This Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe is a classic Mediterranean street food made with marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection. Served with warm pita, fresh veggies, and creamy tzatziki, it’s a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for lunch, dinner, or summer BBQs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinate Time: 1–2 hours
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers
For Serving (Optional):
- Warm pita bread
- Tzatziki sauce
- Sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion
- Feta cheese crumbles
- Fresh parsley or dill
Instructions
- Prep skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes.
- Make marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate chicken: Add chicken cubes to the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to overnight for deeper flavor).
- Assemble skewers: Thread chicken pieces onto skewers.
- Grill: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook skewers 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F / 74°C inside).
- Serve: Serve hot with pita, tzatziki, and fresh toppings of choice.
Tips & Variations
- Add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to skewers for extra flavor.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier souvlaki.
- Serve as a wrap with fries inside for an authentic Greek-style souvlaki pita.
- Can also be baked in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.
