Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe: Homemade Mediterranean Magic

Crafting a mouthwatering authentic greek chicken souvlaki brings Mediterranean magic right into your kitchen.

Marinated chunks of tender meat capture the essence of coastal Greece.

Fragrant herbs and zesty lemon create an irresistible blend of flavors that dance on your palate.

Wooden skewers loaded with juicy chicken pieces promise a culinary adventure that transports you directly to sunny Athens.

Grill marks and smoky aromas signal a feast waiting to happen.

Each bite tells a story of traditional cooking passed through generations.

You’ll want to gather everyone around the table and savor this simple yet spectacular dish.

Why Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Wins Hearts

• Boost Flavor with Marination: Infuse chicken with zesty Mediterranean herbs and citrus by letting it soak in a rich marinade, which guarantees juicy, tender meat packed with incredible taste.
• Quick and Easy Grilling: Prepare these skewers in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous outdoor cooking sessions with minimal kitchen effort and maximum deliciousness.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Impress guests with colorful, vibrant skewers that combine succulent chicken, grilled vegetables, and authentic Greek seasonings – ideal for summer gatherings, potlucks, and casual dinner parties.
• Nutritious One-Dish Meal: Combine lean protein from chicken with fresh vegetables, creating a balanced, wholesome dish that satisfies hunger while providing essential nutrients in every bite.

What’s Inside Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

• Chicken: Tender, boneless meat that serves as the main protein for this classic Greek dish.

• Olive Oil, Lemon Juice: Create a zesty and bright base that tenderizes and flavors the chicken.
• Garlic: Adds a robust, aromatic punch to the marinade.
• Oregano, Thyme: Traditional Greek herbs that provide authentic Mediterranean seasoning.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Red Onion, Bell Peppers: Fresh vegetables that add color, texture, and sweetness when grilled alongside the chicken.

• Pita Bread: Soft, warm flatbread perfect for wrapping or serving with the skewers.
• Tzatziki Sauce: Creamy Greek yogurt-based sauce that complements the grilled chicken.

Steps To Cook Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

Whisk together a zesty blend of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, crushed garlic, dried oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper in a spacious mixing bowl. The combination will create an aromatic base that infuses the chicken with classic Mediterranean flavors.

Step 2: Marinate Chicken Chunks

Toss chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring each chunk gets completely coated. Cover the bowl and let it rest in the refrigerator. Allow the meat to soak up the delicious herbs and citrus for at least one hour, though overnight marinating will deliver maximum taste explosion.

Step 3: Prepare Grilling Accessories

• Marinated chicken chunks
• Red onion pieces
• Bell pepper chunks
• Wooden or metal skewers

Step 4: Build Colorful Skewers

Alternate threading chicken, onion, and bell pepper pieces onto skewers. Create an attractive pattern that ensures even cooking and beautiful presentation.

Step 5: Fire Up the Grill

Heat your grill to medium-high temperature. The goal is to achieve a perfect char while keeping the chicken juicy and tender.

Step 6: Grill to Perfection

Place skewers on the grill, rotating every few minutes. Cook for 8-10 minutes until chicken is completely cooked through and vegetables develop a slight char and caramelization.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer grilled souvlaki to a serving platter. Accompany with warm, soft pita bread and cool, creamy tzatziki sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired for an extra touch of authenticity.

Tips To Help With Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

• Marinate Masterfully: Let chicken soak in the herb-infused marinade overnight to develop deeper, more intense flavors that'll make your souvlaki taste incredibly authentic.
• Skewer Strategically: Space chicken, onions, and peppers evenly on skewers to ensure uniform cooking and beautiful presentation with balanced ingredients.
• Grill with Precision: Keep medium-high heat consistent and turn skewers every few minutes to prevent burning and achieve perfect golden-brown char marks.
• Veggie Variation: Swap bell peppers with zucchini or swap chicken with firm tofu for delicious vegetarian alternatives that maintain the classic Greek flavor profile.
• Sauce Pairing: Serve tzatziki sauce chilled alongside the hot skewers to create a refreshing temperature contrast that elevates the entire dining experience.

