Greek Chicken Souvlaki
Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a traditional street food made of marinated chicken pieces threaded onto skewers and grilled to smoky perfection. This version uses a classic lemon-oregano marinade for that signature zesty, herbaceous flavor — tender inside, slightly charred outside.
Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 30 minutes to 4 hours
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes – 1 hour
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (plus more for serving)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional for Serving:
Warm pita bread or flatbreads
Tzatziki sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Sliced tomatoes, red onion, cucumbers
Crumbled feta
Fresh parsley
Instructions:
Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken pieces and toss well. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
Skewer the Chicken:
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning.
Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking.
Grill the Souvlaki:
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Cook skewers for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).
Squeeze a little lemon juice on top for extra brightness.
Serve:
Serve hot with warm pita, tzatziki, and veggies. Garnish with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of sea salt.
Notes & Tips:
Chicken thighs will be juicier than breasts.
Add bell peppers or onions to the skewers for color and flavor.
If you don’t have a grill, use a grill pan or broil them in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken a day ahead, and even grill it and reheat gently in the oven.
Q: Can I bake them instead?
Bake at 425°F (220°C) on a lined sheet for 20–22 minutes, flipping halfway, then broil for 2–3 minutes for char.
Q: What to serve it with?
Pair with Greek salad, lemon potatoes, hummus, olives, and warm pita.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 250
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 1g
Fat: 13g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g