Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

If there’s one dish that instantly transports me to sun-drenched Greek islands, it’s this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe. Juicy marinated chicken, zesty lemon, and a colorful mix of veggies all threaded onto skewers and charred to perfection—it’s everything I adore about Mediterranean cuisine, wrapped up in a simple weeknight dinner or an unforgettable backyard feast. Every bite bursts with fresh, herby flavors, and by the time you’re dunking those golden nuggets of chicken into cool tzatziki, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how effortlessly the flavors of Greece come together with just a handful of pantry staples and garden-fresh veggies. Each ingredient is selected for its role in creating that perfect balance of juicy chicken, brightness, and herby aroma that makes this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe such a winner.

• Chicken breasts (1.5 lbs, boneless & skinless): Go for fresh, tender chicken for juicy bites that soak up all the marinade goodness.
• Olive oil (1/4 cup): Acts as the flavorful base for the marinade, keeping the chicken moist and lending that classic Mediterranean richness.
• Lemon juice (1/4 cup): Adds a zippy brightness and gently tenderizes the chicken for melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Garlic infuses every bite with aromatic warmth and unmistakable depth.
• Dried oregano (1 tablespoon): Oregano brings iconic Greek flavor—use a generous hand for truly authentic souvlaki.
• Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Thyme layers in a hint of earthiness that rounds out the tart lemon and bold garlic.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and vegetables perfectly.
• Red onion (cut into chunks): Onion caramelizes on the grill, lending sweetness and color.
• Red bell pepper (cut into chunks): For a pop of color and a subtle, sweet crunch in every bite.
• Green bell pepper (cut into chunks): The mild bitterness of green pepper balances the overall flavor.
• Wooden skewers, soaked for 30 minutes: Soaking keeps the skewers from burning and makes grilling a breeze.

How to Make Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and whisking together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Take a quick moment to breathe in that herby aroma—it’s the true heart of this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe! The marinade should be glossy and layered with citrus and spices.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Toss the cubed chicken breasts into your marinade, ensuring each piece is lovingly coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour (overnight if you really want to dial up the flavor). This rest time lets the chicken absorb all those bright, savory notes that make souvlaki irresistible!

Step 3: Prep the Skewers and Veggies

If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure they’ve been soaking in water for 30 minutes—that’s how you avoid splintering and scorching on the grill. While the chicken marinates, cut your onion and peppers into equal-sized chunks so they’ll roast evenly atop the grill.

Step 4: Thread Chicken and Vegetables

Thread marinated chicken cubes alternately with red onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper onto each skewer. Don’t crowd the ingredients too tightly; you want each side to get kissed by the flames and char to perfection. It’s like creating edible artwork right on a stick!

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium-high. Lay the assembled skewers on the hot grates and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally so every side gets nicely charred and beautifully caramelized. The chicken should be cooked through but still super juicy, and the veggies will have gorgeous grill marks. That’s the moment you’ll know this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe is ready!

How to Serve Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Garnishes

Nothing brings out the best in chicken souvlaki quite like a few finishing touches. A shower of freshly chopped parsley, a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, and maybe a squeeze of lemon over the top lend vibrant color and even more flavor. And of course, a big spoonful of cool, creamy tzatziki is absolutely essential for dipping each tender morsel!

Side Dishes

Pair your Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe with fluffy pita bread, a classic Greek salad bursting with tomatoes, olives, and feta, or even some roasted potatoes tossed with olive oil and oregano. All these sides capture the energy of a seaside Greek taverna and make the meal feel both hearty and festive.

Creative Ways to Present

Souvlaki is fantastically versatile! Slide the grilled skewers onto a platter for a summer barbecue, tuck the chicken and veggies into warm pita wraps for a street-food-inspired lunch, or even serve them deconstructed as part of a Mediterranean grain bowl. Customize the presentation to fit any gathering or mood—the only rule is to enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken souvlaki makes for a bright and flavorful lunch the next day. Store any remaining skewers (or just the chicken and veggies) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld, making every bite just as irresistible as when it’s fresh off the grill.

Freezing

Need to plan ahead? You can freeze the marinated, uncooked chicken for up to two months—just place it in a freezer bag after marinating. When you’re ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and proceed with the recipe as usual. Cooked souvlaki can also be frozen, though it may lose a hint of that fresh-off-the-grill texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftover chicken and vegetables in a 350°F oven wrapped in foil until warmed through, or simply toss them in a hot skillet for a few minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch, but watch closely to prevent the chicken from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring even more juiciness and a slightly richer flavor to this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe. Just adjust your grilling time as needed since thighs may take a touch longer to cook through.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No grill? No problem! You can make this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe in a grill pan on the stove or even by broiling the skewers in your oven. Just make sure to turn them so all sides cook evenly.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

The skewers themselves are naturally gluten-free, but be mindful of what you serve alongside (like pita bread). Just swap the pita for gluten-free wraps or add more veggie sides to keep the whole meal gluten-free!

How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?

The secret is in the marinade—don’t skip the full marinating time! Also, avoid overcooking; pull the chicken from the grill the second it’s no longer pink in the center for the most succulent results.

Can this recipe be doubled for a crowd?

Definitely! The marinade and assembly process scale up beautifully. Just use a bigger bowl, more skewers, and grill in batches if needed. Everyone will love biting into these savory, charred skewers!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to bring a taste of the Mediterranean home, this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe is your ticket! With simple ingredients, easy steps, and endless serving options, it’s a fun and flavorful favorite you’ll turn to again and again—perfect for sharing with family or serving at your next gathering. Fire up the grill and give it a try; your taste buds will thank you!

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