If you’re craving a dish that bursts with Mediterranean sunshine and simply melts in your mouth, this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a celebrated Greek street food classic where tender chicken pieces soak up zesty lemon, garlic, and herbs in a marinade that’s easy to whip up, bringing authentic Greek flavors right into your kitchen. Juicy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a mouthwatering feast everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient has a vital role, whether it’s adding bright citrus notes, a touch of spice, or that irresistible savory depth. Getting these basics right ensures every bite tastes like a little Greek getaway.
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Thighs provide extra juiciness while breasts keep it lean—choose your favorite cut.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the marinade coat the chicken perfectly and keeps it tender during cooking.
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that balances the richness of the olive oil.
- 4 large garlic cloves, minced: Gives a bold, aromatic punch essential to classic Greek flavors.
- 3 tablespoons Greek seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and thyme, this makes the dish unmistakably Mediterranean.
- 1 large lemon, juiced: Brightens and freshens the marinade with a citrus zing.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and complexity.
How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by combining olive oil, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, Greek seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper in a ziplock bag or a bowl. Shake or whisk everything together until well blended. This marinade is where the magic begins, infusing your chicken with vibrant layers of flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade and give it a good shake or stir to make sure each piece is coated evenly. Seal the bag or cover the bowl tightly and place it in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or overnight if you can wait that long. This slow soak is key to tender, juicy chicken packed with that irresistible souvlaki taste.
Step 3: Thread the Chicken onto Skewers
Once marinated, remove the chicken pieces from the bag, and discard the leftover marinade to avoid any cross-contamination. Then carefully thread the chicken onto skewers, aiming for even pieces so they cook uniformly. This step gets you ready for that perfect grill sizzle.
Step 4: Cook Your Chicken
Grill the skewers on an outdoor grill or use a grill pan on your stovetop over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, usually about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally for even charring. Alternatively, you can cook them in the oven or an air fryer if grilling isn’t an option—just keep an eye on them to prevent drying out.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once cooked through, wrap the chicken skewers loosely in foil and let them rest for 5 minutes. This simple pause locks in the juices, guaranteeing that the chicken stays tender and delicious. Now, they’re ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh, bright garnishes elevate the experience of this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or oregano on top for a burst of color and herbaceous aroma. Add thin slices of red onion or a few wedges of lemon to enhance the bright, citrusy flavors kissed by the grill.
Side Dishes
Traditionally, Greek chicken souvlaki pairs beautifully with fluffy pita bread, creamy tzatziki sauce, and a simple salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives. Roasted potatoes or a light orzo pasta salad also balance the meal perfectly, offering a mix of textures and tastes that feel vibrant yet comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to mix things up, serve your souvlaki as a deconstructed platter where guests assemble their own bites. Another fun idea is to wrap the chicken in warm pita with tzatziki, fresh veggies, and crumbled feta for a portable and satisfying meal. You can even turn it into a colorful grain bowl by layering souvlaki over quinoa or couscous with roasted vegetables.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for 2 to 3 days and make a fabulous quick lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save the chicken for longer, freeze cooked souvlaki in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. For best quality, use within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Warm your souvlaki gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as reheating slowly helps keep the chicken juicy rather than rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually a popular choice in this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe because they stay extra juicy and flavorful. Feel free to pick whichever cut you prefer or have on hand.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavors and tender chicken, marinate for at least 6 hours. If possible, overnight marinating works wonders, but even 6 hours is enough for the marinade to work its magic.
Can I cook souvlaki indoors?
Yes! If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan on the stovetop, a hot oven, or even an air fryer can cook your souvlaki beautifully. Just make sure the chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe eating.
What is the best way to serve souvlaki?
Serving it with warm pita, fresh tzatziki, and a crisp Greek salad is a classic and unbeatable option. But it’s equally delicious on its own or served over a bed of grains or roasted veggies for a hearty meal.
Can I prepare the skewers in advance?
You sure can! Thread the chicken onto skewers after marinating and store them in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. Just be sure to keep them covered and cook fresh to enjoy juicy results.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from the Mediterranean—simple, flavorful, and downright irresistible. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again whenever you want to impress or simply enjoy a taste of Greece at home. So grab your skewers, fire up the grill, and start creating delicious memories!
Print
Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
Tender and juicy Greek Chicken Souvlaki marinated in a flavorful blend of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and traditional Greek seasoning, then grilled to perfection. This classic Greek street food is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a Mediterranean-inspired meal anytime.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 4 large garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons Greek seasoning
- 1 large lemon, juiced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a ziplock bag or a tightly covered bowl, combine the olive oil, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, Greek seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create a flavorful marinade base.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade, seal the bag or cover the bowl, and shake or stir well to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Refrigerate and allow the chicken to marinate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, to absorb all the Mediterranean flavors.
- Preheat the Grill or Grill Pan: When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any leftover marinade. Preheat an outdoor grill or a stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat to get it hot and ready for cooking.
- Thread Chicken onto Skewers: Carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, ensuring they are spaced slightly apart for even cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the preheated grill or grill pan. Cook the chicken, turning occasionally, until it is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This usually takes about 12 to 15 minutes depending on the heat and size of pieces.
- Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken skewers from the heat and tent them loosely with foil. Let them rest for 5 minutes. This resting step helps retain juices and ensures the chicken remains tender and juicy.
- Serve: Serve the chicken souvlaki as desired, traditionally with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a fresh Greek salad for an authentic experience.
- Optional Cooking Methods: For alternatives, the chicken can also be cooked in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for 15-20 minutes or air fried at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until cooked through.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 6 hours or overnight for best flavor and tenderness.
- Discard leftover marinade to avoid contamination, do not reuse as a sauce without cooking it.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked to 165°F.
- Resting the chicken after grilling allows the juices to redistribute, making it more juicy and tender.
- For a gluten-free dish, ensure the Greek seasoning blend is gluten-free, as some store-bought mixes may contain additives.
- Can be served with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or a yogurt-based tzatziki for a complete meal.
