Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a beloved Mediterranean dish made from tender, marinated chicken grilled on skewers and typically served with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce. This dish is a staple in Greek street food and home cooking alike. The word “souvlaki” means “small skewer” in Greek, referencing the traditional method of preparation.

With its bright, zesty flavors and juicy grilled texture, Greek Chicken Souvlaki is perfect for summer grilling, meal prepping, or assembling quick wraps. Whether served as part of a full dinner or a casual lunch wrap, it captures the essence of Greek cuisine in every bite.

SAVE THIS!SAVE THIS!

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: With just 10 minutes of prep and under an hour of marinating, it’s a fast weeknight meal.
• Healthy and flavorful: Made with lean protein and fresh ingredients, it fits most healthy eating plans.
• Versatile: Serve it in wraps, over salads, or alongside grains.
• Grill or oven-friendly: No grill? No problem. This dish adapts easily to oven roasting.

This recipe is a go-to option for anyone seeking bold Mediterranean flavor without complicated steps or ingredients.

---

Tools and Equipment You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather these essential tools:

• Mixing bowls – for combining the marinade and tossing the chicken.
• Zip-top bag or covered bowl – for marinating.
• Grill or oven – both methods work well.
• Skewers – metal skewers are reusable, but wooden skewers will work with pre-soaking.
• Tongs – for turning the skewers on the grill.
• Meat thermometer – to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.

Using the right tools helps ensure even cooking and enhances safety and flavor.

---

Key Preparation Tips

• Marinate with care: Allow at least 45 minutes to marinate, but avoid exceeding 2 hours for chicken breasts to prevent a mushy texture.
• Don’t overcrowd skewers: Leave space between pieces to ensure even grilling.
• Preheat the grill: A hot grill helps sear the chicken and lock in moisture.
• Soak wooden skewers: If using wood, soak for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

These tips will help you achieve juicy, perfectly grilled souvlaki every time.

---

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed

For the Marinade

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

For Serving

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 plum tomatoes, sliced
• Tzatziki sauce
• Pita bread (khubz)
• Lemon slices, for squeezing

Optional additions: sliced cucumbers, crumbled feta, fresh parsley

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

Place the cubed chicken in a large zip-top bag or bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag (removing excess air), and toss to coat evenly. Refrigerate for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

2. Prepare Skewers

Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, spacing pieces slightly apart. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.

3. Grill Method

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Clean and oil the grates. Grill the skewers for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and the internal temperature reaches 163°F. Baste once with reserved marinade if desired. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving (carryover heat will bring it to 165°F).

4. Oven Method

Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange chicken cubes on a greased baking sheet. Bake on the top oven rack for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 163°F. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

5. Assemble and Serve

Serve grilled chicken on warm pita bread with sliced tomatoes, red onions, a generous spoon of tzatziki sauce, and a fresh squeeze of lemon juice.

Serving Suggestions

Greek Chicken Souvlaki is incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a street-style wrap or as part of a complete Mediterranean meal. Here are some of the most popular and delicious ways to enjoy it:

1. Classic Souvlaki Wrap

Wrap the grilled chicken in warm pita bread with sliced red onion, tomatoes, and a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce. Add crumbled feta for a salty kick and finish with a squeeze of lemon.

2. Souvlaki Platter

Serve the chicken skewers alongside lemon rice, grilled vegetables, and a scoop of hummus or tzatziki. Add olives and feta cheese for an authentic Greek plate.

3. Low-Carb Lettuce Wraps

Skip the pita and use large romaine or butter lettuce leaves to create low-carb wraps. Top with tzatziki, diced cucumber, and tomato.

4. Mediterranean Grain Bowl

Layer chicken over quinoa or couscous, then top with cucumber, red onion, tomatoes, olives, and a drizzle of olive oil or vinaigrette.

5. Salad Topping

Add the grilled chicken to a fresh Greek salad of romaine lettuce, cucumbers, olives, red onions, and tomatoes. Toss with olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano.

These serving ideas make the dish suitable for casual meals, party platters, or healthy lunches.

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Greek Chicken Souvlaki is simple, but a few common mistakes can impact the final result. Here’s what to watch for and how to avoid them.

Over-Marinating the Chicken

While marinating adds flavor and tenderness, too much time in an acidic marinade can break down the chicken fibers and make the texture mushy. Marinate for 45 minutes to 1 hour for optimal results.

Using High Heat Too Soon

Cooking on an overly hot grill can char the outside of the chicken while leaving the inside undercooked. Always preheat the grill to medium-high and monitor the skewers closely.

Overcrowding the Skewers

Placing chicken pieces too close together can cause uneven cooking. Leave a little space between each piece to allow heat and smoke to circulate evenly.

Skipping the Resting Period

Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling helps retain moisture and ensures that juices redistribute. Always rest the chicken for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Avoiding these missteps will help you create perfectly grilled souvlaki every time.

---

8 Best Side Dishes to Serve With Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Pair your Greek Chicken Souvlaki with a range of flavorful side dishes to create a complete and satisfying meal. Here are eight excellent options:

1. Greek Salad

A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese tossed with olive oil and oregano. A classic pairing with any Greek main.

2. Lemon Rice Pilaf

A fragrant rice dish cooked with lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. It complements the citrus notes in the souvlaki marinade.

3. Roasted Oregano Potatoes

Crispy on the outside and soft inside, these potatoes are seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and oregano—perfect with grilled meats.

4. Cucumber and Tomato Salad

A simple but vibrant salad made with diced cucumber, ripe tomatoes, and red onion. Dress it with red wine vinegar and olive oil.

5. Grilled Vegetables

Zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers grilled alongside the souvlaki offer a smoky and colorful side dish.

6. Hummus with Pita Chips

Creamy hummus served with crunchy or grilled pita makes a great starter or complement to the main dish.

7. Orzo Pasta Salad with Feta and Dill

A cold pasta salad flavored with lemon juice, fresh dill, chopped cucumbers, and crumbled feta. Light and flavorful.

8. Tabbouleh

A refreshing salad made with parsley, bulgur, tomatoes, mint, and lemon juice. It adds a herby freshness to balance the grilled chicken.

Each of these sides enhances the Mediterranean profile of the dish, making it suitable for everyday dinners or weekend gatherings.

Recipe Tips

Perfecting Greek Chicken Souvlaki comes down to attention to detail during preparation and cooking. Here are several expert tips to enhance the flavor and texture of your dish.

Add Yogurt for Tenderness

Mixing a couple of tablespoons of Greek yogurt into the marinade can create an even more tender and juicy chicken. The lactic acid gently breaks down the protein while adding richness.

Bring Chicken to Room Temperature

Before grilling or baking, allow the marinated chicken to rest at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes. This ensures even cooking and reduces the chance of the chicken drying out.

Use Fresh Herbs for Garnish

While dried oregano is great for marinating, adding fresh oregano or parsley just before serving brightens the flavor and adds visual appeal.

Warm Pita Just Before Serving

Whether using the grill, oven, or skillet, warming the pita makes it more pliable and aromatic. A quick 20-second warm-up improves texture and taste.

Don’t Skip the Rest Time

After grilling, let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes. This helps retain juices and improves the overall texture of the meat.

---

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Refrigeration

Store leftover Greek Chicken Souvlaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Keep the chicken separate from pita and fresh toppings to maintain quality.

Freezing

Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to three months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating

To retain moisture and flavor, reheat chicken in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, turning occasionally.

Tip: Avoid reheating pita in the microwave. Use a dry skillet or wrap it in foil and warm it in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes. Chicken thighs are a flavorful and juicy alternative to breasts. They also hold up well to grilling and long marinating times.

What is the difference between souvlaki and gyros?

While both are popular Greek dishes, souvlaki is made from marinated meat grilled on skewers, while gyros are cooked on a vertical rotisserie and sliced thin.

Can I bake instead of grill?

Absolutely. The oven method works well when grilling isn’t an option. Bake the skewered chicken at 350°F, turning halfway through, until it reaches 165°F internally.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

The ideal marinating time is 45 minutes to 1 hour. You can marinate up to 12 hours, but avoid going longer to prevent a mushy texture from the lemon juice.

What can I use instead of pita?

Try serving over rice, couscous, in lettuce wraps, or with flatbreads like naan or lavash. For gluten-free diets, use certified gluten-free pita or lettuce cups.

Is this recipe healthy?

Yes. It’s high in protein, low in carbs, and contains healthy fats from olive oil. Serving with fresh vegetables and whole grains can make it even more balanced.

Can I meal prep Greek Chicken Souvlaki?

Definitely. Cooked chicken can be stored and reheated easily. Prep fresh toppings separately and assemble when ready to eat for the best texture.

---

Conclusion

Greek Chicken Souvlaki is the perfect recipe when you’re looking for a fresh, flavorful, and fast meal. With its simple marinade, quick cook time, and flexibility in how it’s served, it offers a great introduction to Mediterranean cooking. Whether wrapped in pita, served on a platter, or added to salads and grain bowls, it brings bold, satisfying flavors with every bite.

This dish is ideal for grilling season, weeknight dinners, or entertaining guests. With proper planning and storage, it can also serve as an excellent meal prep option for the week ahead. Try customizing it with your favorite sides and toppings, and make it a staple in your kitchen.

Ready to bring the flavors of Greece to your table? This Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe is the place to start.