Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

If you’re ready to bring a burst of Mediterranean sunshine to your table, this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe is an absolute must-try. With aromatic garlic, zesty lemon, and classic Greek herbs infusing juicy chicken, these easy skewers are pure flavor on a stick—perfectly grilled, impossibly juicy, and ready to turn any meal into an experience. Whether you’re planning a laid-back barbecue or simply craving something special for a weeknight dinner, this dish delivers restaurant-level magic using pantry staples and a no-fuss marinade. Let’s dive right in and make your kitchen the happiest spot in the house.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe, you won’t need a long shopping list—just a handful of vibrant, tried-and-true ingredients. Each element is essential, coming together to create a dish that’s hearty, colorful, and utterly unforgettable.

• Chicken breasts or thighs: Bite-sized pieces of chicken are perfect for soaking up every bit of the zesty marinade and turning tender on the grill.
• Olive oil: The luscious base of the marinade, olive oil locks in moisture and adds silkiness to every bite.
• White wine vinegar: This splash of acidity brightens the flavors and ensures ultra-juicy chicken.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic brings that unmistakable punch and savory warmth to our marinade.
• Greek seasoning: A blend of oregano, thyme, basil, and other herbs delivers that classic, sun-drenched Mediterranean aroma.
• Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon not only adds tang but also helps tenderize the chicken beautifully.
• Salt: Just the right hint sharpens all the flavors and balances the citrus perfectly.
• Freshly cracked black pepper: For a subtle, lingering heat and bold earthiness in every bite.

How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by combining olive oil, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, Greek seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a ziplock bag or covered bowl. Add your chicken pieces, seal the bag, and shake until the chicken is well-coated. Let this marinate in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours—overnight is even better. The longer soak ensures your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe is bursting with flavor and tenderness.

Step 2: Prep and Skewer

Once marinated, remove the chicken from the fridge and discard the excess marinade. Thread the chicken evenly onto skewers, leaving just a touch of space between each piece so the heat can reach every surface. Skewering is key—it ensures even cooking and makes flipping on the grill ultra-easy.

Step 3: Grill to Perfection

Fire up your grill to medium-high heat or set a grill pan on your stovetop. Place the skewers on, turning every few minutes for about 10-12 minutes total, until the chicken is cooked through and hits an internal temperature of 165°F. The Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe truly shines here: grill marks, irresistible aroma, and those perfect charred edges.

Step 4: Rest Before Serving

Once cooked, wrap the skewers in foil and let them rest for 5 minutes. This quick step allows the juices to redistribute, guaranteeing that every bite is as moist and flavorful as possible. Don’t be tempted to skip it—patience really pays off with extra-tender souvlaki.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle the finished Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe with chopped fresh parsley, a pinch of flaky sea salt, or even a few dollops of creamy tzatziki. A squeeze of lemon just before serving wakes everything up with sunny brightness.

Side Dishes

This dish begs for soft, warm pita on the side and a crisp Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta. You could also serve the souvlaki over herbed rice or with roasted potatoes for a heartier meal. Don’t forget a little extra tzatziki for dipping and drizzling!

Creative Ways to Present

Create a build-your-own souvlaki bar for your next gathering by offering bowls of colorful veggies, different sauces, and warm pita—let everyone assemble their dream plate. For a lighter touch, serve the skewers over a big leafy salad for a vibrant, healthy dinner with all the Greek flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is a big “if” when it comes to this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe), remove chicken from skewers and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The bold flavors are still absolutely delicious the next day, and the chicken stays juicy.

Freezing

You can freeze the raw, marinated chicken for up to 2 months—just skip the skewering and store in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge, skewer, and grill as usual. Cooked souvlaki can also be frozen for quick lunches or dinner prep.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat the chicken in a covered skillet on low heat or in the oven. If reheating from frozen, thaw first for even heating. A splash of fresh lemon juice after reheating brings the flavors right back to life.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are extra juicy and flavorful, and they work beautifully in this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe. Just be sure to trim excess fat and cut them into equal pieces for even cooking.

What is Greek seasoning composed of?

Greek seasoning is a blend that typically includes oregano, thyme, basil, garlic powder, and sometimes rosemary or marjoram. You can use a store-bought mix or make your own for total control over the flavors.

Can I cook Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe in the oven or air fryer?

Yes! Bake in a 425°F oven on a lined tray for about 15-20 minutes, or air fry at 400°F for 12-14 minutes, flipping once. The chicken stays moist and gains a lovely golden color.

Do I have to marinate overnight?

While overnight is ideal for maximum flavor, even a quick 6-hour marinade will do wonders. In a real pinch, a few hours is better than none, but the more time, the better the payoff.

What if I don’t have skewers?

No skewers? No problem! Simply grill or bake the marinated chicken pieces directly or use metal tongs to turn them for even cooking. You’ll get all the flavor, even without the classic presentation.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving a dish that’s fuss-free, crowd-pleasing, and bursting with flavor, you owe it to yourself to try this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of marinating magic, you’ll have a meal that tastes straight from a sunny Greek taverna—right in your home kitchen. Gather your favorite people and enjoy every delicious, juicy bite!

Print