Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a beloved street food from Greece, made with juicy marinated chicken grilled on skewers. Infused with the bright flavors of lemon, garlic, and oregano, this dish is typically served with warm pita bread, creamy tzatziki, and fresh vegetables. It’s healthy, flavorful, and perfect for grilling season or an easy weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Flavorful: The marinade of lemon juice, garlic, and oregano brings out bold, zesty Mediterranean flavors.
• Healthy and Lean: Made with lean chicken breast or thighs and paired with wholesome sides.
• Perfect for Grilling: Quick-cooking and ideal for outdoor barbecues.
• Great for Meal Prep: Easy to prepare ahead and enjoy throughout the week.
• Versatile: Enjoy it in pita wraps, over salad, or alongside rice and roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken & Marinade:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Ground black pepper

For Serving:

• Pita bread
• Tzatziki sauce
• Sliced red onions
• Diced tomatoes
• Fresh lettuce or arugula
• Lemon wedges

Directions

this recipe

1. Make the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken into 1.5-inch cubes and add to the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight for best flavor.
3. Assemble Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
4. Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken skewers for 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until nicely charred and cooked through.
5. Warm the Pita: While grilling, warm your pita bread briefly on the grill or in a dry skillet.
6. Assemble and Serve: Serve chicken souvlaki in warm pita with tzatziki, onion, tomato, greens, and a squeeze of lemon.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Marinating Time: 1 hour or overnight
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Souvlaki: Add crushed red pepper or chili flakes to the marinade.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for grilled halloumi or marinated tofu cubes.
• Herb Boost: Add chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the marinade for more herbal depth.
• Oven Roasted: Roast skewers at 425°F for 20–25 minutes if grilling isn’t an option.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
• Freezing: Freeze raw marinated chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, thighs are more tender and flavorful and work beautifully in this recipe.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 1 hour, but overnight is best for maximum flavor absorption.

Can I cook souvlaki in the oven?

Yes. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What’s the best way to serve souvlaki?

In a pita wrap, over a Greek salad, or with lemon rice and grilled veggies.

What is souvlaki traditionally served with?

Tzatziki, pita, red onions, tomatoes, and sometimes fries or a Greek salad.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the chicken is gluten-free. Just use gluten-free pita or serve without bread.

Can I prepare the skewers in advance?

Yes, prep the night before and grill when ready to serve.

What’s the difference between gyro and souvlaki?

Souvlaki is grilled meat on skewers; gyro is usually shaved meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie.

Can I make this without skewers?

Absolutely. Grill the chicken pieces directly or cook them in a pan.

Is it okay to freeze cooked souvlaki?

Yes, freeze in portions and reheat for quick meals.

Conclusion

Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a simple yet flavor-packed dish that brings Mediterranean flair to your table. With minimal ingredients and easy prep, it’s a perfect go-to for weeknight dinners, weekend grilling, or meal prep. Serve it with fresh sides and a drizzle of tzatziki for a truly satisfying and healthy meal.

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