GREEK CHICKEN SOUVLAKI
Chicken Souvlaki is one of Greece’s most beloved street foods. The word “souvlaki” comes from souvla, meaning “skewer.” Traditionally, Greek cooks marinate small pieces of meat in olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, and garlic, then grill them on skewers over charcoal. The result is smoky, flavorful meat served inside pita or alongside rice, potatoes, or salad.
This recipe keeps everything authentic except the cooking tools — because most of us don’t have a backyard charcoal grill handy. Good news: with the right technique, you can recreate souvlaki’s signature charred flavor indoors.
If you enjoy flavorful meals like chicken shawarma bowls or grilled chicken marinade, this recipe is a must-try.
Why You'll Love This GREEK CHICKEN SOUVLAKI
This greek chicken souvlaki is fresh, flavorful, and perfect for both quick dinners and meal prep.
- Bright Mediterranean flavors – Greek chicken souvlaki is packed with lemon, garlic, and herbs for a fresh and vibrant taste.
- Juicy and tender chicken – The marinade helps keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Quick and easy to cook – Greek chicken souvlaki cooks in just minutes on the grill.
- Healthy and balanced – A protein-rich dish that pairs well with fresh vegetables and grains.
- Perfect for meal prep – Greek chicken souvlaki can be made ahead and used in bowls, wraps, or salads.
- Great for grilling season – Ideal for BBQs and outdoor cooking.
If you love grilled meals, try bbq chicken naan pizza for another easy option.
Key Ingredients for GREEK CHICKEN SOUVLAKI
- Chicken breast or thighs – The base of greek chicken souvlaki, cut into chunks for skewering.
- Olive oil – Helps keep the chicken moist and carries flavor.
- Lemon juice – Adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Garlic – Provides bold, savory depth.
- Oregano – The key herb that defines greek chicken souvlaki flavor.
- Salt & pepper – Essential for seasoning.
How to Make GREEK CHICKEN SOUVLAKI
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces
- Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper
- Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes
- Thread chicken onto skewers
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat
- Grill for about 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally
- Serve hot with your favorite sides
Greek chicken souvlaki cooks quickly, usually in just a few minutes per side, making it perfect for fast meals. For another grilled recipe, try grilled chicken marinade.
Stacie’s Tricks & Tips
- Soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning.
- Cut chicken evenly for consistent cooking.
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor.
- Turn skewers regularly for even grilling.
- Add fresh lemon juice before serving for brightness.
Storage & Meal Prep
- Store greek chicken souvlaki in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Reheat gently to avoid drying out
- Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months
- Great for meal prep bowls and wraps
Use leftovers in wraps like healthy chicken wrap.
CHICKEN SOUVLAKI RECIPE + TZATZIKI SAUCE
Equipment
- Foreman grill or griddle or outdoor grill see notes
Ingredients
For The Chicken
- 1.5-2 lbs chicken tenders cut into pieces
- wooden skewers soaked for 10 minute in water
Greek Marinade
- ¼ cup olive oil
- juice of 1 large lemon
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika optional
For The Tzatziki
- 1 cup Greek yogurt full-fat preferred
- ½ large cucumber grated & squeezed
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tbsp lemon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chopped dill (or parsley, or both)
- sea salt to taste
For Assembling
- pita bread
- thin-sliced shallots
- thin-sliced tomatoes
- fresh parsley
Instructions
For The Chicken
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken pieces and toss well. Marinate 20 minutes to 1 hour.
- Thread onto soaked skewers.
- Preheat your Foreman grill. Brush plates with oil or cooking spray. Grill 4–6 minutes until cooked through. See notes for griddle and outdoor grill.
For The Tzatziki
- Grate cucumber, squeeze out liquid. Mix with yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, and salt.
- Chill 10 minutes to thicken.
Assemble
- 1. Warm pita.2. Spread tzatziki.3. Add chicken.4. Top with shallots, tomatoes, and parsley.5. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Medium-high heat
- 2–3 minutes per side
- Total 8–10 minutes
- Heat to hot
- Oil lightly
- Cook 3–4 minutes per side
Each serving =
• 1–2 skewers worth of chicken (approx. 6 oz cooked chicken)
• 1 pita
• Tzatziki + tomato + shallot + parsley toppings
✅ NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (approx. per serving)
Calories: 420Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 720mg Breakdown includes:
- Chicken souvlaki (marinade + grilled chicken)
- 1 standard Greek-style pita
- 2–3 tbsp tzatziki
- Tomatoes + shallots + parsley
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cook greek chicken souvlaki without a grill?
Greek chicken souvlaki can be cooked on a stovetop grill pan or baked in the oven if a grill is not available.
What do you serve with greek chicken souvlaki?
Greek chicken souvlaki is commonly served with pita bread, rice, salad, or sauces like tzatziki.
How do you keep greek chicken souvlaki juicy?
Greek chicken souvlaki stays juicy when marinated properly and cooked quickly over high heat without overcooking.
More Dinner Recipes
Looking for more easy and comforting meals? Browse all recipes here:
