Easy Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
This Easy Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe features juicy chicken breast marinated in extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and oregano, then grilled to perfection with deliciously charred edges. Ready with just 10 minutes of prep time and simple ingredients, these Greek chicken skewers are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, summer grilling, or a Mediterranean-inspired meal. Serve them with warm pita bread, creamy tzatziki sauce, fresh tomatoes, and olives for an easy, flavorful dinner the whole family will love.
Why This Recipe Works
This Greek chicken souvlaki recipe delivers classic Mediterranean flavor with a simple lemon-garlic marinade and aromatic dried oregano. The olive oil helps coat the chicken, while fresh lemon juice and garlic add brightness and depth. Cutting the chicken into evenly sized cubes helps it cook consistently, and grilling over medium-high heat creates beautifully browned, slightly charred edges while keeping the meat juicy. Best of all, you can prepare it on an outdoor grill, a stovetop grill pan, or in the oven, making it a versatile choice for any season.
Tips to Make Easy Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
- Cut evenly sized pieces: Cut the chicken into approximately 1-inch cubes so the pieces cook at a similar rate.
- Marinate for maximum flavor: Allow at least 1 hour for the lemon, garlic, and oregano to flavor the chicken.
- Avoid over-marinating: Because the marinade contains lemon juice, avoid marinating the chicken for longer than 12 hours.
- Soak wooden skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for about 20–30 minutes before grilling to help prevent burning.
- Leave space between pieces: Do not pack the chicken too tightly onto the skewers; airflow and direct heat help create charred edges.
- Use a meat thermometer: Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), measured in the thickest piece.
- Let it rest: Rest the cooked chicken for about 3–5 minutes before serving to help retain its juices.
- Serve Mediterranean-style: Pair the skewers with warm pita, tzatziki, sliced tomatoes, red onions, olives, or a Greek salad.
Chef's Tip
The secret to restaurant-style Greek chicken souvlaki is a hot cooking surface and a simple, well-balanced marinade. Use fresh lemon juice, good-quality extra virgin olive oil, freshly minced garlic, and dried oregano for authentic Mediterranean flavor. Before cooking, remove excess marinade from the chicken so it browns instead of steaming. Place the skewers on a properly preheated grill or grill pan, then let each side cook undisturbed for several minutes before turning. Avoid overcrowding the pan, and always check that the chicken reaches 165°F in the center. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and serve immediately with cool, creamy tzatziki.
Easy Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Ingredients
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For the Chicken Souvlaki
For Serving
Recommended Kitchen Equipment
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Mixing Bowls
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View on AmazonGrill Pan or Outdoor Grill
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View on AmazonInstant-Read Meat Thermometer
View on AmazonStep-by-Step Instructions
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1
Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into evenly sized 1-inch cubes. Place the chicken in a large mixing bowl or a shallow dish, ready for marinating.
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2
In a large bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, dried oregano, and minced garlic until combined. Add the chicken cubes and toss thoroughly so every piece is coated.
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Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to develop. You can prepare the chicken up to 12 hours ahead, but avoid leaving it in the acidic marinade for longer.
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4
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20–30 minutes beforehand. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
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Choose your preferred cooking method: - Outdoor grill: Preheat to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for about 5–8 minutes per side, turning as needed, until browned and cooked through. - Grill pan: Preheat over medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for 3–4 minutes before turning, then continue turning every 3–4 minutes until evenly browned and cooked through. Work in batches. - Oven: Preheat to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the skewers on a foil-lined sheet pan and roast for 18–22 minutes, turning once halfway through. Broil for an additional 2–3 minutes if desired, watching closely to prevent burning. Important: Cooking time varies with the size of the chicken pieces and your equipment. Always verify that the thickest piece reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Let the chicken rest briefly after cooking. Serve the skewers warm with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, sliced tomatoes, and olives. Add fresh lemon juice or chopped parsley for an extra burst of Mediterranean flavor.
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📦 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Store leftover cooked chicken souvlaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days, and keep the pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and fresh vegetables in separate containers for the best texture. Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven until thoroughly heated, adding a small splash of water or olive oil if needed to prevent it from drying out. For make-ahead preparation, combine the raw chicken with the marinade in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 1 month for best quality. Thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking, and marinate refrigerated chicken for at least 1 hour but no longer than 12 hours for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
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