Chicken Souvlaki Greek Recipe: When it comes to Greek street food, Chicken Souvlaki takes the crown. This dish is the perfect combination of tender marinated chicken, charred to perfection, and served with classic Mediterranean sides like warm pita, fresh salad, and cooling tzatziki. Think of it as Greece’s answer to the kebab, but with lighter, brighter, and more refreshing flavors. What makes it even more irresistible? It’s incredibly easy to make at home, and once you try it, it’ll likely become one of your go-to recipes!
Souvlaki is a big part of Greek culture — enjoyed in homes, sold at local tavernas, and served at gatherings with friends and family. It’s simple, flavorful, and filling. Plus, the smell of the marinade sizzling on the grill? Absolutely unforgettable.
So, let’s take a flavorful trip to Greece without leaving your kitchen!
Health Benefits of Chicken Souvlaki
Here’s the great news: not only is Chicken Souvlaki delicious, but it’s also good for you. This Greek classic offers several health benefits, especially if you’re trying to eat a balanced, protein-rich diet.
- Lean Protein: Chicken breast, the star of this dish, is an excellent source of lean protein. It supports muscle repair and keeps you full longer.
- Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: Since Chicken Souvlaki is often served without bread or with low-carb sides like Greek salad, it fits perfectly into a low-carb or ketogenic meal plan.
- Mediterranean Goodness: Ingredients like olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs are staples of the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet. They help reduce inflammation, improve cholesterol levels, and boost flavor naturally.
And unlike deep-fried options, souvlaki is grilled or baked, making it a lighter option for lunch or dinner without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s get into the heart of this dish: what you’ll need to make authentic Chicken Souvlaki. These ingredients are easy to find and likely already in your kitchen.
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs (cubed)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional for a hint of smokiness)
Optional Garnishes & Sides:
- Warm pita bread
- Tzatziki sauce
- Fresh tomato slices
- Thinly sliced red onions
- Cucumber ribbons
- Lemon wedges
- Feta cheese crumbles
Simple, right? But when these ingredients come together, the result is out of this world!
Tools & Equipment Needed
To make Chicken Souvlaki at home, you don’t need fancy equipment. Just a few kitchen basics will get the job done.
Must-Haves:
- Mixing bowls (for marinade and chicken)
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Metal or wooden skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
- Grill, grill pan, or oven
- Tongs or spatula
- Aluminum foil (if baking)
- Meat thermometer (optional but handy)
Whether you’re grilling outside or baking inside, this dish is totally doable with everyday tools.
Prepping the Chicken
Before we jump into cooking, we’ve got to prep that chicken. Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs are juicier, but breasts are leaner — pick what works best for you.
- Trim off any excess fat or gristle.
- Cut the chicken into evenly-sized 1 to 1.5-inch cubes — this helps them cook evenly on the grill or in the oven.
- Place the cubed chicken in a bowl and get ready for the marinade.
Pro Tip: Uniform cubes make for better skewering and more even cooking.
Making the Marinade
The secret to amazing Chicken Souvlaki? The marinade.
You’re not just flavoring the surface — you’re infusing the entire piece of chicken with those classic Mediterranean flavors. Here’s how to do it:
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat every piece.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but 4-6 hours is ideal. You can even marinate it overnight for the ultimate flavor punch.
The lemon juice helps tenderize the meat while the olive oil keeps it juicy. Garlic and oregano? They bring that unmistakable Greek flavor to life.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Souvlaki
Let’s break it down step-by-step so you get it perfect every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Combine your marinade ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add your cubed chicken, coat it thoroughly, and let it soak in all those Mediterranean flavors.
Step 3: Skewer the Chicken
Once marinated, thread 4-5 pieces of chicken per skewer. Don’t overcrowd!
Step 4: Cook Your Chicken
- Grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill for about 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes.
- Baking: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Broil the last 2 minutes for char.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let the skewers rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps retain the juices.
How to Grill Chicken Souvlaki
Grilling is the most authentic way to cook souvlaki, giving you that signature smoky-charred flavor. It’s fast, fun, and perfect for summer cookouts or even indoor grilling with a grill pan.
Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C).
- Oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking.
- Place your skewers on the grill and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning them every 2–3 minutes.
- Use tongs to turn them gently to avoid tearing the meat.
- Check for doneness — the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Let the skewers rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in juices.
Gas vs. Charcoal Grilling:
- Gas Grill: Easier temperature control, faster cooking, less smoke.
- Charcoal Grill: Richer, smokier flavor but requires more attention.
If you’re using a grill pan indoors, follow the same steps. Make sure it’s hot before adding your skewers for that perfect sear.
Oven-Baked Chicken Souvlaki
No grill? No problem. Baking chicken souvlaki in the oven is super easy and still delivers tender, flavorful results.
How to Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking tray with foil or parchment paper.
- Place skewers on the tray, leaving space between each.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through.
- For a charred effect, broil for the final 2–3 minutes on high.
- Remove and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips:
- Don’t overcrowd the tray; leave space for even cooking.
- Broiling gives you those golden-brown edges, mimicking grill marks.
This method is perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners when you want something quick but satisfying.
Serving Suggestions
Now comes the best part: putting everything together! Chicken Souvlaki is super versatile, so you can build your meal however you like.
