Chicken Souvlaki
The Flavorful, Easy Dinner You’ll Make on Repeat
If you’re tired of boring chicken, this Chicken Souvlaki recipe is about to become your new go-to. It’s flavorful, easy, and a crowd-pleaser every single time. I love pairing it with tzatziki, Greek salad, rice, and toasted pita (and, if we’re being honest, a side of Crystal hot sauce for good measure). The best part? Everyone in your family can build a plate they love.
What makes this meal a winner is how effortlessly it comes together. Marinate the chicken in the morning (or whenever you get to it), prep the salad and tzatziki ahead of time, and when it’s time to eat, all you need to do is cook the chicken, turn on the rice cooker, and warm up some pita. It’s perfect for a weeknight, a cozy Sunday dinner, or even entertaining—just put out some labneh or hummus while guests arrive, and you’re all set.
Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Serves 4 (or about 12 skewers)
Ingredients:
3 lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1½-2-inch chunks
½ cup avocado oil
2 lemons, juiced
2 tbsp vinegar (rice vinegar, white wine vinegar, or distilled vinegar all work)
8 cloves garlic, chopped
4 tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Bamboo Skewers, for grilling
Note: If you’re cooking for 2, simply cut all the ingredients in half.
Instructions:
Marinate the chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the avocado oil, lemon juice, vinegar, chopped garlic, oregano, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the chicken chunks and stir well to coat. Cover and let marinate in the fridge for at least 3 hours (or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor).
Prep the skewers: While the chicken marinates, soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Grill the chicken: Heat a grill (or grill pan) over high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates with avocado oil. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers and grill for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
Finish and serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil. Serve immediately, or tent with foil and keep warm in a 200°F oven for up to 30 minutes until ready to serve.
How to Serve It:
With tzatziki: Creamy, tangy, and perfect for dipping.
With Greek salad: Fresh, crunchy, and a great contrast to the smoky chicken.
With rice and toasted pita: For a complete meal that feels special but is totally doable on a weeknight.
With Crystal hot sauce: Because sometimes you just need a little kick.
Why This Recipe Works:
Make-ahead magic: Marinate the chicken in the morning, and dinner practically cooks itself.
Versatile: Great for family dinners, entertaining, or leftovers.
Flavor bomb: The marinade is simple but packs a punch with garlic, lemon, and oregano.
How to Use This Recipe:
Build a Plate: Serve with Greek salad, rice, toasted pita, and a generous dollop of tzatziki for a complete meal.
As Part of a Mixed Grill: Pair with lamb chops, kefta, or grilled veggies for a Mediterranean feast.
Wrap it Up: Stuff into warm pita with tzatziki, cucumbers, and tomatoes for an easy souvlaki wrap.
Leftover Love: A protein skewer is a great little snack to pull out of the refrigerator.
This Chicken Souvlaki is the kind of meal that feels like a treat but is easy enough to make any night of the week. Give it a try and let me know how it goes!
P.S. If you’re serving this for a crowd, double the recipe—the leftovers are great, too!
I know most souvlaki recipes call for olive oil, but I don’t use it over high heat because extra virgin olive oil has a lower smoke point (around 375°F), meaning it can burn and develop bitter flavors. More importantly, heating olive oil past its smoke point can break down its beneficial compounds and produce harmful free radicals, which contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. Instead, I use avocado oil, which has a higher smoke point and keeps the marinade tasting fresh and clean.