If you’re craving bold Mediterranean flavor that’s easy to make and endlessly versatile, this Authentic Chicken Souvlaki recipe is just what your dinner rotation needs. With juicy marinated chicken, warm pita bread, and all the fresh fixings, this dish captures everything we love about Greek cuisine — freshness, simplicity, and irresistible spice.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, summer grilling, or make-ahead meal prep. Whether you’re cooking for the family, entertaining guests, or just treating yourself, chicken souvlaki is a go-to that delivers every time.
What Is Chicken Souvlaki?
Souvlaki is a traditional Greek street food made by marinating meat in a flavorful blend of herbs, spices, lemon, and olive oil, then grilling it to perfection. While pork or lamb are traditional choices, chicken has become a popular modern alternative — and for good reason. It’s lean, cooks quickly, and absorbs marinade beautifully.
Souvlaki is typically served with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a Greek salad, making it a full and satisfying meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to bring a little taste of Greece to your kitchen:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional but adds great depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (optional for extra tang)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Equipment Needed
- Medium bowl
- Whisk
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Skewers (if grilling)
- Grill or stovetop skillet
- Tongs
- Serving plates
Optional:
- Meat thermometer
- Grill pan (for indoor grilling)
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and red wine vinegar (if using).
Add the chicken pieces and toss well to coat.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1–2 hours for deeper flavor.
Pro Tip: You can marinate the chicken overnight for even more tender, flavorful results.
2. Preheat Your Cooking Surface
- Grill: Preheat to medium-high heat.
- Skillet: Use a cast iron or non-stick skillet with a light coating of oil. Heat over medium-high until shimmering.
3. Skewer the Chicken (If Grilling)
Thread marinated chicken onto wooden or metal skewers, leaving slight gaps between pieces for even cooking.
Note: Soak wooden skewers in water for 20–30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
4. Cook the Chicken
- Grill: Cook skewers for 4–6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is slightly charred and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F / 74°C).
- Stovetop: Cook chicken pieces for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
5. Serve
Remove chicken from heat. If skewered, slide off the skewers. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
How to Serve Chicken Souvlaki
Make it a Mediterranean feast by pairing your chicken souvlaki with:
- Warm pita bread
- Tzatziki sauce (Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill)
- Greek salad (tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta)
- Lemon rice or orzo
- Hummus and olives
This recipe is ideal for DIY gyro-style wraps — simply load pita bread with chicken, tzatziki, veggies, and a sprinkle of feta.
Flavor Variations & Swaps
- Use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat — just be careful not to overcook.
- Add vegetables to your skewers like red onion, zucchini, or bell peppers for a colorful twist.
- Make it spicy by adding a pinch of chili flakes or hot paprika to the marinade.
- Swap the protein: Pork, lamb, or tofu (for a vegetarian version) also work well with this marinade.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
To Store:
- Place cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To Reheat:
- Warm gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
- Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken juicy.
To Freeze:
- You can freeze both the raw marinated chicken or the cooked pieces.
- Freeze raw in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months, then thaw before cooking.
Perfect Pairings
Sides:
- Greek lemon potatoes
- Quinoa tabbouleh
- Roasted chickpeas
Drinks:
- White wine: Try Sauvignon Blanc or Assyrtiko
- Beer: A crisp lager or pilsner complements the spices
- Non-alcoholic: Mint lemonade or sparkling water with lime
FAQs
Can I use metal skewers?
Absolutely! Metal skewers are reusable and don’t need soaking. Just be cautious — they get very hot.
What’s the difference between gyro and souvlaki?
Souvlaki is grilled meat (usually skewered), while gyros are traditionally made from seasoned meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie. However, both are commonly served similarly with pita and toppings.
Can I bake chicken souvlaki?
Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until cooked through and golden.
Is cumin necessary?
Not traditional, but it adds a warm, earthy undertone. Omit if desired or sub with coriander.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
This Chicken Souvlaki is the kind of meal that never gets old — quick to prepare, customizable to your taste, and bursting with classic Mediterranean flavor. Whether served in a wrap, over rice, or on a salad, it’s always a hit at the table.
Loved this recipe? Share it with your friends, leave a comment, and subscribe to the blog for more globally-inspired meals, kitchen tips, and easy-to-follow recipes delivered straight to your inbox!