Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

If there’s one dish that instantly whisks me away to a bustling Greek taverna, it’s Greek Chicken Souvlaki. Imagine juicy, marinated chicken skewers kissed by the grill and bathed in fresh Mediterranean flavors—you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again, whether it’s for a sunny cookout or an easy weeknight meal. Greek Chicken Souvlaki is endlessly versatile, simple to prepare, and bursting with lemony, herby goodness that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about Greek Chicken Souvlaki is how a handful of everyday ingredients transforms into something utterly irresistible. Each element brings out the best in the chicken, infusing it with vivid flavor, vibrant color, and wonderful texture.

• Chicken breast or thighs: Go for boneless, skinless pieces—breast for a leaner bite, thighs for extra juiciness.
• Olive oil: The base of a flavorful marinade, imparting richness and helping everything brown beautifully on the grill.
• Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with zesty brightness.
• Garlic: A must for Greek Chicken Souvlaki, minced garlic layers in warmth and depth of flavor.
• Dried oregano: Earthy and aromatic, it’s the classic Greek herb that sets this marinade apart.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out every nuance of flavor.
• Red onion: Optional but fabulous for threading onto skewers and grilling alongside the chicken.
• Wooden or metal skewers: Use sturdy skewers to keep everything secure and easy to turn on the grill.

How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized chunks. Whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Toss the chicken cubes in the marinade, making sure every piece is coated. For the most flavorful Greek Chicken Souvlaki, let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (but up to 2 hours is even better!), allowing the flavors to soak in and the meat to tenderize.

Step 2: Prepare the Skewers

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes so they don’t burn on the grill. Alternate threading chicken and red onion pieces onto the skewers. This little extra effort not only adds color and flavor but gives you the perfect mix of savory bites in every mouthful of Greek Chicken Souvlaki.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Once it’s hot, lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Arrange the skewers on the grill, turning every few minutes to achieve beautiful, charred grill marks on all sides. The chicken is done when the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, usually after 10–12 minutes. Your kitchen will smell heavenly at this stage—trust me!

Step 4: Rest and Serve

As tempting as it is to dive right in, let your freshly grilled Greek Chicken Souvlaki rest for a couple of minutes. This keeps the juices locked in, resulting in incredibly moist, flavorful chicken. Now you’re ready to serve and savor these delicious skewers any way you like.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Garnishes

Bright, lively garnishes make Greek Chicken Souvlaki truly shine. Sprinkle on fresh chopped parsley for color, add a scatter of crumbled feta for tang, or a squeeze of extra lemon for that mouthwatering zing. Don’t forget a side of creamy tzatziki sauce—absolute perfection for dipping each savory bite.

Side Dishes

Greek Chicken Souvlaki is delicious piled onto warm pita bread with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onions. Serve it alongside a bright Greek salad, fluffy lemon rice, or even roasted potatoes for a meal that’s both satisfying and light. These sides complement the skewers without overpowering them, letting the hero flavors sing.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful! For a crowd, create a DIY souvlaki platter with a rainbow of vegetables, different sauces, and a variety of breads so everyone can build their own perfect bite. For weeknight dinners, slide the Greek Chicken Souvlaki off the skewers and tuck them into wraps, or toss them over simple salads for an instant upgrade.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap them tightly or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken stays juicy and flavorful, and makes a fabulous addition to lunches or impromptu bowls throughout the week.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked Greek Chicken Souvlaki—just let it cool first, then wrap securely or pop into a freezer bag for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The marinade flavors will still shine through beautifully!

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm your Greek Chicken Souvlaki in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist. Alternatively, the microwave works in a pinch, just cover to trap in the steam. Avoid overcooking to keep everything succulent and tender.

FAQs

Can I make Greek Chicken Souvlaki without a grill?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill handy, a grill pan or even your oven broiler works wonders. The key is high heat to caramelize the outside—just keep an eye out for doneness and those delicious charred edges.

What’s the best cut of chicken for this recipe?

Both chicken breast and thighs are excellent, but if you prefer extra juicy, flavorful bites, go for thighs. Fans of leaner, firmer texture will love the breast. Either way, it’s the marinade that makes Greek Chicken Souvlaki sing!

How long can I marinate the chicken?

Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but anywhere up to 2 hours is ideal for maximum flavor. Any longer and the lemon’s acidity can start to break down the texture a bit too much, so stick within that window for the best results.

Is Greek Chicken Souvlaki gluten-free?

The skewers themselves are naturally gluten-free—just check any store-bought add-ons like pita bread or sauce if that’s a concern for you or your guests.

Can I add vegetables to the skewers?

Definitely! While red onion is classic, you can also add peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or tomatoes. Just cut them into pieces similar in size to the chicken so everything cooks evenly.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing like the vibrant, sun-kissed flavors of Greek Chicken Souvlaki to bring a bit of Mediterranean warmth to your table. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or just adding excitement to your dinner routine, these marinated chicken skewers are sure to become a regular favorite. Go ahead—gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and let the aroma of fresh herbs and lemon fill your kitchen tonight!

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