Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers

Friends of the skewer, I greet you!! Yes, today we’re bringing you more sunshine, warmth, and a taste of travel! Get ready to savor the delightful chicken souvlaki skewers!

A Recipe That Takes Me Back to My Youth

Yes, as always, I’m going to share everything! I had the pleasure of going on a school trip during my 8th or 9th grade (my memory is a bit hazy). But one thing I remember clearly, « crystal clear, » is the happiness I felt discovering chicken souvlaki skewers for the first time.

That moment is etched in my mind and probably on my taste buds as well! A big thank you to my Latin teacher from that time!

The Origin of Souvlaki

Souvlaki is one of the most iconic dishes of Mediterranean cuisine. Very popular today, it has its roots in ancient Greece, where cooking meat on skewers has been practiced since antiquity.

Traces of this culinary technique date back to ancient Greece, where pieces of meat were grilled on spits over an open fire. Ancient writings, including those of Homer, already mention similar preparations. A testament to the fact that this cooking method is deeply ingrained in Greek tradition.

The word “souvlaki” comes from the Greek word “souvla,” which means skewer. The dish as we know it today developed more recently, particularly in the 20th century with the rise of fast food in Greece. It became a popular specialty, easy to consume and transport.

Souvlaki generally consists of marinated pieces of meat, often pork or chicken, grilled on a skewer. It is sometimes served in pita bread with vegetables and sauces, or simply accompanied by traditional condiments.

It is often compared to gyros, another Greek specialty, but it is distinct in that it is cooked piece by piece on a skewer rather than as roasted meat on a vertical spit.

Today, souvlaki has become a symbol of Greek street food, appreciated around the world for its simplicity, flavor, and historical heritage. It perfectly embodies Mediterranean cuisine: friendly, accessible, and rich in traditions.

My Choice of Meat for These Skewers

For this recipe, I chose lean, low-fat chicken fillets. You won’t be disappointed. The meat is tender and deliciously flavored, thanks to a marinade made with olive oil, lemon juice, and thyme. Ideally, you should use fresh thyme. You can also add rosemary for an extra touch of flavor.

My Favorite Way to Enjoy Souvlaki

I served these chicken souvlaki skewers with delightful pita bread for gyros, eggplant caviar, cucumber raita, and fresh tomatoes from my garden. It was fantastic! Traditionally, fries or sautéed potatoes are also served. So you have options! You can even serve them with white rice, grilled zucchini, or green beans.

You’ll find that the marinade makes the meat in these chicken souvlakis incredibly tender and flavorful. It’s a delight…

Pita Bread for Gyros: The Perfect Accompaniment for These Skewers

The pita bread is a central element of many Mediterranean cuisines, particularly for preparing gyros. Its origins date back to antiquity, with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean civilizations already creating flatbreads quickly cooked on hot surfaces.

The pita bread as we know it today has particularly evolved in the Levant region and Greece. It’s a simple bread made from flour, water, and yeast, designed to be soft and easily filled. Its texture allows it to accompany grilled meats, vegetables, and sauces without tearing.

As Mediterranean culinary traditions spread, pita bread has adapted to various regions. The Greeks closely associate it with gyros, using it as a wrap for grilled meat, tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce. In Turkey, a similar version exists called dürüm, where thin flatbreads wrap around kebabs.

Populations from Middle Eastern countries such as Lebanon or Syria often use pita bread to complement hummus, falafel, or various mezzes. The thickness of the bread can vary depending on local traditions.

In North Africa, similar flatbreads exist, either used in sandwiches or served with saucy dishes.

Today, pita bread has become a staple of Mediterranean and international street food, valued for its simplicity, versatility, and rich, ancient culinary heritage.

The Necessary Utensils:

A large bowl for the marinade,

One good paring knife,

A cutting board,

One wooden or metal skewer to make the kebabs,

And a barbecue or, if you don’t have one, a large frying pan.

Ready for a trip to Greece?

Here we go for chicken souvlaki!

The recipe, Chef!

Print Recipe

Souvlaki (Skewer) with Chicken

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meat – greek

By Emma – Serves: 8 Difficulty: Simple Price: €

Prep Time: 10 min + 2 hours – Cooking Time: 10 min

Ingredients

• 600 g of chicken filet
• 4 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1/2 lemon
• 4-5 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 1 sprig of rosemary (optional)
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions

1

Mix the oil, lemon juice, and honey in a bowl.

2

Add the salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.

3

Cut your chicken fillets into cubes and place them in the bowl.

4

Mix well and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

5

After this time, distribute your chicken cubes onto your wooden skewers.

6

Cook for about 10 minutes on the barbecue.

FAQ

How long should chicken be marinated for tender souvlakis?

I recommend letting the chicken cubes marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours for them to be tender and flavorful.

Can you prepare chicken souvlakis in advance?

You can prepare the marinade and put the chicken in it a few hours ahead of time, or even in the morning for the evening, keeping it in the refrigerator until it's time to skewer and cook.

What part to use for chicken souvlakis?

I use chicken fillets, which I cut into cubes before putting them in the marinade.

Can this souvlaki recipe be made with pork?

Yes, it will work very well: I recommend using pork from the shoulder to stay in line with traditional souvláki.

How to cook chicken souvlakis without a barbecue?

If you don’t have a barbecue, cook the skewers in a large skillet, turning them regularly until the chicken is nicely browned.

How long should chicken souvlakis be cooked?

Count about 10 minutes of cooking on the barbecue, adjusting according to the size of your chicken cubes and the heat of your fire.

What to serve with chicken souvlakis?

I serve them with pita bread for gyros, eggplant caviar, cucumber raita, and fresh tomatoes, but you can also accompany them with fries, sautéed potatoes, white rice, grilled zucchini, or green beans.

What herbs to use in the marinade for souvlakis?

I put thyme and rosemary in the marinade, ideally using fresh thyme for an even more pleasant aroma.

Should you soak wooden skewers before cooking souvlakis?

If you are using wooden skewers on a barbecue, soak them in water for a few minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning too quickly.