BBQ Chicken Souvlaki
Chicken souvlaki is one of my favourite Greek-inspired BBQ recipes. Tender pieces of chicken are marinated overnight in olive oil, fresh lemon, garlic and oregano before being grilled over charcoal until beautifully golden with just a little char around the edges.
It’s a simple recipe, but that’s exactly what makes it so good. With only a handful of ingredients, the fresh flavours really shine through. This makes it perfect for everything from a quick midweek barbecue to a relaxed summer gathering with family and friends.
Serve your chicken souvlaki with warm pita bread, homemade tzatziki, a crisp Greek salad and a squeeze of fresh lemon for a meal that transports you straight to the Mediterranean.
What is Chicken Souvlaki?
Souvlaki is one of Greece’s most popular dishes and simply means “little skewer”. Traditionally, small pieces of meat are marinated before being threaded onto skewers and cooked over charcoal. While pork is commonly used in Greece, chicken souvlaki has become equally popular thanks to its lighter flavour and versatility.
The secret lies in the marinade. Lemon juice, garlic, oregano and olive oil work together to tenderise the chicken while creating the unmistakable fresh flavours that make souvlaki such a favourite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Greek flavours using simple ingredients.
- Perfect for cooking over charcoal or gas.
- Easy overnight marinade with minimal preparation.
- Ready to cook in under 20 minutes.
- Ideal for family BBQs or entertaining guests.
- Delicious served in pittas, wraps or with a fresh salad.
Final Thoughts
Chicken souvlaki is proof that great BBQ doesn’t have to be complicated. A simple marinade, quality ingredients and a hot barbecue are all you need to create a dish that’s packed with fresh Mediterranean flavours.
It’s one of those recipes I find myself coming back to time and time again. It’s reliable, easy to prepare and always disappears quickly once it reaches the table. Whether you’re cooking for the family or entertaining friends, this is a BBQ recipe that’s guaranteed to become a regular favourite.
Chicken Souvlaki
Can I make chicken souvlaki without a BBQ?
Absolutely. A grill pan, oven grill or air fryer all work well, although cooking over charcoal adds an extra depth of flavour that's hard to beat.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes. Chicken thighs are naturally juicier and more forgiving on the BBQ, making them an excellent alternative.
How long should I marinate chicken souvlaki?
Ideally overnight, but a minimum of four hours will still produce excellent flavour.
What temperature should chicken souvlaki reach?
Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C in the thickest piece.
Can I freeze chicken souvlaki?
Yes. You can freeze the chicken either before or after cooking. Store it in an airtight container for up to three months.
What should I serve with chicken souvlaki?
Traditional accompaniments include warm pitta bread, tzatziki, Greek salad and chips, although it also works brilliantly with rice or grilled vegetables.
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Chicken Souvlaki
Ingredients
- 800 g Chicken Breast (diced)
- 4 tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin)
- 1 Rind of a Lemon
- 1 Juice of a Lemon
- 2 Garlic Cloves (crushed)
- 1 tbsp Oregano
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients for the marinade into a bowl: olive oil, lemon rind, lemon juice, crushed garlic and oregano.
- Mix the ingredient well and then add the diced chicken. Ensure you mix the chicken and the marinade really well, ensuring you get a good covering on all the chicken.
- Cover and put in the fridge for at least 6 hours, but I would recommend overnight.
- Get the chicken out before you light your BBQ just to bring the temperature of the meat up a little.
- Light your BBQ and set it up for direct cooking. Whist the coals are coming up to cooking temperature skewer the chicken.
- With the Russian Skewers, these take about 16 minutes. I typically rotate them every 5 minutes. If you are placing these directly on the grill you may need to keep more of an eye on them.
- If you are worried about the cooking time it is worth getting an instant-read thermometer, such as a Thermapen to check the internal temp. When the meat reads 75°C you know the chicken is cooked.
- Take the chicken off the BBQ and serve with your salad, bread and dips
