• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • About
  • Contact Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter

Dinner at the Zoo

  • All Recipes
  • Dinner
  • Appetizers
  • Dessert
  • One Pot Meals
  • Slow Cooker
  • Asian Food

Home » Dinner » Chicken Souvlaki

Published: April 25, 2018 Last Modified: March 23, 2019 By Sara 51 Comments

Chicken Souvlaki

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
This recipe for greek chicken souvlaki is skewers of tender chicken breast marinated in lemon, garlic and herbs, then grilled to perfection and served with a creamy yogurt sauce. FosterFarmsOrganic AD

This recipe for Greek chicken souvlaki is skewers of tender chicken breast marinated in lemon, garlic and herbs, then grilled to perfection and served with a creamy yogurt sauce.

These chicken souvlaki kabobs are a taste of the Mediterranean right in your own kitchen. You can grill or broil these Greek chicken skewers for a simple yet healthy meal.

Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe | Easy Greek Chicken | Chicken Souvlaki | Greek Chicken Skewers | Easy Greek Chicken Skewers #chicken #kabobs #glutenfree #keto #lowcarb #grilling #dinneratthezoo

Chicken souvlaki skewers marinated in lemon and herbs, then grilled. Served with olives, hummus and pita bread.

One of my ongoing challenges as a mom and as a cook is coming up with dinner recipes that all three of my children will eat. I’ve learned through trial and error that if I skewer meat on a stick, the fun factor alone makes it much more likely that the girls will be willing to try it. This chicken souvlaki was no exception – everyone happily devoured their “chicken on a stick”.

What is chicken souvlaki?

Chicken souvlaki is a Greek dish that’s made with marinated and grilled chicken and sometimes vegetables, all threaded onto skewers and broiled. It’s often served with pita bread.

How do you make chicken souvlaki?

This recipe starts with boneless skinless chicken breasts. I typically buy Foster Farms Organic chicken breast as it’s ready available at my grocery store and I try to buy organic whenever possible. Boneless skinless chicken thighs would also work great. The chicken is cut into chunks and marinated in garlic, lemon, olive oil and herbs.

It’s important to only marinate the chicken for a short period of time, less than an hour is ideal. If the chicken sits too long in the marinade the acid from the lemon juice could make it tough. The chicken then gets threaded onto skewers and can either be grilled, baked or broiled.

Chunks of marinated chicken breast threaded onto skewers to be grilled.

While the chicken is cooking I make my sauces. I do a yogurt sauce that’s similar to tzatziki with cucumbers, herbs, yogurt and a special ingredient – sour cream. The sour cream isn’t the most authentic but I find that it adds a lot of richness and mellows the tang of the yogurt in a way that makes the sauce more kid friendly.

I also make a cucumber tomato relish which is essentially minced cucumber and tomato that’s flavored with lemon juice, parsley, olive oil, salt and pepper. The relish adds a fresh note to this dish.

Ingredients for the cucumber yogurt sauce to go alonside chicken sosuvlaki.

What is the difference between a gyro and souvlaki?

Gyros and souvlaki are both popular meat dishes, typically served with pita bread. The main difference between the two is that gyros are made with ground meat, and souvlaki is made with chunks of chicken, pork, or beef.

I pair my Greek chicken souvlaki and sauces with store bought hummus, marinated olives and flatbread for a Mediterranean dinner that the whole family will love. In fact, I ended up making this twice in one week because it was such a hit, can’t argue with that kind of success!

A plate of grilled chicken souvlaki with olives and pita bread.

What is souvlaki seasoning made of?

Souvlaki is seasoned with lemon, olive oil, garlic, dried oregano, salt and pepper. There are two types of dried oregano typically sold at the store, Mexican oregano and Mediterranean oregano. You want the Mediterranean oregano for this dish. Sometimes souvlaki seasoning can include other herbs and spices like parsley and paprika.

A tray of chicken souvlaki kabobs with olives, hummus, pita bread and yogurt sauce.

More greek inspired dishes that you’ll love

  • Greek Couscous Bowls
  • Greek Chicken Kabobs
  • Greek Lemon Chicken
  • Chopped Greek Salad
  • One Pot Greek Meatballs with Lemon Dill Rice

Chicken Souvlaki Video


This recipe for greek chicken souvlaki is skewers of tender chicken breast marinated in lemon, garlic and herbs, then grilled to perfection and served with a creamy yogurt sauce. FosterFarmsOrganic AD
Print Pin
5 from 32 votes

Chicken Souvlaki

This recipe for greek chicken souvlaki is skewers of tender chicken breast marinated in lemon, garlic and herbs, then grilled to perfection and served with a creamy yogurt sauce.
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine Greek
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 356kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

