water for 20–30 minutes to prevent burning.Thread the Chicken onto skewers, packing the cubes snugly but not too tight so they cook evenly.Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. I brush the grates lightly with oil to help prevent sticking.Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for 6–8 minutes total, turning once halfway through. You’re looking for golden-brown grill marks and an internal temperature of 165°F for perfectly cooked chicken.
Adjust your oven rack to the top position, about 6 inches from the heating element. Preheat the broiler on HIGH. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Thread the chicken onto skewers or place directly on the sheet if you prefer. Broil for 11–14 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temp).