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Greek Chicken Souvlaki Grilled

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

Savory Greek chicken souvlaki bursts with Mediterranean flavor thanks to an aromatic lemon, olive oil, and herb marinade. After soaking up fresh garlic and tangy Greek spices, chicken pieces are skewered and grilled until golden, creating a juicy and vibrant main dish. Serve the chicken inside warm pita wraps with cool tzatziki, or keep things light alongside a crisp Greek salad and a wedge of lemon. This dish is ideal for family dinners, picnics, or backyard grilling, with leftovers making great lunches the next day. Greek souvlaki is easy to prepare ahead and cooks up in under 20 minutes.

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Created By Sarah
Last updated on Fri, 23 May 2025 19:33:41 GMT
A plate of food with chicken, tomatoes, and a dip. Save
A plate of food with chicken, tomatoes, and a dip. | sarahmeal.com

Greek Chicken Souvlaki is one of those crowd-pleaser dishes that guarantees maximum flavor for minimum fuss. Marinated chicken is skewered and grilled until juicy and golden, full of zesty Mediterranean brightness. Whether you are trying to recreate a summer trip to Greece or just need an easy dinner packed with vibrant taste, these souvlaki sticks always come through. Perfect for busy schedules, backyard gatherings, or just a fresh spin on weeknight chicken.

The first time I made this for my family, the smell literally drew my neighbors to the backyard. Now it is the dish I always bring to potlucks because it disappears first.

Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose either for your favorite texture juicy thighs for richness or lean breasts for lighter bites
  • Olive oil: Use a fruity extra virgin variety for the most authentic flavor
  • White wine vinegar: Adds a subtle tang and helps tenderize the chicken look for a good-quality vinegar with no added sugar
  • Fresh garlic: Brings that signature Mediterranean sharpness chop finely so it blends into the marinade
  • Greek seasoning: Provides all the herby complexity try to find a blend with oregano thyme and rosemary for best results or make your own
  • Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is key for a bright finish firm lemons with glossy skin are juiciest
  • Salt: Choose sea salt for cleaner flavor and better mineral content
  • Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds gentle heat grind just before using for best aroma

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:
Combine olive oil white wine vinegar minced garlic Greek seasoning fresh lemon juice salt and pepper in a large zip-top bag or bowl with a tight lid Add the chicken and mix until every piece is coated well Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least six hours or overnight to let the flavors fully infuse
Skewer and Prep for Grilling:
Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade and let any extra liquid drip off Thread the chunks onto skewers with a small space between each so the heat circulates evenly If using wooden skewers soak them in water for half an hour first to avoid burning
Grill the Chicken:
Place the skewers over medium-high heat on your outdoor grill or grill pan Cook for ten to fifteen minutes turning every few minutes to get all sides golden and slightly charred Make sure the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165 degrees so it stays moist but safe
Let Rest and Serve:
When the chicken is done cover loosely with foil and let rest for five minutes before serving This relaxes the meat and keeps every piece juicy Choose your favorite toppings and sides like tzatziki sliced tomatoes crisp cucumber warm pita or a simple Greek salad
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A plate of food with meat and tomatoes. | sarahmeal.com

I have a soft spot for the lemon in this recipe—it makes the chicken taste sun-kissed just like my childhood memories of eating on the patio during summer cookouts My family always crowds around the grill waiting for the first taste and no matter how much I make there is never any left

Storage Tips

Keep leftover souvlaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days It is a good idea to remove the chicken from the skewers before storing for easy reheating You can also freeze the raw marinated chicken in a freezer bag for up to two months then thaw overnight in the fridge and cook as usual

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find Greek seasoning make your own at home with dried oregano thyme garlic powder rosemary marjoram salt and pepper You can swap lemon with lime for a different citrus finish If chicken is not an option try the same marinade on shrimp pork or tofu for a tasty variation

A plate of food with chicken, tomatoes, and limes. Save
A plate of food with chicken, tomatoes, and limes. | sarahmeal.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve your souvlaki the classic way with warm pita and tzatziki or keep things light with a lemony rice and crisp salad It is also fantastic over a grain bowl with roasted veggies or stuffed into lettuce wraps for a lower carb option

Greek Souvlaki Tradition

Souvlaki has roots in ancient Greece as a street food often sold in small shops wrapped in paper The combination of simple grilled meat and zesty toppings is still popular today Modern takes let you customize it endlessly and the fresh marinade is what brings the dish to life

Common Recipe Questions

→ What cut of chicken works best for souvlaki?

Both boneless chicken breasts and thighs work well, but thighs give juicier results and deeper flavor after grilling.

→ How long should the chicken marinate?

For best flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken for at least 6 hours or overnight in the fridge.

→ Can you cook souvlaki without a grill?

Yes, souvlaki can be cooked in an air fryer at 370°F for about 18 minutes, or baked at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.

→ What are classic sides for chicken souvlaki?

Traditional sides include warm pita, tzatziki, lemon rice, Greek salad, red onion, cucumber, and tomato.

→ Is it possible to freeze marinated chicken souvlaki?

Yes. Combine chicken and marinade in a freezer-safe bag, freeze up to 2 months, then thaw overnight before cooking.

→ How do you keep grilled chicken souvlaki juicy?

Allow the chicken to rest under foil for 5 minutes after cooking so the juices redistribute and the meat stays moist.

Greek Chicken Souvlaki Grilled

Tender marinated chicken grilled with Mediterranean flavors, perfect served with pita, tzatziki, or rice.

Preparation Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Duration
20 minutes
Created By: Sarah

Recipe Category: Main Dishes

Level of Difficulty: Simple

Cuisine Style: Greek

Servings Yield: 4 Portion Size (Approximately 8–10 skewers)

Diet Preferences: Low-Carb Option, Gluten-Free Option, Dairy-Free Option

What You'll Need

→ Marinade

Ingredient 01 2 tablespoons olive oil
Ingredient 02 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
Ingredient 03 4 large garlic cloves, minced
Ingredient 04 3 tablespoons Greek seasoning
Ingredient 05 Juice of 1 large lemon
Ingredient 06 ½ teaspoon salt
Ingredient 07 ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

→ Protein

Ingredient 08 450 grams boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

How to Make It

Instruction 01

In a large bowl or resealable bag, combine olive oil, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, Greek seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create the marinade.

Instruction 02

Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring all surfaces are well coated. Seal the container and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight for optimal flavor infusion.

Instruction 03

Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers leaving slight gaps between pieces for even cooking. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20–30 minutes prior to use to prevent charring.

Instruction 04

Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place skewers on the grill and cook for 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 74°C.

Instruction 05

Remove the skewers from heat and cover loosely with foil. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices and enhance tenderness. Serve with accompaniments such as warm pita, tzatziki, and fresh salad.

Additional Tips

  1. For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to maximize flavor and tenderness.
  2. To store, transfer cooked chicken off the skewers and keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  3. For convenience, use an air fryer at 188°C for 18–20 minutes, or bake in a 200°C oven for 20 minutes, turning halfway.
  4. A quick homemade Greek seasoning can be made by blending dried oregano, thyme, garlic powder, rosemary, marjoram, salt, and black pepper.

Essential Tools

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Skewers
  • Large bowl or resealable plastic bag
  • Kitchen tongs

Allergy Details

Always review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains garlic, which may be an allergen for some individuals.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

These nutritional details are for informational purposes and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 220
  • Fat Content: 10 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 2 grams
  • Protein Content: 29 grams