Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Save this recipe on:

There are a few recipes that remind me of sunshine, sea breeze, and summer tables filled with laughter and clinking glasses. Greek Chicken Souvlaki is definitely one of them. This dish takes me right back to a small taverna on a quiet Greek island, where the scent of grilled meat and herbs fills the warm evening air. I had it first on a spontaneous vacation, and I was instantly hooked. I knew I had to recreate it once I got home.

I’ve played around with the marinade over the years, tweaking it until it tasted just like that first bite I remember. It’s all about the balance: lemony tang, herby fragrance, and just the right amount of garlic. When the chicken hits the hot grill and starts to char, the aroma is downright irresistible. Pair it with crisp red onions, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a touch of tzatziki, and it becomes an experience, not just a meal.

What I really love about Greek Chicken Souvlaki is its simplicity. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a little bit of planning ahead, it transforms a regular dinner night into something that feels special. It’s perfect for outdoor grilling with friends, or even just a quick weeknight treat. And trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Greek Chicken Souvlaki

This Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your plate. The marinade alone is a knockout, filled with zesty lemon, earthy oregano, and pungent garlic that soaks deep into the chicken. Grilling locks in those flavors while adding that smoky, charred edge we all crave.

It’s quick to prep, which means you can have the chicken marinating ahead of time and then just pop it on the grill when you’re ready to eat. Plus, it’s a healthy, protein-packed meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. It pairs beautifully with everything from pita bread and tzatziki to rice, roasted veggies, or a crisp Greek salad.

And if you’re looking for more easy dinner ideas, be sure to check out dishes like Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce or the comforting Best Chicken and Rice Casserole. They’re just as hearty and full of flavor.

This recipe will win you over, whether you’re cooking for two or entertaining a crowd. It’s the kind of dish that turns first-timers into loyal fans.

Ingredients

Chicken Breast: This is the heart of the dish. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean, juicy, and perfect for soaking up the flavorful marinade.

Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps tenderize the chicken while carrying all the herbs and spices into every bite.

Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brings that signature Greek tanginess and helps break down the fibers in the meat for extra tenderness.

Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the marinade with bold, aromatic flavor.

Dried Oregano: Essential to Greek cooking, oregano gives the chicken a warm, earthy depth.

Salt and Pepper: These simple seasonings heighten all the other flavors and ensure the meat is well balanced.

Red Onion and Cherry Tomatoes (for serving): These colorful veggies add crunch and freshness to contrast with the grilled chicken.

Lemon Wedges (for garnish): A final squeeze of lemon over the top just before serving brightens up the whole plate.

How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Cut the chicken breast into 1 to 1.5-inch chunks. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Skewers

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece so they cook evenly.

Step 3: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked and has beautiful grill marks.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the skewers from the grill and rest for a couple of minutes. Serve hot with sliced red onions, cherry tomatoes, and lemon wedges. Add a side of pita and a dollop of tzatziki for the full Greek experience.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

You can easily swap out the chicken breast for boneless chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor and juicier texture. They’re more forgiving on the grill and less likely to dry out. For a vegetarian version, try using halloumi or large chunks of marinated tofu. They hold up well on skewers and absorb the marinade just as beautifully.

If you want a bolder herb profile, consider adding fresh rosemary or thyme into the marinade. Can’t find fresh lemons? Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but fresh is best for that bright, citrusy zing.

Don’t have a grill? No problem. You can also cook Greek Chicken Souvlaki on a stovetop grill pan or under the broiler in your oven.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Greek Chicken Souvlaki is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. You can serve it over a bed of fluffy rice pilaf, wrap it in warm pita with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and tzatziki, or plate it alongside a traditional Greek salad with cucumbers, Kalamata olives, and feta.

I also love serving it with roasted potatoes or a side of grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. If you’re feeling indulgent, pair it with a creamy hummus or whipped feta dip.

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a chilled glass of rosé makes for a fantastic pairing that complements the lemony marinade perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftover Greek Chicken Souvlaki can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop the chicken in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or quickly pan-fry it to retain the charred exterior.

You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before sealing it in freezer-safe bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

How long can I marinate Greek Chicken Souvlaki?

Ideally, you should marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but overnight gives the most flavor. Avoid marinating for more than 24 hours, as the acid from the lemon juice can break down the chicken too much.

Can I bake Greek Chicken Souvlaki instead of grilling?

Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 425°F and place the skewers on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning once, until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly golden.

What’s the best cut of chicken for Greek Chicken Souvlaki?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the most common, but chicken thighs are a great option if you want something more tender and flavorful.

Can I make Greek Chicken Souvlaki ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can marinate the chicken and even thread it onto skewers the day before. Store it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

What can I serve with Greek Chicken Souvlaki?

It pairs beautifully with pita, tzatziki, rice, Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or even over a bed of couscous for a Mediterranean twist.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you love the flavors in Greek Chicken Souvlaki, you’ll definitely want to try Tropical Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple. It has that perfect grilled char, paired with a sweet and savory glaze that screams summer cookout. Another fun idea is our Savory Chicken Wraps with Garlic Cream Sauce, which are great for meal prep or an easy weeknight dinner.

Save and Share This Greek Chicken Souvlaki for Later

This recipe is one to come back to again and again, so don’t forget to save it for your future grilling sessions. Pin this Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s right at your fingertips next time you’re craving something flavorful and fresh.

And if you loved it, share the recipe link with friends on Facebook, send it in a text, or post it to your favorite foodie group. Trust me, they’ll thank you for introducing them to this Mediterranean gem.

Save this recipe on: