The Best Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe For Tasty Weeknights

Succulent Greek chicken souvlaki transports taste buds straight to Mediterranean coastlines with its vibrant, zesty profile.

Ancient culinary traditions blend seamlessly in this beloved street food favorite.

Marinating creates incredible depth, refineing ordinary protein into an extraordinary dining experience.

Tender chunks of seasoned meat capture the essence of Greek cooking’s bold simplicity.

Fragrant herbs and bright citrus notes dance across each perfectly grilled morsel.

Authentic spices elevate this dish beyond mere sustenance into a celebration of flavor.

The magic happens when carefully selected ingredients merge in perfect harmony.

Your Ingredient List for Chicken Souvlaki

• Garlic: Aromatic base that adds depth and pungent flavor to the chicken marinade.
• Lemons: Bright citrus that tenderizes the meat and provides a fresh, tangy profile.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and keeps the chicken moist during cooking.
• Dried Oregano: Classic Greek herb that brings authentic Mediterranean seasoning.
• Honey: Adds subtle sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced flavor enhancement.

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Tender meat that absorbs marinade well and grills beautifully.

• Skewers: Needed for creating traditional souvlaki style chicken.
• Vegetable Oil: Prevents sticking during grilling.

• Plum Tomatoes, English Cucumber, Red Onion: Fresh vegetables for creating a classic Greek salad garnish.
• Kalamata Olives: Salty, briny addition that brings authentic Greek flavor.
• Pita Breads: Soft, warm bread for serving and wrapping souvlaki.
• Tzatziki Sauce: Creamy, cool sauce that complements the grilled chicken perfectly.

How to Make Authentic Chicken Souvlaki

Step 1: Craft the Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Fresh garlic cloves
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Dried oregano
• Honey
• Salt
• Black pepper

Grate the garlic and lemon zest into a mixing bowl. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and whisk together with olive oil, oregano, honey, salt, and pepper until wonderfully blended.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Slice chicken into bite-sized cubes. Drop the chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring each piece gets totally coated. Let the chicken soak up those amazing Mediterranean flavors for 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 3 hours in the refrigerator.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Carefully thread marinated chicken onto metal or soaked wooden skewers.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Place chicken skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and completely cooked through. The chicken should have beautiful char marks and feel firm to the touch.

Step 5: Prepare Fresh Accompaniments

• Ripe tomatoes
• Crisp cucumber
• Red onion
• Kalamata olives

Arrange the colorful vegetable medley on a serving platter.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Warm pita breads on the grill for a few seconds. Layer each pita with grilled chicken skewers, fresh vegetables, olives, and a generous dollop of cool tzatziki sauce. Fold and enjoy your Greek street food adventure!

Handy Tips for Juicy Chicken and Char

• Maximize Marinating Magic: Let chicken soak in marinade for full 3 hours to ensure deep, rich flavor penetration and maximum tenderness.
• Skewer Smart: Use metal or pre-soaked wooden skewers to prevent burning and ensure even chicken cooking without charring.
• Temperature Precision: Check chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe, perfectly cooked meat without drying out.
• Slice Strategically: Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces guarantees consistent cooking and prevents uneven grilling.
• Herb Boost: Crush dried oregano between your fingers before adding to release more intense aromatic oils and enhance overall flavor profile.

Reheat and Storage Ideas for Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover chicken souvlaki to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Separate Storage: Keep chicken, vegetables, and pita bread in different containers to maintain freshness and prevent soggy textures.
• Reheat Safely: Warm chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of olive oil to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.

Best Pairings for Greek Chicken Skewers

• Zesty White Wine Companion: Pair this Greek chicken souvlaki with a crisp, citrusy assyrtiko wine from Santorini, which beautifully complements the lemon and herb marinade, cutting through the chicken's richness.
• Mediterranean Salad Sidekick: Serve a traditional horiatiki (Greek village salad) alongside the souvlaki, featuring fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, and oregano, echoing the dish's bright Mediterranean flavors.
• Cool Tzatziki Refresher: Enhance the meal with homemade tzatziki sauce, mixing Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill, which provides a cool, tangy counterpoint to the grilled chicken's warm, herbal notes.
• Ouzo Aperitif Tradition: Start the meal with a small glass of chilled ouzo, the classic Greek anise-flavored spirit, which awakens the palate and sets the tone for the vibrant souvlaki experience.

