Chicken souvlaki

Marinated chicken breasts which make an amazing chicken brochette.

Marinated chicken breasts which make an amazing chicken brochette.


Σουβλάκι κοτόπουλο. Years ago our parents, and each of our families, spent several weeks in Greece. It was a special trip because we were all together, for almost the entire summer. There were periods during which we went our separate ways, to visit places and people outside of our Kalamata home base, but otherwise we were together. It was also the year that our dear cousin got married, and the first time that our extended family met Billie’s daughters, the youngest being 3 years old at the time.

Marinated chicken breasts which make an amazing chicken brochette.

As with any great trip there are many special moments that can be recalled from that summer, yet if we’re honest, there was some trepidation going in. Would this be too much togetherness? Would the younger girls adjust to the lifestyle in Greece? Would everyone get along, all the time? Those nagging feelings? They went away our first night there.

Our first day in Kalamata, after just barely settling in and still jet-lagged, a few of our cousins took us for dinner while our parents stayed behind with our aunt and uncle. We were tired, but hungry, and so off we went. It was quite late in the evening and the girls were thrilled that dinner in Greece was at the same time as their Canadian bedtime.

The table was filled with platters and plates piled high with pork souvlakia, bowls of tzatziki, dolmades, bread hot off the grill, olives and potatoes. We ate, and drank, and laughed for hours. Food and wine transitioned to dessert and coffee, and then the waiter remembered that he had forgotten to bring out the chicken souvlaki that had also been ordered during dinner. We told him to forget it; we were fully satisfied, and full! But he insisted that he bring a stick for each of us, on the house, to apologize for the delay. Dessert and coffee transitioned to chicken souvlaki and a shot of ouzo, with cheers and good cheer all around. We knew then that our summer would be just fine.


Helpful hints

What is the difference between chicken souvlaki and chicken brochette?

A brochette is cooked meat (usually grilled) served on a brochette, which is a French term for skewer. A souvlaki is essentially the same thing, but of Greek origin. Other terms for meat on a stick are kebobs, and even satay. Some of these are more similar to each other than others, but the basic premise is the same. Meat, often marinated, cooked and served on some sort of skewer or stick.

How long should I marinade the chicken for?

In our recipe we recommend a minimum of 3 hours, but the longer the better. Be sure to keep your chicken in the refrigerator while it is marinating, and stir it up regularly while it is in the marinade mixture.

What is the best way to serve chicken souvlaki?

We love to serve our chicken souvlaki with some homemade pita bread, tzatziki and our Greek pasta salad made with orzo. Try washing it down with our lovely ouzo and blueberry cocktail!

Marinated chicken breasts which make an amazing chicken brochette.

Marinated chicken breasts which make an amazing chicken brochette.

Pin this recipe if you like it!

Marinated chicken breasts which make an amazing chicken brochette.

Looking for other things to cook on your grill? Check out these ideas:

Rack of lamb

Steak

Grilled vegetables

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Marinated chicken breasts which make an amazing chicken brochette.
Marinated chicken breasts which make an amazing chicken brochette.

Chicken souvlaki

Marinated chicken breasts which make an amazing chicken brochette.
5 from 3 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Greek
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 3 hours
Servings: 4 people
Author: Mia Kouppa

Equipment

  • Outdoor grill
  • Wooden or metal skewers
  • Meat thermometer (optional, but highly recommended)

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken breasts skinless and boneless
  • 1/4 cup (60 mL) olive oil
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
  • 2 tsps dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp minced fresh garlic
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) red wine vinegar

Instructions

  • Cut your chicken breasts into 1 and 1/2 inch cubes
  • Combine all of the ingredients (except for the chicken) in a medium size bowl. Whisk until well combined and then add in the chicken.
  • Using a rubber spatula, or your hands, ensure that all of the chicken is coated in the marinade.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or overnight..
  • An hour or two before grilling your chicken souvlaki soak your wooden skewers in water. This is important in order to ensure that they don't burn. If you are using metal skewers you can skip this step.
  • Prepare your souvlaki by skewering between 5 - 7 chicken cubes on each skewer. Discard any of the marinade which remains in the bowl.
  • Prepare your outdoor grill by oiling your grill surface lightly, and preheating to medium-high heat.
  • Grill your chicken souvlaki until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This will take about 12 - 15 minutes; be sure to turn your souvlakia occasionally during the cooking process.
  • Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

If you would rather not use an outdoor grill then you can cook the chicken souvlaki either on a stovetop grill pan or in the oven.  Cooking times may vary.
As our loyal friend Charles suggested, you can make a mix of the dry herbs and spices, pre-packaged, and bring them along on a camping trip! If you want, you can use 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder instead of the fresh garlic.  Thanks Charles!

Thanks for sharing!

6 Comments

  1. Charles MacDonald says:

    This is another winner, ladies: easy, delicious, and perfectly suited to hot weather. I think I’ll pre-mix the dried herbs and spices for camping purposes.

    1. miakouppa says:

      Hey Charles! Thanks so much! The pre-mixing of herbs and spices for camping is brilliant! We think we’re going to go in and include this as a tip for our post, with credit to you! xoxo Helen & Billie

  2. Nick @ WorldwideGreeks.com says:

    This looks like a great recipe! I bet it is nice and plump. When I do it at home, sometimes I dry it out.

    1. miakouppa says:

      Thanks Nick! The trick is not to overcook them 🙂 Hope you give our recipe a try, and love it! xoxo Helen & Billie

  3. Rhonda Parkhurst says:

    I was looking for something different for our summer menu and came across this recipeor should I say “treasure” This is absolutely yummy and so easy to make. I had everything in my pantry to make and it is just amazing the flavor no more blah grilled chicken. I’m a huge fan of your recipes and look forward to trying more of your delicious eats!5 stars

    1. miakouppa says:

      Hi Rhonda! Your message has made our day! So happy that you found our chicken souvlaki recipe and that you loved it. Thank you for your kind words and support. We look forward to hearing how you enjoy some of our other recipes too! xoxo Helen & Billie

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