Grilled
Mediterranean Chicken Souvlaki Skewers
Chicken souvlaki skewers are a staple of Greek grilling: cubes of chicken marinated in lemon, garlic, oregano and olive oil, threaded onto skewers and grilled until charred at the edges and juicy inside. Served with cool, garlicky tzatziki and warm pita, it's a simple Mediterranean dinner that tastes like it came straight from a taverna.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Bright, classic Greek marinade
- Great for grilling season or meal prep
- Naturally gluten-free (without the pita)
- Pairs perfectly with tzatziki and a Greek salad
Ingredients
Full ingredient list below — check off items as you shop or cook.
Instructions
- Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper in a large bowl.
- Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, alternating with pieces of red onion and bell pepper.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every few minutes, until charred on all sides and cooked through (165°F/74°C internal).
- Rest for 3 minutes, then serve with tzatziki sauce and warm pita bread.
Tips for success
- Cutting the chicken into evenly sized cubes ensures every piece cooks through at the same rate.
- Don't overcrowd the skewers — leaving a little space between pieces helps them char rather than steam.
- Marinating for at least an hour makes a real difference in flavor, but avoid going beyond 8 hours since the lemon juice can start toughening the meat.
- No grill? Broil the skewers on high for about 10-12 minutes, turning once, for a similar char.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make chicken souvlaki without a grill?
Yes, a stovetop grill pan or broiler both work well and produce good char in the absence of an outdoor grill.
What is tzatziki made of?
Tzatziki is a Greek sauce made from strained yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice and fresh dill — it's the classic pairing for souvlaki.
Can I use metal skewers instead of wooden?
Yes, metal skewers work great and don't need soaking; just be careful, as they get very hot on the grill.
What sides go well with chicken souvlaki?
A Greek salad, lemon rice, roasted potatoes, or warm pita with hummus all make classic pairings.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 298 |
| Protein | 33g |
| Carbs | 8g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Sodium | 540mg |
| Sugar | 3g |
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary based on exact ingredients and brands used.
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