This Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki is everything you love about Greek street food—juicy, flavorful chicken with a vibrant lemony marinade, charred to perfection on the grill. It’s a fast, simple, and incredibly satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or backyard gatherings. Pair it with warm pita, creamy tzatziki, and a crisp salad, and you’ve got a meal that feels like a mini Mediterranean vacation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Effortless: You can prep it in just minutes—marinate while you work or relax, then grill for under 15 minutes. It’s that easy.
Packed with Bold Flavor: The marinade is bright, zesty, and garlicky with the perfect balance of lemon and herbs. It transforms simple chicken into something unforgettable.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Serve it as skewers, in wraps, over rice, or in bowls. It’s a hit every time.
Naturally Healthy: Lean protein, olive oil, and fresh ingredients make this a meal you can feel good about serving any day of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this amazing Greek Chicken Souvlaki, and why each one matters:

Chicken breast or thighs: Boneless and skinless for easy marinating and fast cooking. Thighs stay extra juicy, but breasts work beautifully too.
Olive oil: Acts as the base for the marinade and helps keep the chicken moist on the grill.
Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the flavor and tenderizes the meat. Freshly squeezed makes all the difference.
Garlic: Essential for that deep, savory Greek flavor. Use plenty.
Dried oregano: A must-have in Greek cooking—it brings a distinct earthiness that ties everything together.
Salt and pepper: To balance and enhance all the flavors.
Red wine vinegar (optional): Adds a little sharp tang for extra depth.
Wooden or metal skewers: For threading the marinated chicken before grilling. If using wooden ones, soak them to avoid burning.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some easy ways to customize your souvlaki:

Add Veggies to the Skewers: Bell peppers, red onion, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes grill beautifully alongside the chicken.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or a spoonful of harissa to the marinade.
Herb Swap: Try adding fresh thyme or rosemary for a twist on the classic oregano flavor.
Yogurt Marinade: Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt for an even creamier, tenderizing marinade.

How to Make Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Step 1: Make the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and optional red wine vinegar until well combined.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss it in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally 2–3 hours. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it gets.

Step 3: Skewer the Chicken

Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers. Don’t overcrowd—leave a little space between each piece so they cook evenly.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill (or grill pan) over medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice charred edges.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the skewers rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps the juices settle and keeps the chicken tender.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Soak Wooden Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20–30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: After grilling, give the chicken a few minutes to rest. This keeps every bite juicy.
Marinate in a Zip-Top Bag: It’s mess-free and ensures every piece gets fully coated in the marinade.
Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfect doneness, aim for an internal temp of 165°F (75°C).

How to Serve

This Greek Chicken Souvlaki pairs wonderfully with so many sides and toppings. Here are some classic ways to enjoy it:

In a Wrap

Serve the grilled chicken in warm pita bread with a generous spoonful of tzatziki, sliced red onions, tomatoes, and lettuce.

Bowl Style

Layer the chicken over rice or couscous with cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil and lemon.

Platter for Sharing

Create a mezze-style platter with grilled chicken, hummus, pita triangles, olives, grilled vegetables, and tzatziki for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover chicken in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Marinated raw chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and cook as directed.

Reheating

Reheat grilled chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or lemon juice to keep it moist.

FAQs

Can I cook this without a grill?
Yes! A grill pan or regular skillet on the stove works just fine. You can even bake the skewers at 425°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Thighs are often juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Use whichever you prefer.

How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 30 minutes, but for best flavor, let it marinate for 2–4 hours. Avoid marinating overnight, as the acid from the lemon juice can toughen the meat.

What can I use instead of skewers?
If you’re short on skewers, simply cook the marinated chicken pieces in a skillet or thread them onto rosemary stems for a rustic touch.

Final Thoughts

This Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki is the kind of recipe that never lets you down—bold, fresh, and unbelievably easy. Whether you’re throwing it on the grill midweek or making it the centerpiece of a relaxed dinner with friends, it’s sure to bring everyone to the table. Give it a try, and let the flavors of Greece shine in your kitchen!

Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe