If you’ve ever dreamed of tasting the sun-soaked flavors of the Mediterranean, you’re in for a real treat with this Traditional Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe. This beloved Greek street food is all about tender, juicy chicken marinated in a bright, garlicky lemon and oregano blend, then grilled to smoky perfection. Each bite bursts with vibrant freshness and a wholesome charm that makes it irresistible, perfect for a casual backyard cookout or a cozy dinner that transports you straight to the lively streets of Athens.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Traditional Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe lies in its simplicity and the freshness of its ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role—whether it’s the rich olive oil that keeps the chicken moist, the lemon juice that adds zing, or the oregano that brings that unmistakable Greek aroma to life.
- 600 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs provide juiciness while breasts keep things lean—choose based on your preference.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: The foundation of the marinade, adding moisture and a fruity depth.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Gives a refreshing tang that brightens every bite.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Imparts a warm, aromatic punch integral to Greek cooking.
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano: The herb that defines the classic Greek flavor in this dish.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and spice complexity.
- Optional 1/2 teaspoon paprika or dried thyme: For an extra layer of flavor and color, if you like.
How to Make Traditional Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and your optional spices in a medium bowl until well blended. This simple marinade is where your chicken gets soaked in bright, herbaceous magic. The balance of acidity, oil, and herbs is key to tenderizing the meat and infusing it with authentic Greek flair.
Step 2: Cut and Marinate the Chicken
Next, chop your chicken into chunks about one to one and a half inches wide—uniform pieces cook more evenly on the grill. Toss these chunks into the marinade, making sure every piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator for at least one hour; if you have the time, eight hours is even better, allowing the flavors to sink deeper for that true souvlaki soul.
Step 3: Prep Your Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 to 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This little trick prevents the skewers from catching fire and lets you grill the chicken safely and evenly. When ready, string the marinated chicken with a little space in between the pieces to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Fire up your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates if you want to prevent sticking. Place your skewers on the hot grill and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally so every side gets those gorgeous char marks. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) to be safe and juicy. The grilled aroma will fill your kitchen with irresistible scents by this point.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This resting time helps the juices redistribute through the meat, making every bite tender and flavorful. You’ll be ready to dig in with a smile, guaranteed.
How to Serve Traditional Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes elevate this Traditional Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe beautifully. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or oregano adds a pop of color and freshness. Consider crumbling some feta cheese on top for a creamy contrast, or serving with lemon wedges to squeeze over the hot meat—both bring out the dish’s vibrant brightness and make every bite sing.
Side Dishes
Serving the chicken with traditional sides really rounds out the experience. Warm pita bread is a must for wrapping up the souvlaki pieces. A creamy tzatziki sauce, packed with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill, complements the smoky chicken perfectly. You can’t go wrong pairing it with a robust Greek salad full of tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and a drizzle of olive oil for a refreshing balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make your Traditional Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe even more fun? Try serving the grilled chicken off the skewers in a wrap with fresh vegetables and tzatziki, or create a vibrant platter with roasted vegetables, lemon potatoes, and halloumi cheese on the side. For a party, mini souvlaki bites served with dipping sauces on a platter make for easy finger food that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover chicken souvlaki, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days, preserving that fresh grilled flavor and tender texture. Just be sure to remove the chicken from the skewers for easier storage.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked souvlaki pieces to enjoy later. Arrange the chicken chunks on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Frozen, they’re best used within 2 months to keep the marinade’s vibrant flavor intact.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the souvlaki in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 175°C (350°F) until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the texture from becoming rubbery. Serve immediately with fresh garnishes to refresh the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for Traditional Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well and create a leaner dish. Just be careful not to overcook them since they can dry out faster than thighs. Marinating for the full recommended time helps keep them juicy and flavorful.
How long should I marinate the chicken for best results?
While one hour is the minimum, marinating the chicken for up to 8 hours delivers the best flavor depth. The acidity from the lemon juice tenderizes the meat, and the herbs have more time to infuse their magic during a longer marinating period.
Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Yes, you can cook the skewers on a grill pan or even under a broiler in your oven. Just keep an eye on them and turn frequently to mimic the even cooking and char of a grill. This way, you can enjoy Traditional Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe any time of year.
What can I serve instead of pita bread?
If you want a gluten-free or low-carb option, serve your chicken over a bed of rice or with a crisp Greek salad. Lettuce wraps also make a refreshing and light alternative to pita bread for enjoying your souvlaki.
What wine pairs well with Traditional Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe?
For a perfect match, try a chilled Assyrtiko or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. The bright acidity and citrus notes in these wines complement the lemony marinade and smoky grilled chicken beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about gathering around the grill and sharing this Traditional Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe with friends and family. Its fresh, simple, and authentic flavors are comforting yet vibrant, making it a standout dish any time of year. Give it a try—you’ll soon wonder how you ever lived without that irresistible taste of Greece on your plate.
Print
Traditional Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Traditional Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe features tender, marinated chicken pieces grilled to perfection, infused with classic Mediterranean flavors like lemon, garlic, and oregano. Perfect as a main dish for a casual meal or festive gathering, it’s served on skewers for an authentic touch and juicy, smoky taste.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 600 g (1.3 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon paprika or dried thyme
Skewers
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 20–30 minutes (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional paprika or dried thyme until the mixture is well combined and fragrant.
- Cut the Chicken: Chop the chicken thighs or breasts into evenly sized chunks about 1 to 1½ inches each, ensuring they will cook uniformly on the grill.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat each piece. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, though marinating up to 8 hours will deepen the flavor and tenderness.
- Prepare the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20–30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling. This step is important for safety and to keep the skewers intact.
- Thread the Chicken onto Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken chunks onto the skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece for even cooking and heat circulation.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or pan surface to prevent sticking, using a high smoke point oil like vegetable or canola.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure all sides are golden brown and slightly charred. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) for safe consumption.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken skewers from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Serve hot with your favorite sides or pita bread.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness significantly.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat; chicken breasts work well but can dry out if overcooked.
- Soaking wooden skewers is essential to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Adjust spice levels by adding more paprika or including cayenne pepper for heat.
- This recipe pairs well with tzatziki sauce, Greek salad, or warm pita bread.
