There’s a certain magic that happens when you take tender, marinated chicken and grill it to perfection. The aroma wafts through the air, making your mouth water before you even take a bite. Imagine juicy bites of chicken, kissed by flames, garnished with fresh veggies and creamy tzatziki sauce. That, my friends, is the charm of chicken souvlaki.
I have fond memories of summer evenings spent grilling chicken souvlaki in my backyard. Friends gathered around, laughter filling the air, and everyone eagerly waiting for that first succulent bite. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this dish never fails to impress.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This amazing Greek chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing
There’s nothing like the look on my friends’ faces when they take their first bite—pure bliss!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
-
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor.
-
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the marinade beautifully.
-
Dried Oregano: A staple in Greek cuisine, it adds that authentic flavor.
-
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for richness and depth.
-
Pita Bread: Soft pita wraps are perfect for serving alongside your souvlaki.
-
Tzatziki Sauce: Creamy yogurt mixed with cucumber and herbs is an essential topping.
-
Fresh Vegetables: Tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions add freshness and crunch to your meal.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.
Marinate the Chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and add to the marinade. Mix well to coat all pieces evenly and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
Skewer the Chicken: Thread marinated chicken onto skewers alternating with bell peppers or onions if desired. This not only looks pretty but adds flavor!
Grill to Perfection: Preheat your grill over medium-high heat. Grill skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
Serve with Style: Remove from grill and let rest briefly before serving. Serve skewers with warm pita bread and tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping.
This chicken souvlaki recipe brings forth vibrant flavors that will transport you straight to a sun-soaked Greek island! Enjoy every single bite as you savor this delightful dish!
You Must Know
- This amazing Greek chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least one hour. Grill over medium-high heat to achieve that perfect char and juicy inside.

Add Your Touch
Consider adding diced bell peppers and red onions to your skewers for extra flavor and color. You can also swap chicken for shrimp or veggies.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to maintain moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the juiciest chicken souvlaki, let it marinate overnight if possible
- Always preheat your grill to avoid sticking
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skewers, allowing even cooking and great char
I remember the first time I made chicken souvlaki; my friends devoured everything! They even asked for seconds, which filled my heart with joy and my kitchen with laughter.

FAQ
What is chicken souvlaki?
Chicken souvlaki is a Greek dish featuring marinated grilled chicken skewers, often served with pita.
Can I use other meats for souvlaki?
Absolutely! Lamb, beef, or even tofu work great as alternatives in this recipe.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption and perfect juiciness.
Chicken Souvlaki
Experience the irresistible flavors of Greek cuisine with this Chicken Souvlaki recipe. Tender, marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection and served with warm pita and creamy tzatziki sauce will transport your taste buds straight to a sun-soaked Mediterranean island. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress family and friends.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pita bread (for serving)
- Tzatziki sauce (for serving)
- Fresh vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add to the marinade and mix until evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Optionally alternate with bell peppers or onions.
- Grill: Preheat your grill over medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from grill and let rest briefly before serving with warm pita bread and tzatziki sauce on the side.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg


