There are few things in the world more satisfying than biting into a perfectly grilled Chicken Souvlaki: juicy chicken, touched with the brightness of lemon, richness of olive oil, and the aroma of oregano. This Greek classic is a weeknight hero and a party pleaser, all rolled onto a skewer. With a short and simple marinade that works its magic in less than an hour, it’s a dish that manages to feel just as special on a busy Tuesday as it does at the heart of a festive spread. Whether you’re new to Mediterranean flavors or a lifelong fan, Chicken Souvlaki is all about big taste, cheerful presentation, and irresistible char-grilled goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These classic, crowd-pleasing flavors come together with just a handful of ingredients. Each one brings its own character—tender chicken, citrus pop, and savory depth—so you’ll want to use the best you can find. Let’s get started!

Chicken breast: Go for boneless, skinless chicken breast for easy cubing and extra juicy skewers.
Olive oil: This is the backbone of the marinade, lending both flavor and a gorgeous sheen after grilling.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is a must, offering zingy brightness that can’t be beat.
Garlic: Minced garlic deepens the flavor profile and gives a hint of that Greek kitchen aroma.
Red wine vinegar: A classic touch that brings gentle acidity and keeps the chicken tender.
Dried oregano: Essential for authentic Greek flavor—don’t skip this fragrant herb!
Salt: Just the right amount perks up every bite.
Black pepper: Adds a little warmth and earthiness.
Wooden skewers: Soak them if you’re grilling, so they don’t burn; handy for easy eating and impressive presentation.

How to Make Chicken Souvlaki

Step 1: Mix Up the Marinade

Grab a large bowl or a trusty resealable bag. Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined. This quick marinade packs a real punch, thanks to the fresh citrus and herbs infusing every inch of the chicken.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add your chicken cubes to the marinade, tossing or massaging so every piece is evenly coated. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—though if you have a couple of hours (or even overnight), the flavors really soak in and the chicken stays melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Step 3: Skewer the Chicken

Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto wooden skewers. Make sure the skewers aren’t too tightly packed; you’ll want that lovely heat and grill char to sneak between every bite.

Step 4: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, lay on the skewers and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has those irresistible golden grill marks. Don’t rush—let the edges get beautifully caramelized.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

As the savory aroma of Chicken Souvlaki fills your kitchen, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This lets the juices redistribute for truly juicy bites. Now you’re ready to dive in!

How to Serve Chicken Souvlaki

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or dill adds color and a fresh pop, while a squeeze of extra lemon over the top brings out all those bright, zesty notes. For the finishing Greek touch, crumble a little feta over the skewers and watch as your meal turns instantly festive.

Side Dishes

Pair Chicken Souvlaki with warm pita bread and a generous bowl of creamy tzatziki for scooping. A crisp cucumber-tomato salad dotted with olives and red onion rounds out the plate, offering a burst of freshness and crunch. For a heartier meal, add roasted potatoes or a classic Greek rice pilaf.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the skewer! Try serving Chicken Souvlaki inside pita pockets with veggies and sauce for a hand-held feast, or arrange the skewers over a big salad for a light, summery main course. For kids or parties, remove the chicken from the skewers and create build-your-own souvlaki bowls with all the toppings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Chicken Souvlaki, simply cool the skewers to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three days, making for quick lunches or dinner additions.

Freezing

Chicken Souvlaki is freezer-friendly! Remove chicken from skewers, spread pieces on a tray to freeze individually, and transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to two months, perfect for meal prep or unexpected guests craving Greek comfort.

Reheating

Reheat Chicken Souvlaki gently in a hot skillet, oven, or microwave until warmed through. To keep the chicken juicy, cover loosely when reheating and avoid overcooking. A quick spritz of lemon before serving brings those fresh flavors back to life.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually even juicier on the grill and hold up well to marinating. Just follow the recipe as written; you may want to trim off excess fat for the best texture.

Do I have to grill Chicken Souvlaki, or can I bake it?

No grill? No problem! You can bake the skewers on a lined baking sheet at 425°F for about 15 minutes, turning once, until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly browned at the edges.

What’s the best way to marinate for maximum flavor?

While even 30 minutes does wonders, marinating your Chicken Souvlaki for 2–4 hours, or overnight, lets all those flavors truly soak in. Just make sure not to exceed 24 hours, as the acidity can start to change the chicken’s texture.

Can I prep Chicken Souvlaki ahead for a party?

Definitely! Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to grill. It’s a brilliant way to get ahead and impress your guests with fresh-off-the-grill flavor.

What makes Chicken Souvlaki different from other grilled chicken skewers?

The magic is all in the marinade. The blend of olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, oregano, and garlic gives Chicken Souvlaki its distinctive Greek flair—bright, vibrant, and utterly irresistible.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that brings sunshine to your table, Chicken Souvlaki is bound to become a new favorite. It’s effortless, packed with flavor, and impossible not to love. Give it a try and watch your kitchen fill with the spirit (and aroma) of Greece—your family and friends will thank you!

Kimberly