Variations to Mix into Greek Souvlaki

• Citrus Herb Infusion: Swap lemon for lime and add fresh mint to the marinade for a brighter, more refreshing flavor profile that complements the chicken perfectly.
• Spicy Mediterranean Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes or harissa paste into the marinade to create a bold, fiery version that adds extra excitement to the traditional recipe.
• Vegetarian Greek Skewers: Replace chicken with firm tofu or halloumi cheese, marinating and grilling using the same technique for a delicious plant-based alternative that maintains the classic Greek seasoning.
• Oven-Roasted Option: For those without a grill, bake the marinated chicken skewers in a preheated 425°F oven for 15-20 minutes, turning once to ensure even cooking and golden edges.

What Makes Greek Chicken Souvlaki a Standout

• Savor Vibrant Mediterranean Flavors: This Greek chicken souvlaki bursts with zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and fresh herbs that transport your taste buds straight to the sunny shores of Greece.
• Enjoy Quick and Easy Grilling: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe takes just 30 minutes of marinating and 10 minutes of grilling, delivering restaurant-quality meal with minimal kitchen effort.
• Create a Colorful and Nutritious Meal: Packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and served with soft pita bread, this dish offers a balanced and visually stunning plate that appeals to both health-conscious and flavor-loving eaters.
• Experience Versatile Crowd-Pleasing Cooking: Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, family dinner, or casual gathering, these chicken skewers are simple to prepare and guaranteed to impress guests of all ages.

Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Greek chicken souvlaki brings Mediterranean flavors dancing across your plate with marinated grilled chicken skewers. Zesty lemon, garlic, and herbs create a classic Greek experience that transports you straight to sunny coastal tavernas.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 ½ pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) dried oregano
• 3 cloves garlic
• ¾ teaspoon (4 grams) kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) honey

Liquids and Vegetables:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 medium lemons, divided
• Vegetable oil for grilling
• 2 medium plum tomatoes
• ½ medium english cucumber
• ¼ small red onion
• ⅓ cup (50 grams) pitted kalamata olives (about 10)

Additional Items:

• 4 (6-inch) pita breads
• Tzatziki sauce, for serving
• 4 to 6 skewers

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Instructions

1. Create a vibrant marinade by blending freshly minced garlic and lemon zest in a spacious container, releasing aromatic citrus oils.
2. Pour lemon juice into the marinade, incorporating olive oil, crumbled dried oregano, golden honey, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until ingredients harmonize.
3. Trim chicken into uniform, bite-sized cubes, ensuring consistent cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
4. Submerge chicken pieces completely in the marinade, allowing them to soak and tenderize. Let rest at ambient temperature for half an hour or refrigerate for up to three hours to intensify flavors.
5. Preheat outdoor grill to medium-high temperature, lightly coating metal grates with culinary oil to prevent sticking.
6. Carefully skewer marinated chicken pieces, maintaining even spacing for uniform grilling.
7. Grill chicken skewers, rotating periodically to achieve beautiful caramelized edges and ensuring internal temperature reaches safe doneness, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
8. While chicken grills, slice ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and pungent red onion into elegant, thin rounds.
9. Arrange sliced vegetables and halved kalamata olives on a rustic serving platter.
10. Briefly warm pita breads on grill to enhance their softness and impart subtle smoky essence.
11. Assemble souvlaki by layering grilled chicken skewers atop warm pitas, generously topping with fresh vegetables, briny olives, and cooling tzatziki sauce.

Notes

• Marinades lock in flavor and tenderize meat, making chicken juicy and delicious.
• Cold-marinating allows herbs and citrus to deeply penetrate chicken, creating complex taste profiles.
• Wooden skewers need pre-soaking in water to prevent burning during high-heat grilling, ensuring perfect chicken texture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg