This homemade chicken souvlaki recipe takes you to the streets of Athens! Complete with the best souvlaki marinade; instructions for indoor or outdoor grilling; and what to serve with your souvlaki. Be sure to see the video tutorial below.

This homemade chicken souvlaki recipe takes you to the streets of Athens! Complete with the best souvlaki marinade; instructions for indoor or outdoor grilling; and what to serve with your souvlaki. Recipe from themediterraneandish.com #greekfood #souvlaki #kebab #kabob #chickensouvlaki #chickenkabob #mediterraneanfood #mediterraneandiet #mediterraneanrecipe #grilledchicken

You simply cannot go to Greece without experiencing souvlaki. It's a major Greek street food, and happens to be one of my favorites.

What is Greek Souvlaki?

Like Kabobs, the word Souvlaki simply means “meat on skewers.” But Greeks also use it to describe the actual meal—warm pita, loaded with perfectly marinated grilled meat and topped with Tzatziki sauce. Other fixings are typically included, and even a handful of fries are tucked into the pita.

This homemade chicken souvlaki recipe takes you to the streets of Athens! Complete with the best souvlaki marinade; instructions for indoor or outdoor grilling; and what to serve with your souvlaki. Recipe from themediterraneandish.com #greekfood #souvlaki #kebab #kabob #chickensouvlaki #chickenkabob #mediterraneanfood #mediterraneandiet #mediterraneanrecipe #grilledchicken

During my last visit to Greece, I had a lot of good souvlaki, particularly in Athens. And I've been in love ever since!

The closest thing I experienced to Athen’s Greek chicken souvlaki, though, was here at a smallish Greek festival in Cumming, Georgia. The annual festival is put on by a local Greek Orthdox Church, and non other than all-knowing Greek Yiayias are in charge of the food. A feast including: spanakopita, keftedes, and grilled souvlaki!

This homemade chicken souvlaki recipe takes you to the streets of Athens! Complete with the best souvlaki marinade; instructions for indoor or outdoor grilling; and what to serve with your souvlaki. Recipe from themediterraneandish.com #greekfood #souvlaki #kebab #kabob #chickensouvlaki #chickenkabob #mediterraneanfood #mediterraneandiet #mediterraneanrecipe #grilledchicken

Why this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe works?

After a bit of research and trial and error, I’ve developed my own Greek chicken souvlaki recipe. It is not a complicated recipe, but it was important for me to get it right.

What goes into this souvlaki recipe?  Three simple things: an awesome Greek souvlaki marinade, quality chicken, and the pita fixings.

  • Greek Souvlaki Marinade. It’s a simple marinade with the perfect balance of flavors—lots of raw garlic along with spices like oregano, rosemary, and sweet paprika. The liquid in this souvlaki marinade is a combination of excellent extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and dry white wine. If you have the time, let the chicken marinate for a couple of hours or overnight (refrigerated). But if not, even 30 minutes is enough to infuse the chicken with great flavor.

This homemade chicken souvlaki recipe takes you to the streets of Athens! Complete with the best souvlaki marinade; instructions for indoor or outdoor grilling; and what to serve with your souvlaki. Recipe from themediterraneandish.com #greekfood #souvlaki #kebab #kabob #chickensouvlaki #chickenkabob #mediterraneanfood #mediterraneandiet #mediterraneanrecipe #grilledchicken

  • Pita fixings. To assemble a mean grilled souvlaki, you need some warm Greek pita and a few fixings. I usually grill my pita just before servings.  Greek Tzatziki sauce is a MUST!  And I typically add sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and Kalamata olives.

This homemade chicken souvlaki recipe takes you to the streets of Athens! Complete with the best souvlaki marinade; instructions for indoor or outdoor grilling; and what to serve with your souvlaki. Recipe from themediterraneandish.com #greekfood #souvlaki #kebab #kabob #chickensouvlaki #chickenkabob #mediterraneanfood #mediterraneandiet #mediterraneanrecipe #grilledchicken

What to serve with Greek souvlaki?

This chicken souvlaki recipe will make between 10 and 12 skewers. And if you’re looking to turn it into a Mediterranean-style BBQ party, then consider adding a few salads and sides to go along.

Greek salad or this orzo salad are a natural addition, but Balela, Fattoush, Grilled Zucchini Salad and this cooling Watermelon Salad would work as well. Make a large Mezze platter like this one, or a plate of creamy Roasted Garlic Hummus.

Finish this Greek affair with my favorite dessert: Baklava!

You really can’t go wrong with Greek souvlaki any night of the week! This chicken souvlaki recipe includes outdoor grill or grill pan instructions.

