Greek Chicken Souvlaki

The key to supremely tender chicken isn’t a mystery—it’s the gentle acidity in the marinade that breaks down proteins without toughening them. For this Greek chicken souvlaki, fresh lemon juice performs that task beautifully while imparting an essential, sunny flavor. I remember the first time I tasted real souvlaki, not from a restaurant but from a friend’s backyard grill. The air was filled with the scent of charred lemon and oregano, and the chicken was so juicy it practically sighed when you bit into it. I knew right then I needed to bring that magic into my own kitchen, without any fuss or hard-to-find ingredients.

This Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe is my homage to that perfect, simple meal. It’s the kind of dinner that turns a regular Tuesday into a mini-vacation, transporting you straight to a sun-drenched taverna with just a few bites. Whether you’re looking for a standout dish for a summer gathering or a reliably delicious weeknight protein, this recipe delivers. It’s a fantastic entry point if you’re curious about mediterranean diet recipes for beginners, showcasing how a handful of fresh ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. Simple ingredients, warm memories. Let’s make some.

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Ingredients List for Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Greek Chicken Souvlaki starts with a short list of ingredients, each one playing a vital role in building those classic, vibrant flavors. You likely have most of these in your pantry right now.

For the Marinade & Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 large lemons)
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano (Greek oregano is ideal)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For Serving (Optional but Recommended):

• Warm pita bread or flatbreads
• Tzatziki sauce
• Sliced red onion
• Chopped fresh tomatoes
• Crisp lettuce
• Lemon wedges

Smart Swaps & Notes:

• Chicken: Thighs are my go-to for guaranteed juiciness, but breasts work perfectly if you prefer leaner meat. Just watch the cooking time closely.
• Citrus: In a pinch, you can use ¼ cup lemon juice and a tablespoon of red wine vinegar for a similar acidic punch.
• Herbs: If you have fresh oregano, use 1 tablespoon finely chopped. The dried version here is traditional and delivers a concentrated, earthy flavor that’s key to authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki.

Timing for Greek Chicken Souvlaki

One of the best things about this Greek Chicken Souvlaki is how the timing works for real life. The active prep is minimal, but the marinade does the heavy lifting for you.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 2-24 hours marinating)
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes (active time), plus marinating

Think of it this way: a 5-minute mix in the morning means you’re 90% done with dinner before you’ve even had your coffee. It’s a perfect example of how the mediterranean diet for beginners can be both simple and deeply satisfying, focusing on flavor-building techniques rather than complicated steps.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Follow these simple steps for the most flavorful, tender chicken you’ve ever made on a skewer. The process is straightforward, but a few small tips make all the difference.

1. 
   

   Marinate the Chicken. In a large bowl or a resealable gallon bag, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the cubed chicken and toss until every piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, but for truly transformative flavor, aim for 4 to 24 hours. This is the non-negotiable step for perfect Greek Chicken Souvlaki.

   
   
2. 
   

   Soak Skewers & Prep Grill. If using wooden skewers, submerge them in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking to prevent burning. Preheat your grill, grill pan, or broiler to medium-high heat. You want a good, hot surface to get those beautiful grill marks and a bit of char.

   
   
3. 
   

   Thread the Chicken. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Thread the pieces onto the skewers, leaving a tiny bit of space between each cube to ensure even cooking. Don’t pack them too tightly.

   
   
4. 
   

   Cook to Perfection. Place the skewers on the hot grill or grill pan. Cook for 4-6 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and has developed a golden-brown, slightly charred exterior. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. If using a broiler, place skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil and broil for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway.

   
   
5. 
   

   Rest and Serve. Transfer the cooked Greek Chicken Souvlaki skewers to a clean plate and let them rest for 3-5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist. Serve immediately with all your favorite toppings.

   
   

Nutritional Information for Greek Chicken Souvlaki

This recipe is a shining example of the balanced principles you often see in a mediterranean diet pyramid—lean protein, healthy fats, and lots of herbs.

Per serving (chicken only, approximately ¼ of recipe):

• Calories: ~320
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fat: 18g (primarily from heart-healthy olive oil)
• Key Notes: The olive oil provides monounsaturated fats, while the lemon juice offers a dose of vitamin C. Using chicken thighs adds more iron and zinc compared to breasts. It’s a protein-packed, low-carb base that you can build into a fuller meal with pita and veggies.

Equipment Needed for Greek Chicken Souvlaki

You don’t need any special tools to make fantastic Greek Chicken Souvlaki. A regular kitchen has everything required.

• A large mixing bowl or gallon-sized resealable bag
• Whisk or fork
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Skewers (wooden or metal)
• Grill, grill pan, or broiler with a baking sheet

That’s it. No fancy gadgets. This is comfort food, made easy, with tools you already own. If you love the simplicity of sheet pan cooking, you’ll appreciate this same straightforward approach. For another easy, flavor-packed chicken dish, try my Sheet Pan Lemon Chicken for a similarly hands-off method.

Why You’ll Love This Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

This recipe has earned a permanent spot in my dinner rotation for so many reasons.

