Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a fresh and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired recipe featuring juicy chicken marinated with olive oil, lemon, garlic, oregano, and herbs before being grilled on skewers.
The simple lemon garlic marinade gives every piece of chicken bright, savory flavor, while grilling creates lightly charred edges and a tender center. Serve these chicken souvlaki skewers with creamy tzatziki for an easy meal that’s especially good during grilling season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Greek chicken recipe gets plenty of flavor from a short list of everyday ingredients. Lemon provides freshness, olive oil helps keep the chicken tender, and garlic and oregano create the classic Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
Preparation is straightforward, too. Once the chicken has marinated, simply thread it onto skewers and grill for a few minutes per side.
It’s also an easy family-friendly meal because everyone can build their own plate. Serve the grilled chicken with pita bread, tzatziki, rice, salad, or fresh vegetables for a complete dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 recipe tzatziki sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts into approximately 1 1/2-inch cubes, keeping the pieces similar in size for even cooking.
- Add the chicken to a large mixing bowl. Pour in the olive oil and lemon juice, then add the minced garlic, oregano, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss thoroughly until every piece of chicken is coated in the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving just a little space between the pieces so they cook evenly.
- Place the Greek Chicken Souvlaki skewers on the hot grill and cook for approximately 3–4 minutes on each side, turning as needed.
- Continue grilling until the outside is lightly charred and the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer the skewers to a clean platter and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve warm with tzatziki sauce and your favorite Mediterranean-inspired sides.
Tips & Tricks
Cut the chicken into evenly sized cubes. Pieces that are roughly the same size will cook at a similar rate, reducing the chance of some becoming dry while others remain undercooked.
Allow at least 30 minutes for marinating. For deeper lemon garlic flavor, you can marinate the chicken for several hours in the refrigerator.
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before grilling to reduce scorching. Metal skewers can be used immediately.
Avoid packing the chicken too tightly onto the skewers. Leaving a small amount of space helps the hot air circulate and encourages more even browning.
A grill pan can be used when outdoor grilling isn’t practical. You can also cook the chicken under a broiler, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
For a halal-friendly meal, use halal-certified chicken and verify that any prepared tzatziki and packaged ingredients meet your dietary requirements.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: About 55 minutes
Yield: 6 skewers
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Greek
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly, high-protein, gluten-free when served without pita or with gluten-free sides
Notes
Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts if you prefer darker, juicier meat. Boneless, skinless thighs work particularly well on the grill.
Fresh parsley can replace dried parsley. You can also add a little extra lemon zest for a brighter citrus flavor without significantly increasing the acidity of the marinade.
Serve the skewers with tzatziki, warm pita bread, Greek salad, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, olives, roasted potatoes, or seasoned rice.
For a simple chicken souvlaki pita, remove the cooked chicken from the skewers and tuck it inside warm pita with tzatziki, tomato, cucumber, and lettuce.
Nutrition
Approximate nutrition per serving, excluding tzatziki and sides:
Calories: 300–350 kcal
Protein: 40–45 g
Carbohydrates: 2–4 g
Fat: 14–18 g
Exact nutrition depends on portion size and the amount of marinade retained after grilling.
FAQ
What is Greek Chicken Souvlaki?
Greek Chicken Souvlaki is made by marinating pieces of chicken with ingredients such as olive oil, lemon, garlic, and oregano before threading them onto skewers and grilling. It’s commonly served with tzatziki and other Greek-style accompaniments.
How long should I marinate chicken souvlaki?
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. A few hours will give the herbs and garlic additional time to flavor the meat. Always keep marinating chicken refrigerated.
Can I make chicken souvlaki without a grill?
Yes. A stovetop grill pan is a convenient alternative. The skewers can also be cooked under a broiler or the chicken pieces can be cooked in a hot skillet until browned and completely cooked through.
What should I serve with Greek chicken souvlaki?
Tzatziki is a classic accompaniment. Pita bread, Greek salad, cucumber and tomato salad, lemon rice, roasted potatoes, hummus, or grilled vegetables can turn the skewers into a complete meal.
How do I keep chicken souvlaki juicy?
Don’t cut the chicken pieces too small, and avoid overcooking them. Olive oil in the marinade also helps with moisture and browning. Remove the chicken from the grill once it reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
Can I prepare chicken souvlaki ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the marinade and chicken earlier in the day and refrigerate them together until you’re ready to grill. You can also make the tzatziki in advance and keep it chilled.
Storage
Remove leftover chicken from the skewers and transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly and use within 3–4 days.
For longer storage, place cooled grilled chicken in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until thoroughly heated. Adding a small splash of water or broth while reheating can help prevent the chicken from drying out.
Store tzatziki separately in the refrigerator and serve it cold alongside the reheated chicken.
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Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 recipe tzatziki sauce for serving
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts into approximately 1 1/2-inch cubes, keeping the pieces similar in size for even cooking.
- Add the chicken to a large mixing bowl. Pour in the olive oil and lemon juice, then add the minced garlic, oregano, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss thoroughly until every piece of chicken is coated in the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving just a little space between the pieces so they cook evenly.
- Place the Greek Chicken Souvlaki skewers on the hot grill and cook for approximately 3–4 minutes on each side, turning as needed.
- Continue grilling until the outside is lightly charred and the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer the skewers to a clean platter and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve warm with tzatziki sauce and your favorite Mediterranean-inspired sides.
Notes
Conclusion
Greek Chicken Souvlaki shows how a simple marinade can transform chicken breasts into a bright, savory, and satisfying meal. Lemon, garlic, oregano, olive oil, and smoky grilled edges give the skewers plenty of flavor without requiring a complicated ingredient list.
Pair this easy grilled chicken with cool tzatziki, pita, fresh vegetables, or a Greek salad for a colorful family dinner that’s simple enough for a weeknight and flavorful enough for summer entertaining.