Name: Traditional Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 600 g (1.3 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Optional: 1/2 teaspoon paprika or thyme

If you’ve ever dreamed of soaking up the sun in a lively Greek taverna, Traditional Greek Chicken Souvlaki is the dish that brings the Mediterranean right into your kitchen. These marinated chicken skewers are irresistibly juicy, kissed with garlic, citrus, and fragrant herbs, then grilled to perfection. Every bite transports you to the Aegean coast – trust me, once you try this at home, souvlaki night might just become your favorite new tradition.

Traditional Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how just a handful of basic pantry staples can result in something that tastes this vibrant and fresh! Each ingredient has its moment to shine, so don’t skimp – together, they create the signature color, zest, and aroma that define Traditional Greek Chicken Souvlaki.

Chicken (600 g/1.3 lb thighs or breasts): Thighs give a juicier, richer result, but breasts work beautifully for a lighter option.
Olive oil (3 tablespoons): The secret to a luscious marinade that keeps the chicken tender on the grill.
Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Adds brightness, cuts through richness, and infuses the meat with fresh, tangy flavor.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Essential for that signature aromatic punch – freshly minced is best!
Dried oregano (2 teaspoons): The authentic Greek herb flavor, woodsy and bold.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings all the flavors forward and helps lock in moisture.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and balances the marinade.
Optional paprika or thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Paprika for subtle color and sweetness, thyme for extra earthiness – try both or pick your favorite!

How to Make Traditional Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Step 1: Whisk Up the Marinade

Start by mixing up your flavor-packed marinade: grab a medium-sized bowl and add the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and your choice of paprika or thyme if you’re feeling adventurous. Whisk it all together until it’s well blended and becomes a zesty, aromatic base that’ll have you dreaming of sunny Greek escapes.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Cut your chicken thighs or breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches each. Toss the chicken into the bowl with the marinade and give it a good mix to make sure every piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 8 hours for even deeper flavor). This is the secret to making Traditional Greek Chicken Souvlaki so tender and savory!

Step 3: Prepare Your Skewers

If you’re using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for 20-30 minutes before threading on the chicken – this helps keep them from burning on the grill. Now, carefully thread the marinated chicken chunks onto your skewers, making sure not to crowd them too much. Leaving a little space ensures they cook evenly and get those delicious crispy edges.

Step 4: Heat the Grill

Preheat your outdoor grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or the pan to help keep the chicken from sticking and to promote those iconic charred grill marks. You’re just minutes away from food that smells absolutely incredible!

Step 5: Grill the Chicken Souvlaki

Place your skewers on the hot grill, leaving room between each. Grill for about 10 to 12 minutes in total, turning every few minutes, until they’re beautifully golden, slightly charred, and fully cooked through – aim for an internal temperature of 75°C/165°F. Don’t rush this step; those caramelized edges are where so much of the flavor lives in Traditional Greek Chicken Souvlaki.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once they’re done, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes. This juicy pause allows all those wonderful flavors and juices to settle, so every bite is as succulent as possible. Now, you’re ready to serve up a plate that tastes like sunshine!

How to Serve Traditional Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Garnishes

The perfect finishing touch for Traditional Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a rush of fresh, vibrant garnishes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or dill, and always have lots of extra lemon wedges for a last-minute squeeze. Serve with a generous dollop of creamy tzatziki – its coolness balances the garlicky, herby chicken so well.

Side Dishes

This dish sings alongside warm, pillowy pita bread and a simple Greek salad of tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta. Add some roasted potatoes or a handful of crispy fries if you want to go classic taverna-style. No matter how you serve it, make sure every plate is filled with color and freshness to match the souvlaki’s bold flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Wrap your Traditional Greek Chicken Souvlaki in a fresh pita with tzatziki, tomatoes, onions, and even fries for the ultimate street-food feel. For parties, try serving mini skewers as appetizers, or create a “build-your-own souvlaki” platter with assorted toppings and sides so everyone can customize their plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Traditional Greek Chicken Souvlaki, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, perfect for next-day lunches or easy meal-prep salads.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well! Place cooled, cooked chicken (off the skewers) in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. Frozen souvlaki will keep well for up to 2 months; just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat Traditional Greek Chicken Souvlaki in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or a little olive oil to help keep it moist. You can also use an oven set at 160°C/325°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it can make the chicken a bit rubbery.

FAQs

Can I make Traditional Greek Chicken Souvlaki without a grill?

Absolutely! A stovetop grill pan or even your oven’s broiler are great alternatives. Cook the skewers on a high-heat grill pan or place them under the broiler, turning occasionally until cooked through and slightly charred.

What kind of chicken is best for souvlaki?

Chicken thighs are the classic choice, as they stay incredibly juicy and flavorful when grilled. However, chicken breasts work well too if you prefer a leaner option – just keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid drying out.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the best depth of flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but anywhere up to 8 hours is fantastic. If you’re short on time, even a 30-minute soak will infuse good flavor, but longer is definitely better for authentic Traditional Greek Chicken Souvlaki.

Can I use this marinade for other proteins?

Yes! This marinade is lovely with pork, lamb, or even shrimp. Adjust the marinating time according to the protein; seafood only needs a short soak, while heartier meats benefit from several hours.

What if I don’t have oregano?

Dried oregano gives the most traditional flavor, but you can substitute with dried thyme or marjoram in a pinch. Fresh herbs can be used too, but double the amount for the same punch as dried oregano in your Traditional Greek Chicken Souvlaki.

Final Thoughts

Traditional Greek Chicken Souvlaki is one of those recipes that absolutely delights every time – so easy to make, unfailingly flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. Don’t wait for summer or a special occasion; tonight is the perfect night to bring a little Greek sunshine to your table. I can’t wait for you to try it!