Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Mezze Tapas are hands-down one of my favorite weeknight dinners—and honestly, any day that ends with them feels like a small celebration. The first time I made these skewers, the smell of garlic, lemon, and oregano wafting from the kitchen had my neighbors peeking over the fence. Tender, juicy chicken cubes threaded on skewers, lightly charred from the grill, paired with a colorful spread of mezze sides, make a meal that’s vibrant, fun, and effortlessly shareable. This recipe energizes your evening without fuss and gives your body a burst of fresh, Mediterranean flavors. Let’s dive in and bring this Greek-inspired feast to your table. Don’t forget to subscribe to get the recipe directly in your inbox so you can make it anytime!
Flavorful Beginnings with Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Mezze Tapas
The Mediterranean Magic
Here’s the thing: Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Mezze Tapas aren’t just dinner—they’re an experience. Imagine tender chicken cubes marinated in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and oregano, then grilled until lightly charred and fragrant. The smoky aroma alone makes your kitchen feel like a sun-drenched Greek taverna. And the mezze sides? Cherry tomatoes bursting with juice, crisp cucumber, kalamata olives, creamy tzatziki, hummus, and warm pita. Every bite is a balance of textures and flavors: tangy, savory, cool, and rich all at once.
What I love most is that this dish doesn’t require complicated steps or hours of prep, yet it delivers that wow factor. You can set it out family-style, let everyone dig in, and watch as the skewers disappear faster than you can say “Opa!” This recipe’s appeal lies in its simplicity paired with authentic flavor. If you’ve ever struggled to get kids or picky eaters excited about dinner, this is your secret weapon.
A Meal for Sharing
Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Mezze Tapas are perfect for casual entertaining. You don’t need fancy plating or multiple side dishes. Just thread your marinated chicken, lay out the mezze, and let the magic happen. Tapas-style dining encourages conversation, laughter, and sharing. One of my favorite memories is hosting a small summer gathering, skewers sizzling on the grill, friends laughing as they balanced pita and hummus, and the evening stretching long and delicious.
For an even more indulgent spread, I sometimes add roasted vegetables or a simple rice pilaf. And if you want to explore more ways to style your platter, check out this Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Mezze Tray—it’s a fantastic variation that adds a fresh twist.
Building the Perfect Chicken Souvlaki Skewers
Essential Ingredients for Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Mezze Tapas
The heart of this recipe is all about quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 2 large, cut into 1-inch cubes | Preferably free-range for flavor |
| Olive oil | 3 tbsp | Extra virgin is best |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced | Adds fragrant punch |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp | Freshly squeezed |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp | Greek oregano if possible |
| Smoked paprika | ½ tsp | Optional but adds depth |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | Don’t skip! |
| Wooden skewers | Soaked in water 30 min | Prevents burning |
Mezze sides:
| Mezze | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cherry tomatoes | 1 cup, halved |
| Cucumber | 1, sliced |
| Red onion | ½, thinly sliced |
| Kalamata olives | ½ cup |
| Feta cheese | ½ cup, crumbled |
| Hummus | ½ cup |
| Tzatziki | ½ cup |
| Pita bread | 4–6 triangles, warmed |
This combination delivers the authentic flavors of Greek cuisine with minimal effort. Quality ingredients are key here—don’t skimp on olive oil or feta.
Tools and Preparation Tips
You’ll want a few basic kitchen tools to make the process smooth:
- Wooden skewers (soaked to prevent burning)
- Grill pan, broiler, or outdoor grill
- Mixing bowls for marinating and prepping sides
- Sharp knife for cutting chicken and veggies
- Large serving platter for the mezze display
Pro tip: Thread the chicken loosely on the skewers. Crowding them slows cooking and reduces that desirable char. And don’t forget to preheat your grill or broiler—nothing worse than lukewarm chicken that didn’t get that golden color.
Cooking and Serving Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Mezze Tapas
Step-by-Step Skewer Perfection
Here’s where the magic happens:
- Marinate the chicken – Toss the cubes with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes (longer if you have time—it really enhances flavor).
- Thread the skewers – Make sure pieces aren’t squished together for even cooking.
- Grill or broil – 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and lightly charred. The smell during this step is incredible—I always sneak a taste of a tiny corner.
Remember, perfectly cooked chicken should be juicy, not dry. Use a meat thermometer if unsure; 165°F (75°C) is the safe target.
Creating a Mezze Tapas Spread
While the skewers cook, arrange your mezze sides on a platter. Mix colors and textures: red cherry tomatoes, green cucumber slices, dark olives, creamy feta crumbles, and smooth hummus and tzatziki. Warm pita on the side.
For more inspiration on arranging a mezze platter, check out Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Mezze Sides or, if you want a vegetarian option, Greek Veggie Mezze Platter with Lemon Drizzle. Both are excellent ways to diversify your tapas-style meals.
Enjoying and Mastering Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Mezze Tapas
Serving Ideas and Variations
Once cooked, serve the skewers right alongside the mezze spread. You can make it a full dinner with:
- Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
- Fluffy rice pilaf
- A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Variations are endless. Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu if you prefer, or add roasted bell peppers to the skewers for a pop of color. The key is balance—protein, fresh veggies, creamy dips, and warm pita.
Tips, Storage, and FAQs
Tips:
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor.
- Grill over medium heat to prevent charring too fast.
- Thread chicken evenly and avoid crowding.
Storage:
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the oven to retain juiciness.
FAQ:
- Can I freeze the skewers? Yes, raw marinated skewers freeze well; cook from frozen.
- Can I make it ahead? Absolutely—marinate the chicken a day before.
- Is this kid-friendly? Most kids love the grilled chicken and pita; serve dips on the side.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 4 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 460 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fat | 21g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Sodium | 720mg |
| Cholesterol | 95mg |
Conclusion
Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Mezze Tapas are one of those recipes that impress without stress. Juicy, herby chicken, paired with a colorful, shareable mezze platter, makes dinner feel festive even on a weeknight. Once you’ve tried this, you’ll understand why it’s a crowd favorite in Greek kitchens and beyond.
For more inspiration, check out Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Mezze Tray for another vibrant platter idea or Greek Veggie Mezze Platter with Lemon Drizzle for a vegetarian-friendly feast.
Interactive Section
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5 Easy Steps to Perfect Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Mezze Tapas
- Total Time: 57–87 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Juicy, herb-marinated chicken cubes threaded on skewers, perfectly grilled and paired with a colorful mezze platter of cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, feta, hummus, tzatziki, and warm pita. Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Mezze Tapas are easy to make, shareable, and full of vibrant Mediterranean flavors that will impress family and friends. Perfect for casual dinners, weekend gatherings, or a fun tapas-style meal.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Souvlaki:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- Mezze Tapas:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup hummus
- ½ cup tzatziki
- 4–6 pita bread triangles, warmed
Instructions
Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken cubes with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let marinate at least 30 minutes.
Assemble Skewers: Thread marinated chicken onto soaked wooden skewers.
Cook Skewers: Grill or broil for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and lightly charred.
Prepare Mezze Platter: Arrange cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta, hummus, tzatziki, and warm pita on a large serving platter.
Serve: Place chicken skewers on the platter alongside mezze items for a colorful, shareable tapas-style meal.
Notes
Marinate longer for deeper flavor.
Soak skewers to prevent burning.
Serve immediately for best texture and warmth.
Variations: add roasted peppers, swap chicken for shrimp or tofu, or add extra dips.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish / Dinner / Tapas
- Method: Grilling / Broiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer + ¼ platter of mezze
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg