How to Make the Best Chicken Souvlaki : A Flavorful Recipe for Grilling Success!

Chicken Souvlaki is a tantalizing dish that combines the smoky flavors of barbecue with the traditional Greek tastes of souvlaki. Succulent pieces of chicken breast are marinated in a flavorful blend of Mediterranean herbs and spices, then skewered and grilled to perfection. As they cook over an open flame, the chicken develops a delicious charred exterior while remaining juicy and tender on the inside. The aroma of the barbecue infuses the meat, adding depth and richness to every bite.

Servings – 4-6 people 

Prep time 6 hours 

Cook time 15-20 minutes

Ingredients for Chicken Souvlaki

For the Chicken

• 2-3 pounds of boneless chicken breast or thighs
• ¾ cup of extra virgin olive oil
• 2-3 tablespoons of Greek seasoning (Italian will work as well)
• 1 tablespoon of rosemary Dijon seasoning (Alternatively, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard can be used)
• 1 tablespoon of salt, pepper, & garlic seasoning
• 2 tablespoons of minced garlic
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt
• Tzatziki sauce for dipping
• 1-2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar

For the Side Salad

• 1 English cucumber, sliced
• 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup of Kalamata olives, pitted
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• ½ tablespoon of red wine vinegar
• Crumbled Feta cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Why Greek Yogurt is the Secret to Perfect Chicken Souvlaki Marinade

Greek yogurt has long been a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, and for good reason. When it comes to marinating chicken for delicious, tender chicken souvlaki, Greek yogurt stands out as a key ingredient. Here’s why Greek yogurt helps marinate chicken and how it can transform your chicken souvlaki recipe.

Tenderizes the Meat Greek yogurt is rich in lactic acid and calcium, which work together to break down protein structures in the chicken. This process tenderizes the meat, making each bite juicy and succulent. The natural acids gently denature the proteins, allowing the flavors to infuse deeply without compromising the chicken’s texture.

Enhances Flavor Absorption The creamy consistency of Greek yogurt creates a perfect medium for herbs, spices, and other marinade ingredients. It clings to the chicken, ensuring that the flavors of garlic, lemon, oregano, and other seasonings are evenly distributed and absorbed. This results in a well-balanced and flavorful chicken souvlaki.

Provides a Moisture Barrier Marinating chicken in Greek yogurt forms a protective layer around the meat, which helps retain moisture during cooking. This is particularly beneficial for grilling, as it prevents the chicken from drying out, ensuring a tender and moist final product. The yogurt’s thick consistency seals in the natural juices, enhancing the overall mouthfeel.

Instructions for Chicken Souvlaki

Begin by cubing the chicken breast as uniformly as possible.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Greek seasoning, rosemary Dijon seasoning, salt, pepper, & garlic seasoning, and lemon juice.

Thoroughly mix the chicken to ensure it’s evenly coated with oil and seasoning.

Incorporate the plain Greek yogurt and mix well.

Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours. For optimal flavor, marinate for 6+ hours or overnight.

Cooking Process

Skewer the marinated chicken onto wooden or metal skewers.

Grill the skewers over medium-low heat.

Rotate the chicken skewers every 3-4 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit(74°C)

Serve

Once cooked, remove the chicken skewers from the grill.

Plate them up with your preferred dipping sauce and the prepared side salad.

If you are looking for a Homemade Tzatziki sauce i have a quick and simple recipe that is packed with flavor!

Yield: 5

Chicken Souvlaki

Print

Chicken Souvlaki is a tantalizing dish that combines the smoky flavors of barbecue with the traditional Greek tastes of souvlaki. Succulent pieces of chicken breast are marinated in a flavorful blend of Mediterranean herbs and spices, then skewered and grilled to perfection. As they cook over an open flame, the chicken develops a delicious charred exterior while remaining juicy and tender on the inside. The aroma of the barbecue infuses the meat, adding depth and richness to every bite.

Prep Time: 6 hours

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 2-3 pounds of boneless chicken breast or thighs
• ¾ cup of extra virgin olive oil
• 2-3 tablespoons of Greek seasoning (Italian will work as well)
• 1 tablespoon of rosemary Dijon seasoning (Alternatively, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard can be used)
• 1 tablespoon of salt, pepper, & garlic seasoning
• 2 tablespoons of minced garlic
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt
• Tzatziki sauce for dipping
• 1-2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar

Instructions

• Cube up your chicken breast as uniform as possible 
• In a large mixing bowl add your chicken, olive oil, minced garlic, greek seasoning, rosemary dijon seasoning, SPG seasoning, and juice of 1 lemon. 
• Mix the chicken thoroughly so all the chicken is covered in oil and seasoning 
• Add 3 tablespoons of plain greek yogurt and mix 
• Set the in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours (I recommend letting the chicken marinate for 6 + hours or even overnight) 
• Skewer your chicken onto a wooden or metal skewer 
• Grill over medium-low heat 
• Rotate chicken skewers every 3-4 minutes till you reach an internal temp of 162 degrees 
• Remove and plate up with some dipping sauce and your side salad!

Notes

Greek yogurt is an excellent ingredient for marinating chicken because of its texture, acidity, and the presence of enzymes. Here are a few reasons why Greek yogurt works well as a marinade:

1. Tenderizing Effect: The acidity in Greek yogurt helps to tenderize the chicken by breaking down the proteins in the meat. This makes the chicken more tender and juicy.
2. Flavor Absorption: Greek yogurt has a thick and creamy consistency, which helps it adhere well to the chicken. This allows the flavors from any additional spices or herbs in the marinade to penetrate the meat more effectively.
3. Moisture Retention: The yogurt helps to keep the chicken moist during cooking, preventing it from drying out. This is particularly useful for lean cuts of chicken that can easily become dry.
4. Browning: The natural sugars in the yogurt can help with browning the chicken when it's cooked, giving it a nice color and flavor.

Overall, Greek yogurt is a versatile and effective marinade base that enhances both the texture and flavor of chicken.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 202Total Fat: 6.8gSaturated Fat: 1.7gTrans Fat: 0.2gUnsaturated Fat: 2.9gCholesterol: 124mgSodium: 210mgCarbohydrates: 3.9gFiber: 0.9gSugar: 1.7gProtein: 46g