Serve It With:
- Warm pita bread or flatbread (try lightly grilling it)
- Tzatziki sauce for a creamy, garlicky dip
- Fresh vegetables like tomato slices, cucumber ribbons, and red onion
- Greek salad with feta, olives, and a drizzle of olive oil
- Lemon wedges for squeezing over the top
Serving Styles:
- On the skewer: A rustic, grab-and-eat approach.
- In a pita wrap: Stuff the pita with chicken, veggies, and tzatziki.
- Plated meal: Serve with rice, salad, and grilled veggies.
Want to impress your guests? Set up a Greek souvlaki bar and let everyone build their own wrap!
How to Make Homemade Tzatziki
What’s chicken souvlaki without creamy tzatziki? This Greek yogurt-based sauce is cooling, fresh, and ties the whole dish together. Plus, it’s super easy to make at home.
Tzatziki Ingredients:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat works best)
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or mint
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Peel, grate, and squeeze the cucumber to remove excess water.
- In a bowl, mix the yogurt, cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and dill.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
This dip is not only perfect with souvlaki but also works with pita chips, falafel, or as a salad dressing.
What to Serve with Chicken Souvlaki
Want to turn your souvlaki into a complete Greek feast? Here are some tasty sides and drinks to serve with it:
Side Dishes:
- Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta
- Lemon rice pilaf or orzo
- Roasted potatoes with oregano and olive oil
- Grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant
- Hummus or baba ganoush
Drinks:
- Fresh lemonade or iced tea
- Greek white wine like Assyrtiko
- Sparkling water with lemon slices
Pair your meal thoughtfully, and you’ll have a restaurant-worthy spread in your own home!
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
Chicken Souvlaki is great for meal prepping, especially if you’re planning lunches or dinners for the week ahead.
Refrigerating:
- Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Keep tzatziki in a separate container for 3–4 days.
Freezing:
- You can freeze raw, marinated chicken for up to 2 months.
- Defrost in the fridge overnight before skewering and cooking.
Reheating Tips:
- Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat.
- Avoid microwaving if possible — it can dry out the chicken.
Meal prep containers with separate sections are great for keeping your pita, salad, and chicken fresh and ready to go.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though Chicken Souvlaki is simple to make, a few small mistakes can impact the final flavor and texture. Let’s walk through the most common ones — and how to avoid them so you get it perfect every time.
1. Over-Marinating the Chicken
Yes, marinade = flavor, but there is such a thing as too much. Leaving chicken in lemon-heavy marinades for too long can start to break down the proteins, making the meat mushy rather than tender.
- Fix: Marinate for 4–6 hours max or overnight if using less lemon juice.
- Avoid marinating for more than 24 hours.
2. Using the Wrong Cut of Chicken
While chicken breast is a popular choice, it can dry out quickly if overcooked. Thighs are more forgiving and flavorful.
- Fix: If you’re new to grilling, go for boneless thighs for juicier, more flavorful souvlaki.
3. Skipping the Rest Time
Cutting or serving your chicken skewers immediately after grilling can result in dry meat.
- Fix: Let the chicken rest for 3–5 minutes before serving. This helps redistribute the juices.
4. Uneven Skewer Sizes
Different-sized chicken pieces = uneven cooking. You might end up with raw bits or overcooked chunks.
- Fix: Try to cut chicken pieces into similar sizes and don’t overcrowd your skewers.
5. Not Preheating the Grill or Oven
Starting with a cold grill or oven leads to soggy, unappetizing chicken that won’t sear or caramelize properly.
- Fix: Always preheat to the right temperature before cooking. That high heat helps seal in juices and adds flavor.
By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll consistently create juicy, flavorful Chicken Souvlaki that rivals any Greek taverna.
FAQs about Chicken Souvlaki Greek Recipe
1. Can I make Chicken Souvlaki vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the chicken for cubed tofu, halloumi cheese, or even mushrooms. Marinate the same way and cook until golden and slightly crispy.
2. Is Chicken Souvlaki spicy?
Not at all. It’s seasoned with herbs like oregano and garlic, but it’s not hot. You can always add a pinch of chili flakes if you want a little heat.
3. Can I use store-bought marinade instead?
Sure, you can, but homemade marinade gives a fresher, more authentic taste. If you’re short on time, just make sure your store-bought marinade has olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs.
4. How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer — the internal temp should hit 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, slice the thickest piece to check. The meat should be white and the juices clear.
5. Can I make Chicken Souvlaki ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken the night before and even pre-skewer it. Cooked chicken also reheats well, so it’s great for meal prep.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Souvlaki isn’t just another grilled chicken dish — it’s a flavor-packed celebration of Greek cuisine. With its lemony marinade, garlicky punch, and smoky finish, it captures everything we love about Mediterranean food. Even better? It’s simple enough for a beginner and impressive enough for a dinner party.
You don’t need to travel to Athens to enjoy this street food favorite. With a few fresh ingredients and a little bit of prep, you can bring that sunny Greek vibe right into your kitchen.
Whether you’re grilling it for a backyard party, baking it for a weeknight meal, or wrapping it up in pita for an on-the-go lunch, Chicken Souvlaki is one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again.
Now that you’ve got the complete step-by-step guide, fire up the grill (or oven), grab your skewers, and dive into the flavors of Greece!
