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Greek Chicken Souvlaki

This Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a delicious street food-style dish made with tender, marinated grilled chicken served on warm pita with fresh tomatoes, red onion, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. It’s the perfect blend of bright Mediterranean flavors, ideal for a quick meal or summer grilling night.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Marinate Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: greek
Keyword: chicken souvlaki, Greek skewers, Greek street food, grilled chicken pita, tzatziki chicken
Servings: 4
Calories: 344kcal

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed

For the Marinade

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice from 1 lemon
  • 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

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

  • Place the cubed chicken in a large zip-top bag or bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together the 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. Refrigerate for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Prepare Skewers:

  • Remove chicken from the marinade and thread onto skewers, leaving space between the pieces. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.

Grill Method:

  • Preheat grill to medium-high. Clean and oil the grates.
  • Grill the skewers for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 163°F. Baste once with reserved marinade while grilling (discard any leftover marinade).
  • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling (it will continue to cook to 165°F). Warm pita on the grill if desired.

Oven Method:

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

Assemble and Serve:

  • Serve grilled chicken on warm pita with sliced tomatoes, red onions, tzatziki sauce, and a squeeze of lemon.

Notes

Use metal skewers for convenience. If using wooden ones, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling.
Don’t overcrowd the skewers to ensure even cooking.