Chicken Souvlaki
Mediterranean
Easy

Chicken Souvlaki

Lemon-and-oregano marinated chicken skewers, grilled and served with tzatziki and warm pita.

42 min4 servings5.0 (1)

About This Recipe

This quick and easy chicken souvlaki brings the bright, classic flavors of Mediterranean grilling straight to your table in under an hour. Featuring tender, skewered chicken breast, this dish relies on a traditional combination of citrus, herbs, and garlic to deliver a satisfying, savory meal. It is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it an excellent choice for serving guests with diverse dietary needs.

The secret to this recipe's success lies in its simple yet highly effective marinade. Combining fresh lemon juice and olive oil with fragrant dried oregano and minced garlic creates an acidic base that tenderizes the chicken breast while infusing it with deep flavor. Giving the meat just thirty minutes to marinate ensures every bite is juicy and seasoned before it hits the high heat of the grill.

For the best results on the grill, ensure your grates are hot and lightly oiled to achieve those beautiful, charred edges without drying out the lean breast meat. If you are using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water beforehand to prevent them from burning during cooking. You can also easily adapt this recipe by swapping the chicken breast for chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor profile.

To complete the meal, serve these charred skewers alongside warm, pillowy pita bread. Pair the dish with cool tzatziki and a crisp tomato and cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast of temperatures and textures that balances the smoky, savory chicken perfectly.

Ingredients

4 srv
  • 700 g Chicken breast
  • 3 tbsp Lemon juice
  • 3 tbsp Olive oil
  • 2 tsp Dried oregano
  • 3 cloves Garlic
  • 4 pieces Pita bread

Instructions

  1. 1

    Marinate cubed chicken in lemon, oil, oregano, and garlic for 30 minutes.

    30 min

  2. 2

    Thread onto skewers.

    5 min

  3. 3

    Grill over high heat, turning, until charred and cooked through.

    12 min

  4. 4

    Serve with warm pita, tzatziki, and a tomato-cucumber salad.

    3 min

Nutrition Facts

410

kcal

Calories

42

g

Protein

22

g

Carbs

16

g

Fat

2

g

Fiber

560

mg

Sodium

Rate This Recipe

Beverage Pairings

The Mediterranean table favors bright, sun-loving drinks: crisp dry rosé and citrusy whites for grilled fish and vegetables, fresh mint tea in the south, and pomegranate juice across the Levant. Olive oil, lemon and herbs ask for high acidity in the glass.

Wine, Beer & Spirits

Wine
Dry Rosé· France

Dry, strawberry-tinged and versatile — it suits grilled vegetables, fish and mezze.

Serve well chilled (8–10°C).

Wine
Sauvignon Blanc· France

Zesty citrus and herbs mirror lemon, olive oil and fresh herbs.

Serve well chilled (8–10°C).

Wine
Albariño· Spain

A saline, citrus white made for grilled seafood.

Serve well chilled (8–10°C).

Non-Alcoholic

Tea
Mint Tea· North Africa

Sweet, cooling mint tea is the traditional close to a meal in the region.

Serve hot in a small glass.

Juice
Pomegranate Juice· Middle East

Tart and fruity, it complements spiced lamb and herby salads.

Serve chilled.

Soft Drink
Sparkling Water

A clean refresher with a lemon twist alongside mezze.

Serve cold with a citrus twist.

Tea
Green Tea· East Asia

Light and palate-cleansing — a safe, refreshing choice.

Steep at 75–80°C for 2 minutes.

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