Name: Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 6 h 20 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite size pieces; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar; 4 large garlic cloves, minced; 3 tablespoons Greek seasoning; 1 large lemon, juiced; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 15 reviews

If you’ve ever craved that perfectly tender, flavorful bite of chicken grilled to smoky perfection, you’re in the right place. This Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe is one I come back to again and again—not just because it’s insanely tasty, but because it’s straightforward and super rewarding. Whether you’re new to grilling or a seasoned pro, this recipe will have you whipping up souvlaki that tastes like you just ordered it fresh from a taverna in Athens. Stick around—I’ve got tips and tricks to make these skewers absolutely foolproof.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: A handful of pantry staples come together to create a marinade that’s bright, garlicky, and deeply savory.
Overnight Marinate Magic: Letting the chicken soak in the marinade for hours guarantees juicy, tender meat with every bite.
Flexible Cooking Options: Whether you grill, air fry, or oven bake, this recipe adapts perfectly so you can enjoy souvlaki anytime.
Authentic Touch: Using Greek seasoning and fresh lemon juice brings that unmistakable Mediterranean vibe straight to your kitchen.

Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers, Greek chicken skewers, Greek grilled chicken, Souvlaki marinade, Greek grilled meat recipes - The image shows several metal skewers with grilled pieces of seasoned chicken stacked on a black grill pan with red handles, placed on a wooden surface. The chicken pieces are golden brown with grill marks and a slightly charred texture. To the side, there are two lemon wedges and some green herbs on the pan. In the background, there are two round white pita breads stacked on top of each other, a white bowl with white sauce containing herbs, a clear bottle of olive oil, and a white bowl with fresh green herbs, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe plays a role in balancing boldness with freshness—plus, it’s easy to find what you need at your local store. Here’s why each one shines.

Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers, Greek chicken skewers, Greek grilled chicken, Souvlaki marinade, Greek grilled meat recipes - Flat lay of boneless, skinless chicken breast pieces, a large bright yellow lemon cut in half, four whole garlic bulbs with cloves visible, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of clear white wine vinegar, a small white ceramic bowl filled with coarse sea salt, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly cracked black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl containing a mix of dried Greek seasoning herbs, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken (breasts or thighs): Thighs offer more richness and stay juicy, while breasts keep it lean—both work beautifully here.
Olive oil: Adds moisture for juicy grilling and helps the marinade penetrate the meat.
White wine vinegar: Cuts through the richness with acidity and tenderizes the chicken.
Garlic: Infuses irresistible aroma and authentic savory depth.
Greek seasoning: The soul of the recipe—typically a blend of oregano, thyme, and herbs—that instantly transports you.
Lemon juice: For that bright, zesty punch that livens up every bite.
Salt & pepper: Essentials to bring out all the natural flavors perfectly.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love that this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe is a canvas for your creativity. Feel free to add your own flair or adjust seasoning—after all, cooking is about making it yours!

Spicy Kick: I sometimes toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for heat—it amps up the flavor without overpowering.
Herb Variations: If you don’t have Greek seasoning, try fresh oregano and thyme; it keeps things fresh and real.
Lemon Love: Adding a bit of lemon zest along with juice adds extra brightness that I adore.
Meat Swap: For a twist, chicken thighs or even pork work wonders if you want juicier or richer skewers.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken with Love

Start by whisking together olive oil, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, Greek seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl or ziplock bag. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, seal the bag, and shake everything up until the chicken is well coated. Pop it in the fridge for at least 6 hours, but overnight if you can—this is where the magic happens. If you’re short on time, even 2-3 hours will help, but longer marinating means more flavorful, tender bites.

Step 2: Skewer and Grill with Confidence

Once marinated, remove the chicken from the mixture—don’t reuse that marinade—and thread those juicy pieces onto your skewers. Whether you’re firing up a grill, using a grill pan or an air fryer, cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink inside and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Usually, that’s about 15 to 20 minutes, turning halfway for even cooking. Personally, I love the little char marks from the grill—it’s my favorite part!

Step 3: Rest for Ultimate Juiciness

Don’t skip wrapping the cooked skewers in foil for 5 minutes before digging in. This simple step lets the juices redistribute and makes every bite tender and juicy—that little pause really takes it to the next level, trust me.

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Pro Tips for Making Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe

Use Skinless Thighs for Juicier Results: I prefer thighs because they stay tender, especially when grilled hot and fast.
Don’t Reuse Marinade: Toss it out—leftover marinade isn’t safe to eat and can affect flavor.
Soak Wooden Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water 30 minutes before grilling to avoid burning.
Meat Thermometer is Key: To avoid dry chicken, rely on an instant-read thermometer and pull at 165°F.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe

Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers, Greek chicken skewers, Greek grilled chicken, Souvlaki marinade, Greek grilled meat recipes - A white flatbread lies flat as the base layer, topped with green leafy lettuce scattered across it. On top, there are three grilled, browned pieces of meat with visible grill marks. Bright red tomato slices with visible seeds are placed alongside thin slices of purple onion. A white sauce with green herbs is drizzled near the grilled pieces. All is set on a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling my souvlaki with freshly chopped parsley and a little extra oregano. A drizzle of tzatziki or a side of creamy hummus adds cool contrast to the smoky chicken. A squeeze of fresh lemon right before eating brightens everything up—don’t skip that!

Side Dishes

Greek salad with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta is my go-to. Warm pita bread and roasted potatoes tossed in olive oil and oregano also make perfect companions. Honestly, you can never go wrong with a simple rice pilaf or crispy fries alongside this dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, I’ve served these skewers on a wooden board with an assortment of dips and fresh veggies—a great way to impress guests. Sometimes, I make mini souvlaki bites for parties by cutting chicken smaller and serving them with toothpicks for easy snacking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chicken souvlaki off the skewers in an airtight container in the fridge, separated from toppings and sauces to keep everything fresh. This way it lasts up to 5 days and stays tasty for quick lunches or dinners.

Freezing

Because of the marinade, freezing the chicken before cooking works great. I place the marinated chicken in a freezer-friendly ziplock bag and freeze it flat so it thaws quickly in the fridge overnight when I’m ready to grill.

Reheating

Leftover souvlaki reheats beautifully in a hot skillet or under the broiler for a few minutes to get a little crisp on the edges. I avoid microwaving whenever possible because it tends to dry the chicken out, but if you’re in a hurry, cover it with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually my go-to because they’re juicier and more forgiving on the grill. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly with chicken breasts.
What if I don’t have Greek seasoning?

No worries! You can make a simple blend with dried oregano, thyme, garlic powder, and a pinch of rosemary to capture that classic flavor. Fresh herbs also work if you have them on hand.
Can I make the skewers ahead of time?

Definitely! You can marinate and skewer the chicken up to 24 hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. Just bring them to room temperature before grilling to ensure even cooking.
How do I cook these without a grill?

If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan on the stove or even the oven at 400°F works well. The air fryer is also a great option—just cook at 370°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Is it necessary to rest the chicken after cooking?

Yes! Resting for 5 minutes wrapped in foil lets the juices redistribute. This step makes the chicken extra moist and tender, so don’t skip it—it’s a game changer!

Final Thoughts

This Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s more than just a meal—it’s a little trip to the Mediterranean from home. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it brings a bright, fresh burst of flavor to your dinner table. Next time you want a quick, crowd-pleasing dish that’s packed with authentic taste, remember this recipe, and give it a whirl—you’re going to love how easy and delicious it is!