Easy Swaps For Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

• Vegetarian Souvlaki: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, marinating in the same Greek-inspired mixture for a plant-based protein option.
• Mediterranean Seafood Skewers: Swap chicken for chunks of fresh salmon or shrimp, maintaining the original marinade for a coastal-inspired variation.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Use zucchini chunks instead of bell peppers and serve over a bed of cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the authentic Greek flavor profile.
• Spicy Greek Fusion: Add red pepper flakes and smoked paprika to the marinade for a more intense, heat-driven version of the traditional recipe.

Best Sides For Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Assyrtiko from Santorini or a refreshing Moschofilero that complements the herb-infused chicken with bright, citrusy notes and balances the grilled flavors.
• Match with Greek Salad Sidekick: Create a classic horiatiki salad with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives to enhance the souvlaki's Mediterranean profile and add cool, fresh contrast to the grilled meat.
• Combine with Herbal Ouzo Spritzer: Mix a small amount of ouzo with sparkling water and a squeeze of lemon to create a traditional Greek aperitif that echoes the oregano and thyme in the marinade, cutting through the chicken's richness.

Keep Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Fresh

• Store leftover souvlaki in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Carefully place cooled chicken skewers in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn and store for maximum 2 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Place souvlaki on microwave-safe plate, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to ensure even warming without overcooking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange chicken skewers on baking sheet, cover loosely with aluminum foil to retain moisture.

Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki FAQ Answers

• What is the secret to tender chicken souvlaki?

Marinating the chicken for at least an hour (or overnight) helps break down the proteins, making the meat more tender and infusing it with robust Mediterranean flavors. The combination of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs ensures a juicy, flavorful result.

• Can I use different meats for souvlaki?

Absolutely! While chicken is traditional, you can easily substitute with pork, lamb, or even beef. Just adjust the marinating time and cooking temperature based on the meat type to ensure proper doneness.

• Do I need special equipment to make souvlaki?

No special equipment is required. While a grill is ideal, you can also use a grill pan, broiler, or even a skillet to cook the skewers. Wooden or metal skewers work perfectly for threading the chicken and vegetables.

Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 18–20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Greek chicken souvlaki brings Mediterranean flavors dancing across your plate with juicy marinated meat and zesty herbs. Quick weeknight dinners welcome this simple yet irresistible Greek classic that delivers bold, fresh ingredients straight from traditional kitchens.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks

Marinade Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Vegetable Ingredients:

• 1 red onion, cut into chunks
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks

Additional Item:

• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by blending zesty olive oil, fresh lemon juice, aromatic garlic, robust oregano, delicate thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
2. Immerse chicken pieces thoroughly in the marinade, ensuring each morsel is generously coated. Seal and refrigerate for a minimum of 60 minutes, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.
3. Heat outdoor grill to 400-450°F, creating an ideal medium-high temperature zone for perfect cooking.
4. Artfully skewer marinated chicken, interspersing colorful red onion chunks and crisp bell pepper segments to create visually appealing and flavorful kebabs.
5. Position skewers on preheated grill, rotating every 3-4 minutes to ensure uniform charring and consistent cooking. Cook approximately 8-10 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature and vegetables develop slight caramelization.
6. Transfer sizzling souvlaki immediately to serving platter, accompanied by warm, pillowy pita bread and cool, creamy tzatziki sauce for a complete Mediterranean dining experience.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for a minimum of 1 hour to ensure deep, robust flavor penetration throughout the meat.
• Use wooden skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling, ensuring even cooking and preventing charred edges.
• Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains the authentic Greek marinade profile and grilling technique.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breast meat for juicier, more tender souvlaki that won’t dry out during high-heat grilling.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg