🍢 Chicken Souvlaki with Olive Oil, Lemon & Herbs

A game-day classic that always delivers

Chicken souvlaki is one of those dishes that feels impressive but plays beautifully with a crowd. Juicy, herb-packed chicken. Bright lemon. Warm pita. Cool tzatziki. It’s the kind of spread that disappears fast — whether you’re hosting the Super Bowl or just feeding a hungry room.

The secret? A generous marinade built around extra virgin olive oil, which keeps the chicken tender while layering in rich, savory flavor.

Why olive oil matters here

Olive oil isn’t just a carrier — it’s a star ingredient. It helps the marinade cling to the chicken, locks in moisture during cooking, and creates those lightly crisp, golden edges that make souvlaki so craveable.

This is one of those recipes where using a really good olive oil makes a noticeable difference.

🧄 Ingredients (Serves 6)

For the chicken

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks

• ½ cup Big Horn extra virgin olive oil

• Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp sea salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

For serving

• Warm pita bread

• Tzatziki

• Sliced cucumber, tomato, and red onion

• Extra olive oil for drizzling

🔥 How to Make Chicken Souvlaki

1. Marinate the chicken
   In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest and juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 24 hours for deeper flavor).

2. Skewer
   Thread chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking.

3. Cook

   • Grill: Medium-high heat, 8–10 minutes total, turning occasionally

   • Oven: Roast at 425°F for 18–22 minutes, flipping once

   • Stovetop grill pan: Medium-high, about 10 minutes total

4. Finish & serve
   Remove from heat, drizzle lightly with olive oil, and serve with pita, tzatziki, and fresh veggies.

Hosting Tips

• Skewers can be grilled ahead and reheated gently

• Serve family-style and let guests build their own plates

• Works just as well without skewers — chop and serve gyro-style

Simple, bold, and endlessly crowd-pleasing

Chicken souvlaki proves that you don’t need complicated steps or heavy sauces to make something memorable. Good olive oil, fresh citrus, and herbs do most of the work — and the results speak for themselves.

If you’re planning your gathering's menu, this one earns a permanent spot in the rotation.