How to Grill Chicken Skewers Like a Greek Grandmother

Anyone can grill chicken skewers. Grilling them the way a Greek grandmother does takes technique — and a few decisions most people don’t think about. Here’s what we learned from watching Anastasia Dikeos grill souvlaki, and what our team applies to every skewer we produce.

Fully Thaw Before You Grill

A partially frozen skewer will burn on the outside before the inside cooks. Thaw completely — overnight in the fridge is best, or 30 minutes in a sealed bag under cold running water if you’re in a hurry. Fully thawed skewers cook evenly and develop a proper crust.

Medium-High, Not Maximum Heat

Home cooks tend to over-heat the grill for skewers. Souvlaki is not a steak. Medium-high heat — around 400-425°F on a gas grill, or where you can hold your hand ten centimetres above the grate for four seconds — is right. Too hot and the outside chars before the inside is done. Too cool and the marinade doesn’t caramelize.

Don’t Move Them Too Often

The single biggest mistake with skewers is fussing with them. Put them on, walk away for four to five minutes, then turn them once. That’s it. Constant turning prevents the caramelization that makes souvlaki taste like souvlaki. Trust the grill.

Rest Before Serving

Three minutes off the grill before serving. This isn’t optional. The juices redistribute, and the difference between a rested and unrested souvlaki is significant. Anastasia never served souvlaki straight off the grill — always let it rest first.

Serve With Lemon

A fresh squeeze of lemon over the just-grilled skewers, right before serving, is what elevates the dish. Not for the taste on the surface (though that’s part of it) but for the way the acid interacts with the marinade one last time. Every Greek grandmother knows this. Now you do too.

Get the technique right and any Glacial Treasure souvlaki skewer will taste like the ones served at a proper Greek taverna. Available at Fortinos and at our Cash & Carry at 300 Milliken Blvd, Toronto.

Buy Chicken Souvlaki   —  ddpoultry.ca/glacial-treasures/