Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

If you’re craving juicy, flavorful grilled chicken with Mediterranean flair, this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Succulent pieces of chicken are marinated in bright lemon, olive oil, and a garlicky herb blend, then threaded onto skewers and charred to smoky perfection. It’s the kind of meal that transports your senses straight to a Greek seaside taverna—delicious, vibrant, and so satisfying with every bite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe shines in its own right, building bold layers of flavor and color. The best part? They’re simple to find and come together to create something truly special.

• Chicken breast or thighs: Go with boneless, skinless pieces for even marinating and juicy results on the grill.
• Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon brings brightness and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Olive oil: A good-quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness and helps meld the marinade flavors.
• Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the chicken with deep, aromatic notes that shout “Greek!”
• Dried oregano: This earthy, floral herb is an absolute staple in Greek cooking and gives the souvlaki its signature taste.
• Salt and pepper: Season generously for big, bold flavor throughout every bite.
• Red onion (optional): Adding chunks to the skewers gives a pop of color and sweet-savory flavor.
• Pita bread: Soft, warm pita turns the skewers into a meal—don’t skip this part!
• Tzatziki: This creamy cucumber-yogurt sauce is the classic companion and a must for finishing your souvlaki.

How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into even, bite-sized pieces—this helps them cook perfectly and soak up the marinade. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add the chicken, tossing to coat each piece thoroughly, and cover to marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour (up to overnight for ultimate flavor!). This infusion of tangy, herby goodness is what sets the Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe apart.

Step 2: Prepare the Skewers

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20–30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread your marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, alternating with chunks of red onion if desired. This makes for a beautiful presentation and helps the onion caramelize while grilling.

Step 3: Grill the Souvlaki

Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Arrange the skewers on the hot grill and cook for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally. You want gorgeous grill marks and the chicken to be cooked through, but still tender and juicy. This is where those bright, fresh flavors come alive—one of the biggest highlights of the Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred, transfer the skewers to a platter. Rest for a couple of minutes, then serve hot with warm pita and a generous dollop of tzatziki. The fresh lemon and herbs shine even more, making every bite a true celebration of Greek flavors.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Garnishes

The final flourish makes this dish pop! Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon, and maybe a little crumbled feta. These finishing touches add color, brightness, and an ultra-fresh flavor burst that elevates the whole experience.

Side Dishes

This Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe loves classic sides like a crisp Greek salad, seasoned roasted potatoes, or simply grilled vegetables. You could also serve it alongside olives and a stack of extra pita—perfect for a mezze-style spread that’s ideal for sharing.

Creative Ways to Present

Besides serving directly on skewers, consider de-skewering the chicken and tucking it into pita wraps with lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. For a fun twist, try souvlaki bowls: arrange chicken over rice or greens, drizzle with tzatziki, and load up on your favorite toppings—easy, fresh, and colorful!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Extra skewers can be cooled, then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken stays juicy and flavorful, making leftovers something to look forward to both for lunch and dinner.

Freezing

To freeze, remove the chicken from the skewers and pack into freezer-safe bags or containers. It’ll keep its deliciously bright, Mediterranean flavors for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For best texture, reheat your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe gently in a hot skillet or in a 350°F oven until warmed through. The microwave works, but be careful not to overcook, as this can dry out the chicken. Add a little fresh lemon and extra tzatziki to freshen everything up!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs often stay even juicier and have a bit more flavor. Just keep your pieces uniform in size for even grilling, and your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe will turn out perfectly.

Is it possible to bake instead of grill?

If you don’t have a grill, you can absolutely bake the souvlaki on a sheet pan at 425°F for about 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway. You’ll still get tender, flavorful chicken—just finish under the broiler for a kiss of char if you like!

What’s the best way to marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken in a glass or non-reactive bowl (or even a zip-top bag) to let all those lemon, garlic, and herb flavors work their magic. The longer it sits (up to overnight), the more flavorful your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe will be.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

The basic souvlaki is naturally dairy-free—just be mindful with your sides and use a non-dairy yogurt in your tzatziki if keeping things completely dairy-free!

What else can I serve with Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe?

This recipe goes well with just about any Mediterranean sides—think hummus, grilled veggies, couscous, or even a fresh bean salad for a vibrant, balanced meal.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like firing up the grill and gathering around a plate of this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe with friends and family. Every bite is bright, juicy, and full of summer spirit—so go ahead, give it a try and bring a taste of Greece right to your own kitchen!