Name: Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs Chicken, 3-4 boneless breast or 12-14 chicken tenders; 3 tbsp Oregano, fresh leaves, or 1.5 tbsp dried, or mix half-half; 1 tbsp Garlic, about 4-5 garlic cloves, fresh minced; 3 tbsp Olive Oil; 1/4 Cup Lemon, juice, about 1 large lemon’s juice; 1/2 tsp Cumin Powder; 2 tbsp Parsley, fresh leaves, chopped; 1/2 tsp Chili Flakes; 1/2 tsp Salt; 1/4 tsp Black Pepper, freshly cracked; Oil Spray; Pita Bread

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Chicken Souvlaki is the soul of Greek street food and truly one of those special dishes that can transform an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary. With just a handful of fresh, vibrant ingredients and a marinade that works magic, you get chicken that’s juicy, herbaceous, and layered with sunny Mediterranean flavors. Whether you tuck it into pillowy pita bread or pile it high with your favorite toppings, this Chicken Souvlaki recipe is the kind of meal you’ll want to share with family and friends any night of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Chicken Souvlaki comes from simple, honest ingredients that do all the heavy lifting. Each component plays its own important role, bringing punchy flavor, juicy texture, or a burst of color that makes every bite truly craveable.

Chicken: Boneless breast or chicken tenders are perfect—tender and quick to cook, letting the marinade shine through.
Oregano: Go for fresh for a bold herbal pop, or dried if that’s what you have—either way, it gives Chicken Souvlaki its signature aroma.
Garlic: Freshly minced cloves infuse the meat with a warm, savory backbone—this is one of those recipes where garlic makes all the difference.
Olive Oil: A good, fruity olive oil creates richness in the marinade and helps keep the chicken moist.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon brings brightness and acid that balances everything, and also tenderizes the chicken.
Cumin Powder: Just a pinch adds a toasty, warm undercurrent to the blend of Mediterranean flavors.
Parsley: Freshly chopped leaves add a green freshness to round out the finish.
Chili Flakes: For just a hint of gentle heat—adjust up or down according to your preference.
Salt: Brings all the flavors together; taste to adjust if needed.
Black Pepper: Freshly cracked pepper for a peppery edge that lifts the marinade.
Oil Spray: Helps keep the chicken and pita from sticking to the grill and gives that coveted golden finish.
Pita Bread: Soft, warm pita is the classic vehicle for Chicken Souvlaki—don’t skip it!

How to Make Chicken Souvlaki

Step 1: Make the Souvlaki Marinade

The marinade is the beating heart of Chicken Souvlaki. In a wide bowl or a sealable bag, mix together the oregano, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, parsley, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined, letting those fresh herbs and spices begin to merge into a flavorful medley. This is where the bold flavors start!

Step 2: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken

Slice your chicken breast or tenders into bite-sized pieces, about 1-2 inches each—just right for skewering and getting maximum surface area for that marinade to do its job. Add the chicken to your bowl or bag, turning and tossing so every piece is coated evenly. Seal it up and let it hang out in the fridge for at least 20-30 minutes. If you have time, marinate up to overnight for even more flavor and tenderness!

Step 3: Skewer and Grill Your Chicken Souvlaki

Fire up your grill to medium-high and get ready for those irresistible aromas. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, packing them just tightly enough so they cook evenly. Lay the skewers on the preheated grill and cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden with sizzling grill marks and cooked through—about 10-12 minutes depending on your grill and the size of the pieces. Each turn on the grill brings out more of those complex, charred flavors that make Chicken Souvlaki so irresistible.

Step 4: Grill the Pita and Serve

While your chicken finishes up, lightly spray the pita bread with oil and throw it on the grill for 30 seconds to 1 minute per side. You’ll get beautiful grill marks and soft, warm bread with just a touch of crispness. Serve the grilled pitas alongside your Chicken Souvlaki and get ready for compliments!

How to Serve Chicken Souvlaki

Garnishes

The best part of Chicken Souvlaki might just be the toppings. I love piling on sliced red onion, juicy tomatoes, fresh cucumbers, and a sprinkle of extra parsley for a burst of color. And of course, a generous spoonful of cool, creamy tzatziki takes every bite to the next level!

Side Dishes

Traditionalists will tell you nothing beats a side of lemon potatoes or a classic Greek salad. You can also keep things lighter with a simple cucumber and tomato salad, or go for rice pilaf or even crispy oven fries. All of these set the stage beautifully for Chicken Souvlaki to steal the show.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party-friendly twist, lay out a DIY Chicken Souvlaki bar with all the fixings and let everyone build their own pita wraps. You can also serve the skewers over a big platter of salad greens for a lighter, carb-free option, or dice the grilled chicken to make hearty grain bowls—think farro, quinoa, or orzo topped with feta and olives!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Souvlaki keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors get even deeper after a night in the fridge, making those leftovers perfect for weekday lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, do so before grilling: pop the marinated chicken pieces into a freezer bag and they’ll keep for up to three months. When you’re ready, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and grill as usual for super easy, make-ahead Chicken Souvlaki.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftover Chicken Souvlaki on the stovetop or in the oven at a low temperature until just warmed through. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too, but cover the chicken with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Whatever you do, avoid overcooking so the chicken stays juicy!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs for Chicken Souvlaki?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic option for Chicken Souvlaki because they’re naturally juicy and have a bit more flavor. Just follow the same marinade and grilling steps, adjusting the cooking time as needed since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

A minimum of 20-30 minutes is enough for the flavors to infuse, but the longer, the better. Overnight is ideal if you have the time—marinated Chicken Souvlaki becomes ultra-tender and flavorful after a long chill.

What can I use instead of a grill?

No grill? No problem! You can cook Chicken Souvlaki under the broiler or in a grill pan on the stove. Just preheat your broiler or pan, spray lightly with oil, and cook the skewers while turning until they’re charred and cooked through.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The Chicken Souvlaki itself is completely gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free pita or another grain to keep the whole meal gluten-free if you have special dietary needs.

Can I make Chicken Souvlaki ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! You can marinate the chicken up to a day in advance and even thread the skewers ahead of time. Store them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to grill, making entertaining totally stress-free.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Souvlaki has a way of making every meal feel festive and full of flavor. If you’ve never tried making it at home, this is your sign—gather your ingredients, invite someone you love, and enjoy a Greek classic that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 7 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Chicken Souvlaki is a classic Greek dish featuring marinated and grilled chicken served with pita bread. This recipe yields tender and flavorful chicken skewers that are perfect for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Instructions

Prepare Souvlaki Marinade – In a wide bowl or sealable bag, combine all marinade ingredients. Mix well and set aside.
Marinate Chicken – Slice chicken, add to marinade, coat well, and refrigerate for at least 20-30 minutes or overnight.
Make Chicken Skewers and Grill – Skew marinated chicken pieces and grill until fully cooked.
Grill Pita and Serve – Grill pita bread, serve with Chicken Souvlaki. Enjoy!

Notes

You can customize the marinade by adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before skewering the chicken to prevent burning on the grill.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Greek