Chicken Souvlaki with Garlic-Yogurt Marinade

Chicken Souvlaki with Garlic-Yogurt Marinade

Classic DishSouvlaki

Prep: 20 min • Cook: 10 min. Tender chicken pieces are marinated in a bright garlic-yogurt, lemon and oregano mixture, then threaded onto skewers and quickly grilled for a smoky, slightly charred finish. Serve hot on warmed pita breads with lemon wedges and your choice of tzatziki, fresh salad or pickled onions for a classic Greek street-food experience.

Preparation time
20 min
Cooking time
10 min
Total time
30 min
Servings
4

Instructions

Marinade & assembly

  1. 1In a large bowl whisk together greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, olive oil, salt and black pepper until smooth.
  2. 2Add chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly; cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
  3. 3If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking.

Grilling

  1. 1Preheat a grill or heavy grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C) and oil the grates or pan lightly.
  2. 2Grill the skewers 3–4 minutes per side, turning once, until nicely charred and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest piece reads 165°F (75°C).
  3. 3Remove skewers from heat and let rest for 3–5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Serving

  1. 1Warm the pita breads briefly on the grill or in a hot, dry skillet until pliable and slightly charred.
  2. 2Serve chicken souvlaki on warm pita with lemon wedges and optional tzatziki, sliced onion, tomato or salad greens as desired.

Nutrition Information

Calories
351 kcal
Protein
35 g
Fat
19 g
Carbs
10 g
NutrientPer serving
Calories351 kcal
Protein35 g
Fat19 g
Carbs10 g

Tips

  • For quicker prep, use boneless thighs and cut them uniformly so they cook evenly on the skewers.
  • Keep the grill hot and avoid moving skewers constantly to achieve good char and sealed-in juices.
  • Warm pita just before serving and offer lemon wedges and tzatziki for bright, creamy contrast.

By Chef Michael Ilin