What does Greek Chicken Souvlaki mean?

“Souvlaki” literally means “skewer” in Greek. It’s a traditional Greek street food made by marinating small pieces of meat (usually chicken, pork, or lamb) and grilling them on skewers. This Greek Chicken Souvlaki version is simple, healthy, and perfect for home cooks — juicy chicken marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, grilled to perfection, and served with pita and tzatziki.

Can I bake Greek Chicken Souvlaki instead of grilling?

Yes, absolutely! If you don’t have a grill, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), place the marinated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. It won’t have the same charred edges as grilled souvlaki, but it will still be flavorful and tender. You can also broil it for the last 2 minutes for a bit of crispiness.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the best flavor, marinate your chicken for at least one hour . If you have time, go for 2–3 hours. You can even marinate it overnight — just cover and refrigerate. The longer it sits, the more the lemon, garlic, and herbs infuse into the meat.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Definitely! In fact, I often prefer using boneless chicken thighs for Greek Chicken Souvlaki because they stay juicy and tender on the grill. Chicken breasts work perfectly too, especially if you want a leaner option — just be careful not to overcook them.

Greek Chicken Souvlaki Authentic Flavor Made Easy

Name: Greek Chicken Souvlaki
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes; 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional); 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak for 30 minutes); Pita bread; Tzatziki sauce; Sliced red onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers

Description

This Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe is bright, juicy, and packed with lemony garlic flavor. It’s simple to prepare, full of Mediterranean goodness, and perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend grilling with the family.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 pounds (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak for 30 minutes)
Pita bread
Tzatziki sauce
Sliced red onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers

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Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme (if using), cumin (if using), salt, and pepper.
Add chicken cubes and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 to 3 hours.
Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
Grill for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Remove skewers from grill and let rest for a few minutes.
Serve in warm pita with tzatziki, sliced onions, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for extra brightness.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. You can also use the same marinade on shrimp, pork, or tofu for a tasty variation.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 skewer (without pita or toppings)
Calories: 220
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 80mg