Nina Johnson
Juicy, herb-marinated chicken grilled to perfection on skewers, Greek Chicken Souvlaki brings the fresh, Mediterranean flavor straight to your kitchen. This dish isn’t just a quick and easy weeknight dinner; it’s a culinary escape. Serve it with warm pita, crisp veggies, and a dollop of tzatziki for the full experience.
The beauty of souvlaki lies in its simplicity. You don’t need complicated ingredients or special equipment—just a handful of staples and a hot grill. Whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining guests, these chicken skewers will become a go-to favorite.
What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Souvlaki?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal. Thighs offer richer flavor and stay juicy when grilled, while breasts are leaner and quicker to cook. Whichever you choose, make sure the chicken is cut into evenly sized chunks to ensure consistent cooking.
Ingredients for the Greek Chicken Souvlaki
Chicken: The base of this recipe, chicken provides lean protein and soaks up the marinade beautifully.
Olive Oil: A rich, fruity oil that carries the flavors of the marinade and keeps the chicken moist.
Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and a touch of acidity to tenderize the meat.
Garlic: Offers a punchy, aromatic flavor that’s key in Mediterranean cooking.
Oregano: Dried oregano gives the marinade its unmistakable Greek character.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balance.
Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds color and a fresh herbal finish when sprinkled over the finished skewers.
How To Make the Greek Chicken Souvlaki
Step 1: Make the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This mixture should be well-blended and fragrant.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Cut your chicken into uniform bite-sized chunks and toss them into the bowl with the marinade. Mix until all pieces are coated, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Skewer the Chicken
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20–30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
Step 4: Grill the Souvlaki
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the hot skewers and serve with pita bread, tzatziki, sliced tomatoes, and cucumbers for a full Greek plate.
How to Serve and Store Greek Chicken Souvlaki
Serve your souvlaki fresh off the grill with warm pita, a spoonful of tzatziki, and plenty of fresh veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, or red onion. It also pairs beautifully with a Greek salad or rice pilaf.
Leftovers? Let the skewers cool to room temperature, then remove the chicken from the sticks and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but 1 to 2 hours is ideal. Overnight works too, just keep it refrigerated.
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Yes! Arrange the skewers on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What can I use instead of chicken?
Pork tenderloin or lamb are traditional alternatives in Greek cuisine. Tofu also works for a vegetarian version.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Definitely. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag with the marinade and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before grilling.
Do I need to soak the skewers?
If you’re using wooden skewers, soaking them in water for at least 20 minutes prevents them from burning on the grill.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem. Use a grill pan on the stovetop or broil the skewers in your oven for a similar charred finish.
Want More Dinner Ideas?
If you loved this Greek Chicken Souvlaki, check out these other savory mains for your next meal:
- Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine
- Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta
- One Skillet Spicy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta
- Sweet Tangy Honey Dijon Chicken Pasta
- One Pan Sweet and Smoky Garlic Chicken Pasta
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you grill over charcoal or use a stovetop pan? Add a spicy twist or keep it classic?
I love seeing your variations and tips. Your feedback helps others enjoy it too!
Greek Chicken Souvlaki
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinate Time: 30 minutes – 2 hours
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 56 minute
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
Description
Tender, flavorful Greek Chicken Souvlaki skewers marinated in lemon, garlic, oregano, and olive oil, then grilled to perfection. Perfect for pairing with warm pita, tzatziki, and fresh veggies.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into chunks
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp dried oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate Chicken: Add chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread marinated chicken onto soaked wooden or metal skewers.
- Grill the Souvlaki: Heat grill to medium-high. Grill skewers 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and slightly charred.
- Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with pita, tzatziki, and sliced veggies.
