Greek Chicken Souvlaki
Greek Chicken Souvlaki is one of the most beloved dishes in Mediterranean cuisine, known for its juicy, herb-marinated chicken grilled to perfection and served with creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. The word souvlaki comes from the Greek word for “small skewer,” and this classic street food has been enjoyed throughout Greece for generations. With its bright lemon flavor, fragrant oregano, garlic, and olive oil marinade, every bite delivers fresh, vibrant Mediterranean taste.
The chicken is marinated until tender, then grilled over high heat to create beautifully charred edges while remaining incredibly juicy inside. Paired with cool, creamy tzatziki, crumbled feta cheese, fresh parsley, and a crisp Greek salad, this dish is both satisfying and refreshing.
Perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests, Greek Chicken Souvlaki is simple to prepare yet impressive enough for special occasions. Serve it with warm pita bread, rice, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete Mediterranean feast.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Marinating Time: 2–8 hours
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 40 minutes (including marinating)
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers
1½–2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
3–4 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tablespoon dried Greek oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Tzatziki Sauce
1 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
½ large cucumber, peeled, grated, and thoroughly squeezed dry
1 garlic clove, finely minced
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1–2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice or red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill or mint
Pinch of salt
For Serving & Garnish
Crumbled feta cheese
Fresh parsley, finely chopped
Thinly sliced red onion
Greek salad
Warm pita bread (optional)
Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and cut it into evenly sized 1-inch cubes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme or rosemary, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Whisk until well combined.
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade.
Toss thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
While the chicken marinates, prepare the tzatziki sauce.
Grate the cucumber and squeeze out as much moisture as possible using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
Place the Greek yogurt into a bowl.
Add the grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill or mint, and a pinch of salt.
Mix until smooth.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, approximately 425°F (220°C).
Lightly oil the grill grates.
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece to promote even cooking.
Discard any leftover marinade.
Place the skewers on the hot grill.
Cook for approximately 5 to 6 minutes on the first side.
Turn the skewers and continue grilling for another 5 to 7 minutes, rotating occasionally until all sides develop light char marks.
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Transfer the skewers to a serving platter.
Allow them to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Sprinkle generously with crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley.
Serve immediately with homemade tzatziki, sliced red onion, warm pita bread, and a fresh Greek salad.
Tips
Choose chicken thighs for the juiciest and most flavorful souvlaki, although chicken breasts also work beautifully.
Cut all chicken pieces into equal sizes to ensure even cooking.
Marinate the chicken overnight whenever possible for deeper flavor and extra tenderness.
Fresh lemon juice provides a brighter flavor than bottled juice.
Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the most authentic Mediterranean taste.
Do not skip drying the cucumber thoroughly, as excess water can make the tzatziki runny.
Allow the tzatziki to chill before serving so the flavors fully develop.
Leave small spaces between chicken pieces on the skewers to encourage even grilling.
Avoid pressing the chicken against the grill, which can squeeze out its juices.
Turn the skewers only every few minutes to develop attractive grill marks.
Avoid overcooking, as chicken breasts can dry out quickly.
Allow the grilled chicken to rest before serving to retain its juices.
Warm pita bread just before serving for the best texture.
Serve with fresh lemon wedges so everyone can add extra brightness to their meal.
Variations
Replace chicken with pork for traditional Greek pork souvlaki.
Use lamb cubes for a richer Mediterranean flavor.
Prepare shrimp souvlaki using the same marinade with a shorter cooking time.
Make vegetarian skewers using halloumi cheese, mushrooms, zucchini, peppers, and onions.
Add cherry tomatoes between the chicken pieces on the skewers.
Season with smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.
Add a pinch of cumin or coriander for extra warmth.
Serve the chicken inside pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki for homemade gyros.
Pair with lemon rice, roasted potatoes, couscous, or quinoa.
Use fresh oregano instead of dried during summer months.
Top with sliced Kalamata olives for extra Mediterranean flavor.
Serve alongside grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or asparagus.
Add hummus or whipped feta as additional dipping sauces.
Prepare the chicken in an air fryer at 390°F (200°C) for about 12 to 14 minutes if a grill is unavailable.
Bake the skewers at 425°F (220°C) for approximately 18 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through cooking.
Q&A
Can I prepare Greek Chicken Souvlaki ahead of time?
Yes. The chicken can marinate overnight, and the tzatziki sauce can be prepared one day in advance.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes. Freeze the chicken directly in the marinade for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before grilling.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely. Chicken breasts are leaner, while thighs remain slightly juicier during grilling.
How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning?
Soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken.
Can I cook this indoors?
Yes. A grill pan, cast-iron skillet, oven broiler, or air fryer all produce excellent results.
How long does tzatziki last?
Stored in an airtight container, homemade tzatziki remains fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
What can I serve with Greek Chicken Souvlaki?
Warm pita bread, Greek salad, lemon rice, roasted potatoes, couscous, quinoa, grilled vegetables, hummus, or roasted chickpeas all pair beautifully.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes. Serve the chicken without feta and substitute a dairy-free yogurt for the tzatziki.
Why is my chicken dry?
Overcooking is usually the cause. Remove the chicken once it reaches 165°F (74°C) and allow it to rest before serving.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Absolutely. Store the cooked chicken, tzatziki, and side dishes separately for easy lunches and dinners throughout the week.
Nutrition
Per Serving (Approximate, including tzatziki)
Calories: 430
Protein: 40g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 135mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 670mg
Potassium: 760mg
Calcium: 130mg
Iron: 2mg
Vitamin A: 8% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 15% Daily Value
Vitamin D: 4% Daily Value
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Small amount naturally present
Conclusion
Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a timeless Mediterranean favorite that combines tender, lemon-herb marinated chicken with smoky grill marks and refreshing homemade tzatziki for an unforgettable meal. Simple ingredients like olive oil, garlic, oregano, and fresh lemon create bold flavors that complement the juicy chicken perfectly. Finished with crumbled feta, parsley, and served alongside crisp salad and warm pita bread, this recipe delivers the authentic taste of Greece in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, preparing a healthy family dinner, or meal prepping for the week, Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a delicious, protein-rich recipe that’s sure to become a regular part of your menu.