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· 4.8 from 23 reviews

If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and packed with Mediterranean flavors, then this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe is just what you need. It’s one of those dishes I turn to when I want a simple yet impressive meal that feels like a little trip to Greece—without leaving my kitchen. Juicy marinated chicken threaded onto skewers, grilled to perfection, and bursting with zesty herbs and lemon. Seriously, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner!

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: The marinade uses pantry staples like garlic, lemon, and olive oil to deliver authentic Greek taste without fuss.
Marinating Magic: Letting the chicken soak up the flavors overnight makes every bite incredibly juicy and tender.
Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you grill, air fry, or bake, this recipe adapts perfectly to your kitchen setup.
Quick to Prep, Perfect for Any Occasion: A 5-minute prep and minimal hands-on cooking time mean you’re enjoying dinner sooner, weekdays or weekends alike.

Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers, Greek Chicken Skewers, Mediterranean Chicken Skewers, Grilled Chicken Souvlaki, Greek Chicken Marinade - 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

The beauty of this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that pack a punch when combined. Each component brings its own magic, whether it’s the tang of lemon, the punch of garlic, or the hearty goodness of olive oil. Here’s a quick peek at each:

Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers, Greek Chicken Skewers, Mediterranean Chicken Skewers, Grilled Chicken Souvlaki, Greek Chicken Marinade - 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 stay juicier, but breasts work well if you prefer lean meat—just don’t overcook!
Olive oil: A must-have for authentic Mediterranean flavor and helps keep the chicken moist while grilling.
White wine vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that brightens the whole marinade.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic gives the marinade its unmistakable savoriness.
Greek seasoning: This blend, usually with oregano, thyme, and other herbs, makes the flavor unmistakably Greek—and you can find it in most stores or make it yourself.
Lemon juice: The acidity tenderizes the chicken and adds that signature zesty bite.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together beautifully.

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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.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe is. Over time, I’ve personalized it to suit different moods and menus—seasonal herbs, spicier blends, and even different proteins! Don’t hesitate to tweak the marinade to your taste.

Add a Kick: I sometimes toss in some crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that plays wonderfully against the lemon’s brightness.
Herbal Twist: If you have fresh oregano or thyme, swap them in for a more vibrant, fresh herb flavor.
Meat Swap: This same marinade works excellently on pork or lamb if you want to mix things up.
Make it Vegetarian: Try marinating firm tofu or halloumi cheese and grill them for a meat-free souvlaki experience.

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

Step 1: Marinate with Love

Start by combining the olive oil, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, Greek seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a large ziplock bag or bowl. I like using a ziplock bag because it’s easy to massage the marinade into every piece of chicken without making a mess. Toss in the bite-sized chicken pieces, seal the bag, and give it a good shake to coat everything well. Then, let it marinate in the fridge for at least 6 hours—overnight is even better to infuse that deep flavor. Patience here is key; it makes a big difference in tenderness and taste.

Step 2: Thread and Grill

When you’re ready, take the chicken out of the marinade—discard any leftover liquid—and thread the pieces onto skewers. If you’re like me and easily distracted, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes first to avoid burning on the grill. You can grill these outdoors over medium-high heat, or use a grill pan on your stovetop. Cook the skewers for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally so each side gets those beautiful char marks and cooks evenly. Use an instant-read thermometer to make sure the chicken hits 165°F—this way, you get juicy and safe-to-eat chicken every time.

Step 3: Let It Rest for Juiciness

This might seem like an optional step but I promise it’s a game changer: after you pull the skewers off the heat, wrap them loosely in foil and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, so when you bite in, it’s tender and juicy instead of dry. Trust me, it’s worth the wait.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Marinate Overnight: I noticed the flavors are so much richer and the chicken stays moist when marinated longer—don’t skip this!
Skewer Spacing Matters: Leaving a little space between chicken pieces on skewers helps them cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
Use a Thermometer: It’s the best way to avoid overcooking—an instant-read thermometer is worth having in your kitchen.
Foil Resting Trick: Resting the chicken wrapped in foil keeps it juicy; I used to rush serving and ended up with dry bites—don’t make the same mistake!

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe

Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers, Greek Chicken Skewers, Mediterranean Chicken Skewers, Grilled Chicken Souvlaki, Greek Chicken Marinade - 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 topping my souvlaki with lots of classic Greek garnishes. Freshly chopped parsley, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese bring things to life. And don’t underestimate the power of some refreshing tzatziki sauce alongside—cool, creamy, and garlicky, it’s irresistible. Sometimes, I add thin slices of red onion and a wedge or two of lemon for an extra zesty finish.

Side Dishes

Serve your souvlaki with a simple Greek salad—think tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and red onions dressed with olive oil and oregano. I also like warm pita bread on the side, perfect for wrapping the chicken and toppings into little handheld delights. Roasted potatoes with oregano or a grain salad like tabbouleh are great to bulk up the meal, especially if you’re feeding a crowd.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive occasion, I’ve served these skewers on a large platter surrounded by mini pita rounds, bowls of tzatziki and hummus, and lots of fresh veggies. It turns the meal into a super fun, interactive experience that guests love. You could also make souvlaki wraps with all the fixings rolled inside for an easy, delicious dinner on the go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once you’ve grilled your chicken souvlaki, I like to remove the chicken from the skewers before storing—it fits better in my fridge and is easier to reheat. Store the chicken in an airtight container and keep it separately from any sauces or toppings. It stays fresh for up to 5 days, which I find perfect for meal prepping lunches or quick dinners during a busy week.

Freezing

One of my favorite hacks for this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe is freezing the chicken in marinade. I pop the raw marinated chicken into a freezer-safe bag, squeeze out the air, and freeze it. When I’m ready to cook, I thaw it overnight in the fridge, then grill or bake as usual. It’s a real time-saver and works beautifully without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the chicken skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through—this keeps the chicken moist better than microwaving. If you have an air fryer, reheat at 370°F for 5-7 minutes for crisp edges. Add a quick squeeze of lemon after reheating to brighten up the flavors again.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually my personal favorite for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender even if grilled a bit longer. Just be sure to cut them into uniform bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?

I recommend marinating for at least 6 hours, but overnight is ideal. This lets the lemon and herbs deeply infuse, making the chicken both flavorful and tender.
Can I cook Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers indoors if I don’t have a grill?

Yes! You can use a grill pan on the stovetop or cook the skewers in the oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through. An air fryer set to 370°F also works great—just flip halfway during cooking.
What are the best sides to serve with Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers?

Classic options include Greek salad, warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and roasted potatoes with oregano. These sides complement the savory, zesty flavors perfectly.
Can I freeze the cooked skewers?

While you can freeze cooked chicken souvlaki, I recommend freezing the marinated raw chicken instead for best texture. When reheated, frozen cooked chicken sometimes drys out more quickly.

Final Thoughts

This Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe has become such a staple in my kitchen—it’s incredibly reliable, fuss-free, and always a crowd-pleaser. I love serving it up on casual nights, weekend gatherings, or whenever I crave those vibrant Mediterranean flavors. Once you try making and tasting it, I’m confident you’ll keep it bookmarked and coming back for more. So grab some chicken, mix that magic marinade, and enjoy your own little taste of Greece at home. You’ve got this!