If you are craving a vibrant and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and impresses every time, this Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Greek Yogurt Marinade Recipe is your new go-to. The tender chunks of chicken soak up a luscious marinade made from creamy Greek yogurt, zesty lemon juice, and garlic, resulting in juicy skewers bursting with Mediterranean flair. Whether you’re grilling for a casual weeknight dinner or a lively gathering, these skewers promise a perfect balance of tang, spice, and freshness that will leave everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Greek Yogurt Marinade Recipe lies in its simplicity — each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of delicious flavor and juicy texture. From the protein-packed chicken to the bright lemon juice, every item works together to create that signature souvlaki taste.
- 12 oz skinless, boneless chicken breast: Choose fresh, lean chicken for tender, juicy bites that soak up the marinade perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps keep the chicken moist during grilling.
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt: The star marinade ingredient that tenderizes the chicken while adding creamy tang.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice: Injects a bright, citrusy freshness that lifts the whole dish.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Brings a punch of aromatic depth and warmth.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and a burst of herbal brightness just before serving.
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Greek Yogurt Marinade Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Skewers
Start by soaking bamboo skewers in cold water for about an hour. This simple step prevents them from burning on the grill, ensuring your chicken cooks evenly and safely.
Step 2: Create the Flavorful Marinade
In a medium bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth. This marinade is what transforms ordinary chicken into mouthwatering souvlaki with its creamy texture and zesty notes.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Add your cubed chicken breast to the bowl and toss until every piece is generously coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator, giving the flavors time to meld and the yogurt to tenderize the meat beautifully.
Step 4: Skewer the Chicken
Thread about four pieces of marinated chicken onto each pre-soaked skewer, making sure to leave a little space between pieces for even cooking and maximum char.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Cook the skewers until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), turning occasionally and basting with olive oil to keep the meat succulent and flavorful.
How to Serve Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Greek Yogurt Marinade Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled over the cooked skewers adds a crisp, herbal touch that complements the savory grilled chicken beautifully. A drizzle of extra lemon juice or a dollop of creamy tzatziki can also elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve your Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with a warm pita bread, a crisp Greek salad, or fluffy rice pilaf to complete this Mediterranean feast. Light, fresh sides balance the richness of the marinated chicken effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange the skewers over a bed of grilled vegetables or use them as the protein for a hearty Greek-inspired bowl with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and a drizzle of extra yogurt sauce. This recipe is versatile, perfect for both casual family meals and elegant entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cooked chicken souvlaki skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to cool them completely before refrigerating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep the skewers longer, freeze them uncooked after marinating. Wrap the skewers tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling.
Reheating
Reheat cooked skewers gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the chicken. Basting with a little olive oil before reheating helps maintain juiciness.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken breast is lean and quick-cooking, chicken thighs also work great and tend to stay juicier thanks to their higher fat content.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 24 hours. Longer marinades risk breaking down the texture too much due to the yogurt’s acidity.
Do I need to use a grill for this recipe?
Grilling is ideal for that smoky flavor and char, but you can also cook the skewers under a broiler or on a grill pan indoors if outdoor grilling isn’t an option.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Since Greek yogurt is central to the marinade, substituting it may change the taste and texture. However, using a dairy-free yogurt alternative could work, but results may vary.
What can I serve with Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Greek Yogurt Marinade Recipe to make it a full meal?
Pair these skewers with traditional sides like Greek salad, pita bread, tzatziki sauce, or even roasted vegetables to round out the meal with plenty of variety and color.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Greek Yogurt Marinade Recipe is a simple yet sensational way to bring a taste of the Mediterranean into your kitchen. The combination of creamy yogurt, vibrant lemon, and garlic makes the chicken irresistibly tender and bursting with flavor. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s a guaranteed winner whether for a quick dinner or your next backyard barbecue.
Print
Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Greek Yogurt Marinade Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
This Chicken Souvlaki recipe features tender, marinated chicken breast cubes grilled to perfection on skewers. Infused with zesty lemon, garlic, and Greek yogurt, the dish is a flavorful and healthy Mediterranean favorite, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 12 oz skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For Serving
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Ranch dressing, for dipping
Instructions
- Soak Skewers: Place bamboo skewers in cold water and let them soak for one hour to prevent burning during grilling.
- Prepare Marinade and Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken cubes and coat them well. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Thread Chicken onto Skewers: Remove chicken from marinade and thread four pieces onto each bamboo skewer, spreading them evenly.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken skewers, turning occasionally and basting with olive oil if desired, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), approximately 8–10 minutes.
- Serve: Remove from grill and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with ranch dressing on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Soaking the bamboo skewers helps prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Marinating for longer than 30 minutes (up to 2 hours) can intensify the flavor further.
- You can substitute ranch dressing with tzatziki or a lemon garlic sauce for a traditional Greek touch.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- Serve with pita bread, salad, or rice for a complete meal.
