Greek Chicken Souvlaki (Grill OR Stovetop)

Alright, this Greek chicken souvlaki? It’s juicy, flavorful, and grilled to perfection with simple ingredients like lemon, garlic, and oregano. Every bite tastes like a little trip to the Mediterranean.

I first made it after craving something fresh and easy. Marinated chicken chunks overnight, threaded them onto skewers, and grilled them until golden and tender. The smell alone took me straight to a seaside taverna.

It’s perfect served with warm pita, fresh veggies, and tangy tzatziki. If you want a quick, tasty meal that’s full of Mediterranean sunshine, this one’s for you. Let’s fire up the grill—you’re gonna love it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Greek Flavor: This marinade is based on timeless Greek principles—lemon for brightness, garlic for depth, oregano for that unmistakable herbal aroma, and olive oil to tie everything together.
• Tender, Juicy Chicken: The acid in the lemon juice breaks down the protein fibers gently, helping the chicken absorb flavor while keeping it moist through cooking.
• Flexible Cooking Methods: Whether you’re using an outdoor grill for smoky flavor or cooking indoors on a stovetop grill pan or cast iron skillet, the result is consistently delicious.
• Meal Prep Powerhouse: The chicken can be marinated up to 8 hours in advance, making it a go-to for prepping ahead. It also stores well for leftovers in bowls or wraps.
• Healthy and Balanced: High in protein, low in carbs, and made with whole ingredients. You’re getting flavor and nourishment in every bite.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 25 minutes (including cutting and marinating)
• Marinating Time: At least 30 minutes; best if 4–8 hours
• Cook Time: 12 to 15 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour (with minimum marination)

Servings:

• This recipe yields approximately 4 servings (about 2 skewers per person if using 8-inch skewers). Ideal for family dinners or portioned lunches.

Difficulty Level:

• Beginner-friendly. No complicated cooking techniques—just proper marinating and attention to cooking times. A great recipe for learning the foundations of bold, herbaceous flavor.

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Required Kitchen Tools

To ensure everything goes smoothly, you’ll want to have these items ready:

• Mixing Bowl: For combining and marinating the chicken.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: For accuracy with the marinade.
• Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: You’ll need to cube the chicken and cut vegetables cleanly.
• Skewers: Use metal skewers for convenience or wooden ones (soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning).
• Tongs or Spatula: For turning the skewers on the grill or skillet.
• Grill or Heavy Skillet: Outdoor grill, stovetop grill pan, or cast iron skillet all work well.

Ingredients for the Greek Chicken Souvlaki Marinade

This marinade uses traditional Greek pantry staples, each playing a key role in tenderizing and flavoring the chicken. Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card (coming in Part 3), but here’s what you’ll need and why:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs (1¼–1½ pounds):
  Cut into 1-inch cubes. Thighs are more forgiving if overcooked, while breasts cook quickly and stay lean. Both work well.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil:
  A generous pour forms the base of the marinade. It carries the flavor into the meat and adds moisture during cooking.
• Fresh Lemon Juice:
  Essential for the bright, zesty Greek profile. Lemon’s acidity breaks down the meat’s surface, allowing deeper flavor penetration.
• Garlic (minced):
  Use fresh garlic for the most robust flavor. It infuses the marinade with a pungent sharpness that mellows beautifully during cooking.
• Dried Oregano:
  A hallmark of Greek cooking. Its slightly bitter, earthy flavor stands up well to high heat and complements the citrus and garlic.
• Kosher Salt and Cracked Black Pepper:
  These basic seasonings are crucial for enhancing every other ingredient. Kosher salt helps draw out moisture from the chicken, encouraging browning.
• Red Onion (cut into chunks):
  Optional but recommended. Adds sweetness and color to the skewers, and roasts beautifully alongside the chicken.
• Plum or Grape Tomatoes (optional):
  A juicy, lightly acidic counterpoint to the savory chicken. If using, thread them onto skewers to cook alongside the meat.
• Pita Bread or Flatbread:
  Warmed and soft, perfect for wrapping the grilled chicken with toppings.
• Tzatziki Sauce:
  Yogurt-based with cucumber and garlic, this cooling condiment balances the dish perfectly. Homemade or store-bought both work.
• Lemon Wedges:
  Serve on the side so everyone can add an extra spritz of brightness to their finished plate.