• Maximum Flavor, Minimum Effort. The marinade does all the work. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it situation that yields restaurant-quality taste.
• Incredibly Versatile. Serve it in pitas, over a salad, on a bed of rice, or straight off the skewer. It’s perfect for meal prep, too.
• Crowd-Pleasing & Family-Friendly. The bright, familiar flavors are a hit with both adults and kids. Everyone can build their own perfect pita.
• Health-Conscious & Satisfying. It’s naturally gluten-free (check your pita), high in protein, and packed with the wholesome ingredients that make the mediterranean diet so celebrated.
• Regular Kitchen, Regular Time, Great Results. You don’t need a professional setup or hours to spare. This Greek Chicken Souvlaki fits seamlessly into busy weeknights.

Healthier Alternatives for Greek Chicken Souvlaki

This recipe is already quite wholesome, but here are some easy tweaks to fit various dietary needs without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.

• For a Leaner Option: Use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just marinate them for the full recommended time to keep them tender.
• Dairy-Free: The chicken itself is naturally dairy-free. Simply ensure your tzatziki sauce is made with a dairy-free yogurt alternative, or skip it and use a drizzle of olive oil and extra lemon.
• Lower Carb / Keto: Skip the pita bread and serve your Greek Chicken Souvlaki over a big, fresh Greek salad or with a side of roasted vegetables. It’s a perfect high-protein, low-carb meal.
• Added Veggies: Thread chunks of bell pepper, red onion, or zucchini onto the skewers with the chicken for a complete, colorful meal on a stick.

Serving Suggestions for Greek Chicken Souvlaki

The beauty of Greek Chicken Souvlaki is in the assembly. Create a vibrant spread and let everyone dig in.

• The Classic Pita: Warm a soft pita, slather it with cool, creamy tzatziki, add the chicken, and top with sliced red onion, tomato, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill.
• Souvlaki Plate (Platter Style): Serve the skewers alongside a generous dollop of tzatziki, a pile of lemon-dressed fries or roasted potatoes, and a simple Horiatiki (Greek village) salad.
• Over Greens: Flake the chicken off the skewers and toss it into a big bed of greens with cucumbers, olives, feta, and a lemony vinaigrette for a hearty salad.
• With Dips: Besides tzatziki, try serving with melitzanosalata (eggplant dip) or even a simple garlic yogurt sauce.
• For a Heartier Meal: Pair it with a side of lemon rice or orzo. The bright flavors complement each other perfectly. If you enjoy the lemon-chicken combo, my Lemon Parmesan Asparagus Chicken offers a similar vibrant profile in a one-pan format.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Greek Chicken Souvlaki

A few small missteps can affect your results. Here’s how to avoid them.

1. Skipping the Marinating Time. This is the soul of the dish. Even 30 minutes is better than nothing, but for that deep, permeating flavor and ultra-tender texture, give it a few hours. The acid in the lemon needs time to work its magic.
2. Using Bottled Lemon Juice. Fresh lemon juice is non-negotiable. Bottled juice often has a bitter, preserved taste that will throw off the entire balance of your Greek Chicken Souvlaki marinade.
3. Overcrowding the Skewers or Grill. Leaving a little space between chicken cubes ensures they cook evenly and get those desirable caramelized edges. Crowding the grill lowers the temperature and steams the chicken instead of grilling it.
4. Overcooking the Chicken. Chicken thighs are forgiving, but breasts can dry out quickly. Use a meat thermometer and pull the skewers off at 165°F. Remember, they’ll continue to cook a bit while resting.
5. Cutting the Chicken Too Small. One-inch cubes are ideal. Smaller pieces cook too fast and can become dry before they develop good color.

Storing Tips for Greek Chicken Souvlaki

This recipe is a meal-prep superstar. Here’s how to keep it tasting fresh.

• Refrigerating Leftovers: Store cooked and cooled Greek Chicken Souvlaki in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s fantastic cold in salads or reheated.
• Freezing for Later: You can freeze the marinated, uncooked chicken in its bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before skewering and cooking. You can also freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: The best way to reheat is in a skillet over medium heat with a tiny splash of water or broth to keep it moist. You can also use the microwave at 50% power in short bursts. Avoid the oven for small portions, as it can dry the chicken out.
• Meal Prep: Marinate and cube the chicken on Sunday. Each morning, thread a few skewers and cook them quickly for a high-protein lunch or an easy dinner. For another excellent make-ahead chicken option, my Baked Honey Mustard Chicken is a fantastic, flavorful choice.

Conclusion

This Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a passport to flavor, a guarantee of a happy dinner table, and proof that the best food often comes from the simplest preparations. It embodies everything I love about home cooking: big, sunny flavors, a process that respects your time, and a result that feels both special and completely achievable.

Whether you’re grilling them for friends on a summer evening or quickly broiling a couple of skewers for a fast Tuesday dinner, this dish delivers joy on a stick. It’s food that feels like home, even if that home is momentarily somewhere on the Aegean coast.

I’d love to hear how your Greek Chicken Souvlaki turns out. Did your family devour it? Did you discover a favorite new way to serve it? Share your stories in the comments below. And if you’re looking for more easy, flavor-forward chicken dinners to add to your repertoire, be sure to check out my Creamy Tuscan Chicken for a rich, comforting option or my Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs for another beautifully glazed favorite. Happy cooking.

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