Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

This authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe brings the sunny Mediterranean flavors right to your dinner table. The marinade of olive oil, lemon, and herbs creates incredibly tender chicken with that distinctive Greek flavor profile that transports you straight to a seaside taverna in Santorini.

This recipe became my family's summer staple after our trip to Greece five years ago. We were determined to recreate those incredible street food flavors at home, and after many attempts, this version consistently brings back those vacation memories with every bite.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: 1.5 lbs – choose high quality meat for the best texture and flavor
• Olive oil: 1/4 cup – use extra virgin for optimal Mediterranean flavor
• Fresh lemon juice: 1/4 cup – freshly squeezed makes a noticeable difference
• Garlic: 4 cloves – freshly minced releases more aromatic compounds
• Dried oregano: 1 tablespoon – authentic Greek oregano has a more intense flavor
• Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon – adds subtle earthy notes to balance the brightness
• Salt and pepper: to taste – kosher salt works best for even distribution
• Red onion: adds sweetness when grilled and traditional Greek flavor
• Bell peppers: both red and green – provide color contrast and slight sweetness
• Wooden skewers: soaking prevents burning during grilling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the marinade:

Combine olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper in a large bowl and whisk thoroughly until emulsified. The acid from the lemon will help tenderize the chicken while the oil carries the flavors of the herbs deeply into the meat.

Marinate the chicken:

Add your chicken chunks to the bowl with the marinade and use your hands or tongs to ensure each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour, though overnight marination will develop much deeper flavors and more tender meat. The longer marinade time transforms good souvlaki into exceptional souvlaki.

Prepare for grilling:

Preheat your grill to medium high heat around 375°F to 400°F. If using wooden skewers, ensure they have been soaking in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. This preparation stage is crucial for successful grilling without flare ups or scorched skewers.

Assemble the skewers:

Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto your skewers, alternating with chunks of red onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Leave small spaces between each piece to ensure even cooking throughout. Creating this pattern not only looks beautiful but allows heat to circulate properly around each component.

Grill to perfection:

Place the prepared skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 8–10 minutes total, turning occasionally to ensure even browning on all sides. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has beautiful char marks. The vegetables should be tender with slightly crisp edges.

Pin

My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the marinade. The combination of lemon and oregano is quintessentially Greek, and I find myself using this same mixture on everything from chicken to vegetables to fish. My children now associate this aroma with our annual summer barbecues where these skewers are always the star attraction.

Serving Suggestions

Traditional Greek souvlaki is often served with warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a simple Greek salad on the side. For a complete authentic experience, arrange your grilled skewers on a platter with lemon wedges for squeezing over the hot chicken. Offer bowls of tzatziki for dipping and warmed pita bread for creating delicious wraps.

For a lower carb option, serve the souvlaki over a bed of crisp romaine lettuce with crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes. The hot chicken slightly wilts the lettuce, creating a delicious contrast of temperatures and textures that make for a satisfying meal.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

The chicken can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance, making this perfect for meal prep. Simply prepare the marinade and chicken the night before, and when you return home from work the next day, you only need to thread the skewers and grill.

Cooked souvlaki can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap loosely in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make the chicken tough and rubbery.

Variations to Try

While this authentic recipe is perfect as is, you can create delicious variations by switching the protein. Try using cubed pork tenderloin, lamb, or even firm fish like swordfish or halloumi cheese for a vegetarian option. The same marinade works beautifully with all these alternatives.

For a more colorful presentation and additional flavor, try adding cherry tomatoes, zucchini chunks, or mushrooms to your skewers. These vegetables grill beautifully and complement the herbaceous chicken perfectly.

Pin

Recipe FAQs

→ How long should I marinate the chicken for best results?

For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but overnight marination (8-12 hours) will produce the most tender and flavorful results. The lemon juice and olive oil help tenderize the meat while the herbs infuse it with classic Greek flavors.

→ Can I cook these souvlaki skewers in the oven instead of grilling?

Yes! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

→ What sides pair well with Greek chicken souvlaki?

Traditional accompaniments include warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, Greek salad, lemon rice, or roasted potatoes with oregano. For a complete Greek feast, add some kalamata olives, feta cheese, and hummus to your spread.

→ Can I prepare the skewers in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the skewers up to 24 hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. This makes them perfect for entertaining or meal prep. Just bring them to room temperature for about 15 minutes before grilling.

→ What's the best way to make tzatziki sauce for serving?

Combine 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1 grated cucumber (squeezed dry), 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon fresh dill. Season with salt and let it chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

→ How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning on the grill?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) before threading on the ingredients. This prevents them from catching fire during grilling. Alternatively, you can use metal skewers which don't require soaking.