Watch how to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki

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This homemade chicken souvlaki recipe takes you to the streets of Athens! Complete with the best souvlaki marinade; instructions for indoor or outdoor grilling; and what to serve with your souvlaki. Recipe from themediterraneandish.com #greekfood #souvlaki #kebab #kabob #chickensouvlaki #chickenkabob #mediterraneanfood #mediterraneandiet #mediterraneanrecipe #grilledchicken

Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe with Tzatziki


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4.9 from 101 reviews

  • Author: Suzy Karadsheh
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 10 to 12 skewers 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

All-star chicken souvlaki recipe takes you to the streets of Athens. Best souvlaki marinade; instructions for indoor/outdoor grilling & what to serve along.


Ingredients

Scale

For Souvlaki Marinade

  • 10 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 2 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp each Kosher salt and black pepper
  • ¼ cup Private Reserve Greek extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup dry white wine
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 bay leaves

For Chicken

  • 2 ½ lb organic boneless skinless chicken breast, fat removed, cut into 1 ½ inch pieces

Pita Fixings

  • Greek pita bread
  • Tzatziki Sauce (make according to this recipe)
  • Sliced tomato, cucumber, onions, and Kalamata olives

Ideas for Sides to Serve Along (optional) 


Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade. In the bowl of a small food processor, add garlic, oregano, rosemary, paprika, salt, pepper, olive oil, white wine, and lemon juice (do NOT add the dried bay leaves yet). Pulse until well combined.
  2. Place chicken in a large bowl and add bay leaves. Top with marinade. Toss to combine, making sure chicken is well-coated with marinade. cover tightly and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight (see note for quicker marinating option.)
  3. Soak 10 to 12 wooden skewers in water for 30 to 45 minutes or so. Prepare Tzatziki sauce and other fixings, and if you're adding Greek salad or other sides, prepare those as well. (some sides like roasted garlic hummus may take longer, you can prepare those in advance).
  4. When ready, thread marinated chicken pieces through the prepared skewers.
  5. Prepare outdoor grill (or griddle). Brush grates with a little oil and heat over medium-high heat. t. Place chicken skewers on grill (or cook in batches on griddle) until well browned and internal temperature registers 160°F on instant read thermometer (it will continue cooking to 165°F as it rests). Be sure to turn skewers evenly to cook on all sides, about 5 minutes total. (Adjust temperature of grill if necessary). While grilling, brush lightly with the marinade (then discard any left marinade).
  6. Transfer chicken to serving platter and let rest for 3 minutes. Meanwhile, briefly grill pitas and keep warm.
  7. Assemble grilled chicken souvlaki pitas. First, spread Tzatziki sauce on pita, add chicken pieces (take them off skewers first, of course) then add veggies and olives.
  8. Optional: if you want more items to add to your buffet, consider Greek salad, watermelon salad, roasted garlic hummus, or a big Mezze platter.

Notes

  • Recipe notes: 1) If you do not have the time, you can simply marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before cooking. Just cover and leave at room temperature. 2) Grilled Souvlaki will keep well in the fridge for 3 days or so. Be sure to un-thread the chicken from skewers, and place in a tightly-closed container before refrigerating.
  • For more serving ideas: see "what to serve with Greek souvlaki" up in the post.
  • Recommended for this Recipe: Private Reserve Greek extra virgin olive oil (from organically grown and processed koroneiki olives). SAVE!  Try our Greek extra virgin olive oil bundle!
  • Recommended for this recipe: Sweet Spanish Paprika and dried Rosemary. SAVE! Try or Ultimate Mediterranean Spice Bundle; Our Essentials Bundle; or Create your own 6-pack from our all-natural or organic spice collections!
  • Prep Time: 20 Minutes
  • Marinating time:
  • Cook Time: 5 Minutes
  • Category: Entree
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Greek

More Recipes to Try

Saucy Lebanese Cinnamon Meatballs

Skillet Shrimp with Chorizo and Squash 

One-Pot Middle Eastern Chicken and Rice

Sheet Pan Shrimp and Veggies

Burrata Arugula Berry Salad

This homemade chicken souvlaki recipe takes you to the streets of Athens! Complete with the best souvlaki marinade; instructions for indoor or outdoor grilling; and what to serve with your souvlaki. Recipe from themediterraneandish.com #greekfood #souvlaki #kebab #kabob #chickensouvlaki #chickenkabob #mediterraneanfood #mediterraneandiet #mediterraneanrecipe #grilledchicken

This homemade chicken souvlaki recipe takes you to the streets of Athens! Complete with the best souvlaki marinade; instructions for indoor or outdoor grilling; and what to serve with your souvlaki. Recipe from themediterraneandish.com #greekfood #souvlaki #kebab #kabob #chickensouvlaki #chickenkabob #mediterraneanfood #mediterraneandiet #mediterraneanrecipe #grilledchicken

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I'm Suzy; born and bred right on the shores of the Mediterranean. I'm all about easy, healthy recipes with big Mediterranean flavors. Three values guide my cooking: eat with the seasons; use whole foods; and above all, share! So happy you're here...
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Comments

  1. Miriam says:

    And how Would I cook the chicken inside
    because I don’t have an outside grill?

