There’s something magical about the smell of sizzling meat on a skewer, drifting through the air on a warm summer evening. If you’ve ever strolled through a village square in Greece, you’ve probably caught the irresistible scent of chicken souvlaki being grilled to perfection — smoky, savory, and bursting with Mediterranean flavor.

Save it before it’s gone—help us inspire others to cook!

Souvlaki isn’t just a dish — it’s a part of Greek culture. It brings people together, whether it’s at a family gathering, a seaside taverna, or a late-night street food stop. The word souvlaki itself comes from souvla, meaning “skewer”, and this dish has been around in some form since ancient times.

In my house, chicken souvlaki means summer. It means spontaneous barbecues, tzatziki-drenched pitas, and the sound of laughter carrying through the backyard. It’s one of those simple meals that feels special every single time.

Whether you’re dreaming of a Greek vacation or just want to switch up your weeknight dinner routine, this easy and authentic chicken souvlaki recipe is the perfect way to bring a little sunshine to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Quick & Easy – A simple marinade, some skewers, and you’re set.
Healthy & Lean – Packed with protein, fresh herbs, and no heavy sauces.
Versatile – Serve it in pitas, on salad, or with roasted veggies.
Meal Prep Friendly – Marinate ahead of time and cook in batches.
Transporting Flavor – Brings the essence of Greece to your kitchen.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
¼ cup olive oil
Juice of 1 large lemon
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
½ tsp ground cumin

HOW TO MAKE AUTHENTIC GREEK CHICKEN SOUVLAKI:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Prep the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. The aroma alone will transport you to a sunny terrace overlooking the Aegean Sea.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the cubed chicken to the marinade and toss to coat well. I like to use a zip-top bag or a shallow dish covered with plastic wrap. Let the chicken soak up all that Greek goodness in the fridge for at least 2 hours, but if you have time, go for overnight — the flavor payoff is worth it!

Step 3: Soak the Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling. This helps keep them from burning on the grill. Trust me, nobody wants charred wood flavor in their souvlaki!

Step 4: Skewer the Chicken
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving just a little space between each piece so they cook evenly.

Step 5: Grill Time
Heat your grill to medium-high. If you’re using a grill pan indoors, get it nice and hot before adding the skewers. Grill the chicken for 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes to get those beautiful grill marks on each side. The chicken should be lightly charred on the outside and juicy inside.

Step 6: Serve It Up
Serve your souvlaki hot off the grill with warm pita bread, creamy tzatziki, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a few lemon wedges.

HELPFUL TIPS:

Uniform Pieces – Cut your chicken evenly to ensure even cooking.
Double the Marinade – Save half for drizzling or basting while grilling.
Let It Rest – After grilling, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to keep it juicy.
Indoor Option – No grill? No problem. Use a grill pan or even bake at 425°F for about 15-18 minutes.

DETAILS:

Prep Time: 10 minutes (+ 2 hours marinating time)
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 22 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Greek
Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

NOTES:

You can serve this chicken souvlaki in a variety of ways: wrap it in a pita with veggies and tzatziki, pile it on top of a Greek salad, or serve with a side of roasted potatoes and a squeeze of lemon. Leftovers also make amazing wraps or bowls the next day.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION: (per serving)

Calories: 290
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Absolutely! Thighs will be a bit juicier and more flavorful, but both work great.

How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate it for up to 24 hours. Any longer and the lemon juice might start to break down the meat too much.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes! Place the chicken and marinade in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.

What can I serve with souvlaki?
Tzatziki, grilled veggies, orzo salad, lemon potatoes, or even just a fresh tomato-cucumber salad are all perfect sides.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store leftover grilled chicken souvlaki in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or in the microwave. You can also freeze cooked souvlaki for up to 2 months — just defrost and reheat when ready to enjoy again.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

Korean Chicken Skewers (Dak Gochi) – A Flavorful Street Food Favorite

CONCLUSION

There’s a reason souvlaki is a staple of Greek cuisine — it’s flavorful, simple, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to something special, this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki will never let you down. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a celebration, even on a regular Tuesday night.