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. Ann says:

    this is so good. Use it on chicken souvlaki. Discovered today that if you save the juice from the cucumber and add it to some Fresca it makes a delicious, refreshing drink!






    1. TMD Team says:

      Love that idea for the cucumber juice, Ann! Thanks for sharing!

  2. Jason says:

    I don't know if was a typo or not but chicken needs to be cooked to 165° minimum. Someone can get seriously sick only cooking it to 155.

    1. TMD Team says:

      Thanks for the heads up, Jason. We have fixed the post.

  3. Vilma rombaoa says:

    I enjoy reading all your recipes and I'm interested to learn and try your recipes I love so much mediterranean cuisine to me its health diet thanks for sharing.

  4. Kern Wilson says:

    What white wine do you recommend for the marinade?

    1. TMD Team says:

      Hi, Kern! Really any inexpensive dry white wine you have on hand that you enjoy will work. Sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio and pinot gris are a few varieties that would be great.

  5. Bobby says:

    This is my go -to recipe for cooking chicken breast! Even my (real) Greek friend acknowledged this as an authentic recipe. I enjoy 48 hours in the marinade if I have time (but no longer!) toss the chicken on a toasted pita with some Greek salad or just olives and Feta - Divine!






  6. Donna says:

    I made this recipe as well as your pork souvlaki recipe, your broiled salmon with lemony Greek ladolemono dressing and your traditional Greek salad recipe. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK. Best souvlaki we have ever had and the broiled salmon with lemon zest, kosher salt and pepper is a new favourite. My entire family (3 different cultures) were all blown away. There are not many recipes I would try for guests without a trial run, but I trusted you and glad I did>






  7. Claire says:

    Flavours not overpowering, I think most people would like this. Very easy to make and lasts ages. Perfect recipe! I had mine with rice and Suzy's Greek Salad recipe. Yum!






  8. Karen Edmundson says:

    I am enjoying making and eating all the recipes just as fast as I can. Greek, Italian, Lebanese, Turkish, etc. I am no longer religated to blah english and american food. My only real issue is the fact I am a 60 plus widow. Thank goodness my neighbours have been enjoying your recipes and understand my joy in your food. THANK YOU for sharing with us.






  9. Hannah says:

    Hi! I've been searching for a chicken souvlaki recipe and you have a lot of positive comments! Can you please tell me where to buy the pitas? The ones in the grocery store are so thin. Also, if I can't find Greek olive oil would regular extra virgin olive oil work?

    1. TMD Team says:

      Hi, Hannah. Suzy actually prefers to make pita herself, if she can. It's a lot easier than you think, and you can make large batches and freeze. . Here is her recipe. She also will hit up local bakeries when she's... she's not a fan of the ones in the grocery store, either. We do sell Greek Olive Oils in our online shop, but, yes, any EVOO will work in a pinch here.

  10. Cathie Solari says:

    Very flavorful!! Used thighs because I prefer them. 3 hour marination time and it was delicious. Definitely putting this on the rotation.

  11. Mary Wong says:

    Awesome recipe! Chicken was very tender!!!






  12. Michele says:

    This recipie is Suberb!! It is my go to when making a Greek Dinner! I also make the Lemon Greek Potatoes, Tzatsiki, Hummus and Greek Salad or a Big Green Salad! I love to make this when having 8 or more guests because most of it can be made in advance. Susie, not only are your recipies outstanding , the deliver of your culinary skills is a joy to watch ! Love that you carry a happy bubbly presentation! Thank you! I always confidently pass on your recipies! I look forward to my weekly emails too!
    Cheers!






    1. TMD Team says:

      What a sweet message, Michele! Thank you so much :).

  13. Grant Roberts says:

    Love this! I let mine marinate for about 3 hours. Perfection. I can’t wait to have leftovers tomorrow.






  14. Nel says:

    May Day BBQ dinner, I used small fillets instead of chicken breast, and a little white wine vinegar instead of wine, marinaded overnight, so simple to make and so full of flavour, delicious will be making again x






  15. Steve says:

    Just tried this last night - DELICIOUS!! Will definitely be making this again.

  16. Lynette says:

    What can I use to replace the wine

    1. TMD Team says:

      Hi, Lynette. You can just use a bit of chicken broth instead.