Name: Greek Chicken Souvlaki
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 8 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons); 2 tablespoons dried oregano; 2 teaspoons dried marjoram (or fresh, if available); 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a flavorful and juicy grilled chicken dish that’s been a Mediterranean favorite for centuries. Marinated in a zesty blend of lemon, garlic, and herbs, then grilled to perfection, these chicken skewers are perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or summer cookouts. Serve them with warm pita, fresh veggies, or over a bed of rice for a satisfying and healthy meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is quick to prep, full of bright and herby Greek flavors, and makes the most tender, juicy chicken thanks to the marinade. It’s ideal for grilling but also works well on a stovetop grill pan. Whether you’re planning a casual dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is easy to make and always a hit.

Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

extra virgin olive oil
garlic cloves (minced)
fresh lemon juice
dried oregano
dried marjoram (or fresh, if available)
dried thyme
sea salt
freshly ground black pepper
onion powder
boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)

Directions

Make the marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, marjoram, thyme, salt, pepper, and onion powder.
Marinate the chicken:
Add the cubed chicken to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for best flavor.
Prepare the skewers:
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Metal skewers can be used as-is.
Preheat your grill:
Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Assemble the skewers:
Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, distributing the pieces evenly.
Grill the souvlaki:
Place skewers on the hot grill and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Rest and serve:
Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with pita, rice, salad, or tzatziki.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Marinade time: 30 minutes (minimum)
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

Add vegetables: Thread in chunks of red onion, bell peppers, or zucchini between chicken pieces.
Use chicken thighs: For extra juiciness, substitute boneless skinless thighs.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
Serve gyro-style: Stuff grilled chicken into pita bread with tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, and tzatziki.
Oven-baked option: Bake skewers at 425°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Storage/Reheating

To store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until hot.
To freeze: Freeze marinated raw chicken (without skewers) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before grilling.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative and often stay juicier on the grill.

Do I need to use skewers?

No, you can grill the chicken pieces directly or cook them in a grill pan without skewers if preferred.

Can I marinate for less than 30 minutes?

You can, but 30 minutes is the minimum for good flavor. Longer marinating (up to overnight) yields even better results.

What’s the best way to serve chicken souvlaki?

Serve with warm pita, tzatziki sauce, fresh salad, or rice. It’s also great in wraps or bowls.

Can I grill this indoors?

Yes, a stovetop grill pan or electric grill works well. Just ensure it’s preheated and well-oiled.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all your spices and ingredients are gluten-free, this dish is naturally gluten-free.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, marinate the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to grill.

What if I don’t have marjoram?

You can substitute with more oregano or use Italian seasoning in a pinch.

Can I broil this in the oven?

Yes, place skewers on a baking sheet and broil for 4–5 minutes per side, watching closely to avoid burning.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just increase ingredients proportionally and grill in batches if needed.

Conclusion

Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a vibrant, herbaceous dish that’s easy to make, packed with bold Mediterranean flavors, and perfect for any occasion. With minimal prep and fast cook time, it’s an ideal go-to recipe for weeknights, meal prepping, or summer grilling. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a delicious taste of Greece at home.