Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

If there’s one dish that instantly transports you to a bustling Greek taverna with just a single bite, it’s this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe. Bursting with bright Mediterranean flavors, succulent grilled chicken, and an irresistibly tangy marinade, it’s a meal that’s worthy of both weeknight simplicity and weekend gatherings. Whether you’re new to Greek cuisine or a seasoned lover, you’ll find this recipe checks every box—from zesty, herbaceous notes to the melt-in-your-mouth texture only real souvlaki can deliver. Get ready to wow your friends and family with one of Greece’s most beloved street foods, right from your own kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring something special to the party. These essentials are all about creating a balance of vibrant flavors, juicy texture, and a golden finish on your chicken—so be sure to use the best you can find!

• Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose 1 lb. of boneless, skinless pieces for tender, juicy souvlaki—the cut is up to your preference, but thighs are extra flavorful.
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons add richness and help infuse the marinade deeply into each chicken bite.
• White wine vinegar: 1 tablespoon brings a mild tanginess that brightens up the whole dish beautifully.
• Garlic cloves: 4 large cloves, minced, provide that signature garlicky punch that Greek food is famous for.
• Greek seasoning: 3 tablespoons deliver a balanced blend of herbs and spices—if you have a favorite brand or homemade mix, use it here!
• Lemon juice: The juice of 1 large lemon not only tenderizes the chicken but also adds a zesty, sunshiny flavor.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon ensures the flavors pop and the chicken is perfectly seasoned.
• Freshly cracked black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon finishes it off with a subtle, peppery kick.

How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start things off by making that all-important marinade! Combine the olive oil, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, Greek seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a large ziplock bag (or a sealed bowl). Give it a good shake or whisk to mix everything together thoroughly. Add your chicken pieces to the marinade, seal the bag, and then shake again so every piece is thoroughly coated. Marinating overnight is the gold standard for the deepest flavor, but even 6 hours will work wonders if you’re short on time.

Step 2: Skewer and Grill

Once your chicken has soaked up all those flavors, remove each piece from the marinade (discard any remaining liquid for food safety). Thread the marinated chicken onto wooden or metal skewers, making sure not to crowd the pieces so they cook evenly. Preheat your outdoor grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat, and cook the chicken until it’s golden and cooked through—usually about 10–12 minutes total, turning occasionally. For perfect doneness, check that the chicken reaches 165°F with an instant-read thermometer.

Step 3: Rest and Serve

This is where the magic happens! Let the grilled chicken souvlaki rest for 5 minutes, wrapped loosely in foil. It may be tempting to dive right in, but this brief pause lets all those luscious juices redistribute throughout the chicken. The result? Succulent, tender bites every time. Once rested, your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe is ready to serve—let the feasting begin!

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Garnishes

For that final flourish, I love to sprinkle the finished souvlaki with freshly chopped parsley, a squeeze of extra lemon, and maybe a little crumbled feta cheese. It’s all about that explosion of color and zesty finishing touch! Don’t forget a drizzle of olive oil for even more Greek flair.

Side Dishes

The Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe pairs beautifully with classic sides like pita bread, creamy tzatziki sauce, a fresh Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumber, and olives, or even roasted potatoes. These accompaniments turn simple skewers into a fabulously satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the skewer! Pile your chicken souvlaki into a warm pita wrap with all your favorite toppings, slice it up for a vibrant salad bowl, or even lay it atop rice pilaf for a feast. Kids love deconstructing the skewers and dipping the juicy pieces into sauces, so let your imagination run wild.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra souvlaki (lucky you!), simply store the cooled chicken pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and full of flavor for up to 4 days, ready for salads, wraps, or snack attacks.

Freezing

For longer storage, this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe freezes beautifully. Place cooked, cooled chicken pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To keep your chicken juicy, reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in a covered skillet over low heat. The microwave also works in a pinch—try covering with a damp paper towel to keep things moist. Just warm until heated through, and avoid overcooking to prevent dryness.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually my secret weapon for extra juicy, flavorful souvlaki. Feel free to swap all or part of the chicken for thighs if you love a richer taste.

How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?

Marinating overnight gives the most intense flavor, but even 6 hours will make a delicious difference. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more tender and flavorful it becomes.

What’s the best way to cook souvlaki if I don’t have a grill?

No grill? No problem! Use a grill pan on the stovetop or even your oven set to broil. Air fryers also do a surprisingly great job—the pieces may cook a little faster, so keep an eye out.

Can I make this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe ahead of time?

You sure can. Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Grilled pieces also reheat very well, making this a wonderful option for meal prep or easy entertaining.

What should I do if I don’t have Greek seasoning?

If you’re out of Greek seasoning, make your own blend with dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg. Mix to taste, and you’ll still capture that classic flavor!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe as I am to share it with you. With each bite, you’ll taste the sunshine and spirit of Greece—right from your own grill or kitchen. Gather your loved ones, let the aromas fill the air, and make dinnertime a delicious adventure!

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