Greek Chicken Souvlaki – Juicy, Herb-Infused Skewers with Mediterranean Flair

Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a beloved Mediterranean street food known for its tender, marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection and served with warm pita, tangy tzatziki, and fresh veggies. The word souvlaki simply means “skewer” in Greek, and this dish is all about simplicity, bold flavors, and wholesome ingredients.

Marinated in a bright blend of olive oil, lemon, garlic, and oregano, the chicken is juicy and packed with vibrant flavor. It’s perfect for grilling outdoors in summer or cooking indoors year-round using a grill pan or broiler.

Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner, prepping lunches, or creating a Greek-inspired feast, this Greek Chicken Souvlaki is endlessly versatile, satisfying, and downright delicious.

Ingredients Overview

For the Chicken Marinade:

• Boneless Chicken Thighs or Breasts

  • Thighs are juicier and more forgiving during grilling, while breasts are lean and cook quickly.

  • Cut into 1½-inch pieces for even cooking on skewers.

• Olive Oil

  • The base of the marinade, adds richness and moisture.

• Fresh Garlic

  • Essential aromatic for depth and traditional Greek flavor.

• Lemon Juice & Zest

  • Adds brightness and natural tenderizing acidity.

• Dried Oregano

  • The signature Greek herb — robust and aromatic.

• Salt & Black Pepper

  • For balance and seasoning throughout.

• Red Wine Vinegar or White Wine Vinegar (optional)

  • Adds tang and complexity.

Optional Additions:

• Paprika or Crushed Red Pepper

  • For a little color and mild heat.

• Fresh Herbs

  • Chopped parsley or mint for garnish or additional layering of flavor.

• Wooden or Metal Skewers

  • If using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine:

• 1½ lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cubed

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• Zest and juice of 1 lemon

• 1½ tsp dried oregano

• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar (optional)

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

Mix well to coat. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the fridge.

The longer the marination, the more flavorful and tender the chicken will be.

2. Prepare the Skewers

• Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers.

• Do not pack too tightly — this ensures even cooking and crispy edges.

3. Grill the Chicken

Grill Pan or Outdoor Grill:

• Preheat to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or pan.

• Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes, until chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks.

Oven Broiler:

• Preheat broiler on high. Line a baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top.

• Place skewers on rack and broil 5–6 inches from the heat for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

4. Rest & Serve

• Let the skewers rest for 5 minutes.

• Garnish with a squeeze of lemon juice and fresh herbs before serving.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

• No Grill? Use a cast iron skillet or air fryer (400°F for 10–12 minutes).

• Make it a Platter: Serve over lemon rice or couscous with tzatziki, olives, and tomatoes.

• Add Veggies to Skewers: Include chunks of red onion, zucchini, or bell peppers.

• Meal Prep: Marinate and freeze uncooked chicken for a future quick meal.

• Different Protein: Try the same marinade on shrimp, lamb, or tofu.

Serving Ideas & Occasions

Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki:

• In a Pita Wrap – With tzatziki, cucumber, tomato, red onion, and feta.

• As a Rice Bowl – Over lemon herb rice with grilled veggies and hummus.

• On a Mezze Platter – With dolmas, olives, pita chips, and dips.

• For Entertaining – Serve skewers alongside grilled flatbreads and salad for a Mediterranean-style BBQ.

Great for:

• Family dinners

• Summer cookouts

• Picnic-style lunches

• Meal prep and easy lunches

Nutritional & Health Notes

This dish is:

• High in Lean Protein – Chicken provides sustained energy and fullness.

• Low Carb & Gluten-Free – Naturally fits many dietary lifestyles.

• Rich in Healthy Fats – Thanks to olive oil and optional feta topping.

• Customizable – Easily adaptable for keto, paleo, or dairy-free diets.

For a lighter option:

• Use chicken breast

• Reduce oil to 2 tbsp

• Serve with a fresh green salad

FAQs

Q1: Can I make Greek chicken souvlaki ahead of time?

Yes — you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and grill just before serving. Leftovers keep well for 3–4 days in the fridge.

Q2: Can I cook this in the oven?

Yes. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, turning once, or broil for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway for charring.

Q3: Do I have to use skewers?

No. You can pan-sear or bake the marinated chicken pieces without skewers for a deconstructed version.

Q4: What if I don’t have red wine vinegar?

Use lemon juice, white wine vinegar, or even a splash of balsamic for a slightly different but still tasty result.

Q5: Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Yes — place the raw chicken with marinade in a freezer bag and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before grilling.

Q6: What sauces go well with souvlaki?

Tzatziki is the classic choice. You can also serve it with hummus, tahini sauce, garlic yogurt, or even chimichurri.

Q7: Is souvlaki the same as gyros?

Not quite. Souvlaki uses whole grilled meat pieces on skewers, while gyros are typically made from meat shaved off a vertical rotisserie. Both are delicious and served similarly.

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