For the chicken skewers:

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1 inch chunks
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 garlic cloves minced

For the yogurt sauce:

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or an additional 1/2 cup of greek yogurt if you prefer)
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup minced cucumber (I prefer the small persian cucumbers)
  • 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley or dill

For the tomato cucumber relish:

  • 3/4 cup minced cucumber
  • 3/4 cup minced seeded tomato
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons minced parsley
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • For the chicken skewers: Combine the lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, salt, pepper and garlic, along with 1 tablespoon of water, in a bowl.
  • Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 10 minutes or up to 1 hour.
  • Heat a grill or grill pan over medium or preheat the broiler.
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade and thread the chicken pieces onto 4 skewers.
  • If grilling, place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5 minutes on each side or until chicken is cooked through.
  • For broiling, broil for 8-10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
  • While the chicken is cooking make the sauces.
  • For the yogurt sauce: Mix together the Greek yogurt, sour cream, cucumber and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  •  Refrigerate until ready for use, or for up to 1 day.
  • For the relish: Combine the tomato, cucumber and parsley in a bowl. Stir in the lemon juice and olive oil.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until ready for use, or for up to 1 day.
  • Serve the chicken skewers with the yogurt sauce and cucumber relish, as well as flatbread, hummus and olives if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 356kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 560mg | Potassium: 685mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 950IU | Vitamin C: 18.7mg | Calcium: 117mg | Iron: 1.2mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @DinnerAtTheZoo or tag #dinneratthezoo!

This post is sponsored by Foster Farms® Organic Chicken. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Dinner at the Zoo possible! This post was originally published on March 8, 2016 and was updated on April 25, 2018 with new content.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Filed Under: Dinner, Featured Recipes, Grilling

FREE TOOLKIT: 5 Secrets to Meal Planning

Learn my 5 Meal Planning Secrets & get my Meal Planning Toolkit...FREE!

    ​
    ​

    Still hungry? Follow Dinner at the Zoo on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for more great recipe ideas!

    « Zucchini Gratin
    Spaghetti Salad »

    Comments

    1. Maggie says

      March 7, 2020 at 9:10 am

      5 stars
      Loved this recipe so much. Everyone devoured it. Great flavor, easy to make, easy to customize. Definitely putting this on my summer rotation dinner list. Thanks for sharing. Also… I love your blogs name!
      -Maggie

      Reply
    2. Christine says

      January 3, 2020 at 7:53 am

      5 stars
      This was a great recipe! The marinade was very tasty and a hit with my family.

      Reply
    3. Stephanie S says

      December 12, 2019 at 5:32 am

      5 stars
      Wow this is one of my favorite recipes! I used this marinade on lamb chops for the first time last night and it was amazing. Thank you!

      Reply
    4. Lesley says

      September 9, 2019 at 1:34 pm

      That looks amazing! I’ll add it to my recipes to make ASAP! I love Hummus ans I make my own Naan so this is perfect. Not to mention healthy and no doubt delicious!

      Reply
    5. Sana Dossul says

      July 29, 2019 at 1:34 pm

      5 stars
      Thankyou for this amazing recipe. We would buy store bought marinated souvlaki until my daughter suggested I search the internet for a good recipe. Yours came up in the first few. I tried out just the chicken and it was a hit. I must have made it at least 20 times and still make it regularly! Instead of making it on skewers, I cook it in a pot and add a few jalapenos without seeds to give it a little kick. I make the cucumber/ tomato salad and the yogurt dressing on the odd occasion and they turn out great too.

      Reply
    6. Jeff P says

      July 1, 2019 at 2:18 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe rocks! I have made it several times and my family loves it. I add a little garlic to the yougurt sauce, and some yogurt to the marinade. The yogurt gives the chicken some tangy zest on when grilled

      Reply
    7. Lex says

      June 18, 2019 at 1:48 pm

      5 stars
      I used to work at Greek restaurant while going to school and forgot the recipe as it has been 20 + yrs. My kids and wife said this one beats any Greek restaurants we been to.

      Thank you.

      Reply
    8. ALynn says

      April 27, 2019 at 5:53 pm

      5 stars
      This was easy to make, had simple ingredients and our family really liked it! Thanks!

      Reply
      • Heather says

        June 16, 2019 at 8:39 pm

        5 stars
        Awesome. 5*****.
        Made all three for a BBQ for friends and was a major hit. Prepped the Chicken souvlaki several hours ahead and the cuc sauce. Got accolades from the tzaziki officionado as best he’d ever tasted! Huge success w flatbread, garden salad out of my greenhouse and the neighbours loaded potato salad.
        Perfect for a hot summer evening meal. Thanks

        Reply
    9. Karina Pacheco says

      May 2, 2018 at 1:20 am

      5 stars
      It’s the middle of the night and now I’m hungry!! This looks delicious and love that it’s easy to make and kid friendly. Can’t wait to make it for my family sometime next week 🙂

      Reply
    10. Dana Peller says

      April 28, 2018 at 8:35 pm

      5 stars
      This post on grilled chicken souvlaki brought me back to my youth! There is a Greek restaurant my family and I would frequent and my dad had this platter often. It was near our hometown, and It’s still there today.

      Reply
    11. Rosey says

      April 28, 2018 at 5:31 am

      I like that it’s served with a creamy yogurt sauce. This would be perfect for a weekend family gathering!

      Reply
    12. Annalisa F says

      April 27, 2018 at 2:04 pm

      5 stars
      This looks delicious. I’m on a vegetarian diet now, do you think I could switch the chicken cubes with grilled tofu?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        April 29, 2018 at 10:35 pm

        Yes that would work!

        Reply
    13. Natalie says

      April 27, 2018 at 11:01 am

      My family would really enjoy this. I do not consume meat but do enjoy Greek cuisine!

      Reply
    14. Izzy Grey says

      April 27, 2018 at 6:51 am

      5 stars
      That looks so freaking yummy! It also seems pretty healthy, so it would be nice to throw in occasionally for my diet Thanks!

      Reply
    15. Elizabeth L says

      April 27, 2018 at 5:27 am

      5 stars
      This looks fantastic. I am adding this to my meal plan asap! I love chicken souvlaki.

      Reply
    16. Nancy at Whispered Inspirations says

      April 27, 2018 at 5:05 am

      5 stars
      This looks spectacular. I am going to have to try this out as soon as possible. I am a huge fan of Chicken Souvlaki..

      Reply
    17. Kiwi says

      April 27, 2018 at 2:08 am

      I am hand clapping because i love Mediterranean food! Unfortunately I have given up eating me at in my diet two weeks ago, It may not be forever but as of currently I wont be able to indulge in this unless I remove the chicken completely out but it does look good!

      Reply
    18. Brittany says

      April 26, 2018 at 10:01 pm

      I used to work at a Greek restaurant and it was so important to know what its all this stuff. Souvlakis are amazing!!!

      Reply
    19. tara pittman says

      April 26, 2018 at 8:14 pm

      My husband loves Greek food. I need to make these for him for dinner

      Reply
    20. Annie Cho says

      April 26, 2018 at 2:51 pm

      I’m going on vacay to Greece next week so I’m excited to try this there! Your version looks so pretty and flavorful!
      xoxo
      Annie

      Reply
    « Older Comments
    Newer Comments »

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating





    With 3 young kids, dinner can feel like feeding time at the zoo! I'm a mom on a mission to create easy, healthy and family friendly recipes ...Read More

    Grilling Recipes

    Sliced grilled flank steak on a platter.

    Grilled Flank Steak

    Steak tacos topped with avocado, red onion and cilantro.

    Steak Tacos Recipe

    A pile of grilled chicken tenders topped with fresh herbs and garnished with lemon wedges.

    Grilled Chicken Tenders

    These grilled lemon sriracha shrimp are a little bit sweet, a little bit spicy and a whole lot delicious! #KingsfordFlavor #Ad

    Grilled Sriracha Shrimp

    Grilled pork tenderloin on a serving plate with grilled vegetables on the side.

    Grilled Pork Tenderloin

    A plate of grilled swordfish steaks topped with herbs.

    Grilled Swordfish

    More Posts from this Category

    Featured Recipes

    A slow cooker full of cooked chicken breasts topped with marsala wine and mushroom sauce.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala

    A skillet of artichoke dip with a hand reaching to take a serving.

    Artichoke Dip Recipe

    This recipe for Cajun jambalaya pasta is full of andouille sausage, shrimp, Cajun spiced chicken and vegetables, all served over creamy pasta. A hearty meal that's perfect for an everyday dinner or for entertaining! #savoryoursummerrecipes #ad

    Cajun Jambalaya Pasta

    Beef and broccoli stir fry in a pan.

    Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

    FREE TOOLKIT: 5 Secrets to Meal Planning

    Learn my 5 Meal Planning Secrets & get my Meal Planning Toolkit...FREE!

      ​
      ​

      Categories

      Sites I am featured In
      PRIVACY POLICY ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT © Sara Welch and Dinner at the Zoo® LLC, 2015-2022.
      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • Pinterest
      • RSS
      • Twitter
      • About Me
      • Contact Me
      • All Recipes
      • Dinner
      • Appetizers
      • Dessert
      • One Pot Meals
      • Slow Cooker
      • Asian Food