How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl or shallow dish, whisk together:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1½ teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

Taste the marinade and adjust salt or lemon juice as needed—it should taste bold, bright, and slightly salty (which will mellow as it soaks into the chicken).

2. Cut and Marinate the Chicken

• Pat dry 1¼ to 1½ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken (breasts or thighs).
• Cut into 1-inch cubes, aiming for even size so everything cooks at the same rate.
• Add the chicken to the marinade, toss to coat thoroughly, and cover the bowl.
• Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 8 hours. The longer, the better—this gives time for the acid and herbs to penetrate.

3. Assemble the Skewers

• If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
• Thread the chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving small gaps in between for even cooking. If desired, alternate with chunks of red onion and plum or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and color.

4. Cook the Chicken

Option A: Outdoor Grill

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F/200°C).
2. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
3. Place skewers on the grill and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes for even charring.
4. Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and edges are nicely browned.

Option B: Stovetop Grill Pan or Cast Iron Skillet

1. Heat a well-oiled grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the skewers in a single layer without overcrowding.
3. Cook for 5–7 minutes per side, rotating with tongs until all sides are golden and chicken is fully cooked.

5. Let It Rest

• Remove the skewers from the heat and let them rest for 3–5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it tender.

Serving and Decoration

Greek Chicken Souvlaki is best served warm and can be plated in several ways depending on the occasion:

• In Pita Wraps:
  Slide the grilled chicken off the skewers into warm pita bread. Add a dollop of tzatziki, a few slices of red onion, some chopped tomato, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or crumbled feta.
• On a Platter:
  Serve skewers on a wooden board alongside a bowl of tzatziki, lemon wedges, sliced cucumbers, grilled veggies, and pita triangles for a family-style meal.
• As a Bowl:
  Layer the chicken over a bed of herbed rice, quinoa, or orzo with toppings like olives, greens, and cucumbers for a lighter lunch option.
• With Sides:
  Pair with a classic Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or grilled zucchini to round out the meal.

Storing Greek Chicken Souvlaki

• Leftovers:
  Store leftover cooked chicken (off the skewers) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing:
  Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe bags, and label with the date. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating:
  Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes. To prevent drying out, add a splash of water or cover with a damp paper towel.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness: They’re more forgiving than breasts and don’t dry out as easily on the grill.
• Marinate Longer for Deeper Flavor: While 30 minutes works, aim for 4–6 hours for the best result.
• Don’t Skip the Resting Step: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking keeps it juicy and flavorful.
• Soak Wooden Skewers: Always soak for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
• Test for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer—165°F is the target for perfectly cooked chicken.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	290
Protein	34g
Carbohydrates	4g
Sugars	1g
Fiber	1g
Fat	15g
Saturated Fat	3g
Sodium	480mg
Cholesterol	110mg

Nutrition data is approximate and based on chicken and marinade only. Toppings and pita not included.

Greek Chicken Souvlaki FAQs

Can I make this without skewers?
Yes, simply cook the marinated chicken pieces in a hot skillet or bake in the oven at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can marinate the chicken the night before and cook it fresh the next day. Leftovers also keep well for lunch boxes or bowls.

What can I use instead of tzatziki?
If you don’t have tzatziki, try plain Greek yogurt with a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of garlic and salt as a simple substitute.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the chicken and marinade are naturally gluten-free. Just use certified gluten-free pita or skip the bread altogether.

Conclusion

Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a timeless, approachable recipe that proves how a few fresh ingredients can deliver outstanding results. With its zesty marinade, tender grilled meat, and flexible serving options, it’s perfect for everything from a quick weeknight meal to a weekend cookout. The flavors are clean and satisfying—lemon, garlic, and oregano working in harmony to deliver a dish that feels both nourishing and flavorful.

Whether you’re wrapping it in pita, pairing it with roasted veggies, or serving it over rice, this souvlaki fits into almost any meal plan. It’s also an ideal recipe for those just beginning their cooking journey. Simple steps, forgiving ingredients, and reliable results make it a favorite you’ll return to often.

Add this one to your rotation—you’ll appreciate how effortlessly it comes together and how well it satisfies.