    1. Suzy Karadsheh says:

      You can try this indoors as well Miriam. Be sure to marinate the chicken at least 2 hours in the fridge, this will help. One option is to use an indoor skillet or griddle. Add a little bit of olive oil, and cook the skewered chicken on higher heat turning occasionally until fully cooked through (internal temperature registering above 165 degrees F). Or, do not skewer the chicken, and instead place on a large sheet pan that's been oiled roast at 425°F for about 40 minutes, or broil 5–6 inches from the heat source for 25–35 minutes, or until juices run clear. Hope this helps!

  2. Karen says:

    What can I use in place of wine? Nobody in this house drinks so we never have any.

    1. Suzy Karadsheh says:

      You can go heavy on the lemon juice OR you can use a mild vinegar like a while wine vinegar. Enjoy!

  3. Jackie says:

    I made this yesterday, it was fantastic! I prepared the tzatziki sauce the day before, marinated the chicken for a day and it came out wonderful!! Served it in a warm whole wheat pita with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and black olives... yum 🙂






    1. Suzy Karadsheh says:

      Awesome, Jackie! Thanks so much for sharing!!!

  4. Maureen says:

    Visitors arrived from Bulgaria yesterday and THIS is what I served them. It was fantastic!!! The watermelon, cucumber and feta salad went with it. yummo!! Thanks!

    1. Suzy Karadsheh says:

      Maureen! I am so so glad to hear from you, friend! Thank you for giving this one a try. And I'm trilled to hear you enjoyed it! XOXO

  5. Seth Hensel says:

    Got the recipe in today’s feed. Made it for dinner tonight. Huge win. Lebanese wife loved it. I loved it. Also made your tsaziki recipe to go along with it. This will stay in the rotation. Thank you!






    1. Suzy Karadsheh says:

      Awesome, Seth! Big deal that your wife enjoyed it too!

  6. Erin says:

    This is one of my favorite dinners. So simple, but so flavoful!






    1. Suzy Karadsheh says:

      Yay! Thank you, Erin!

  7. Joanne says:

    The marinade for this souvlaki is perfect. I want to make this again and again!






    1. Suzy Karadsheh says:

      Do it! Hope you love it!

  8. Taylor says:

    This is my FAVORITE kind of chicken!






    1. Suzy Karadsheh says:

      Yay!

  9. Adriana Lopez Martin says:

    love chicken slouvaki and Greek food we enjoy it at home pretty often, glad you are sharing your secrets for the tzatziki and the seasonings for the chicken I will have to try your version this grilling season.

    1. Suzy Karadsheh says:

      Enjoy, Adriana!

  10. Jennifer Blake says:

    There is a local takeout place that I haven't been to in forever. This is definitely making me crave some of my old favorites there. Looking forward to trying to make this for myself.






    1. Suzy Karadsheh says:

      Hope you give it a try then!

  11. Sharon says:

    I cannot resist a recipe that includes tzatziki sauce. I love the grilled chicken and all the flavor then the sauce, yum!






    1. Suzy Karadsheh says:

      Haha Tzatziki is great!

  12. Liz says:

    My mom made a wonderful pork souvlaki. This chicken version has the same delicious profile! This will be on our menu rotation!






    1. Suzy Karadsheh says:

      Yay! Can't wait to hear what you think!

  13. Tayler Ross says:

    I am loving the flavor of that chicken! So good!






    1. Suzy Karadsheh says:

      Awesome, Tayler! Will you be trying it? I hope so!

  14. Jenni LeBaron says:

    I love making this dish, but yours is really secial with the addition of the white wine in your marinade. I'd love to try your version. It sounds wonderful!






    1. Suzy Karadsheh says:

      Can't wait to hear your thoughts!

  15. Jill says:

    Just looking at these photos is making me hungry. I've got to put this on our dinner menu for this week!






    1. Suzy Karadsheh says:

      Lol! Me too...and I just had some! 🙂

  16. Jennifer Farley says:

    My mouth is watering! Looks so good!






    1. Suzy Karadsheh says:

      It really is!