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.
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.
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!
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.
- 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.
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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PrintGreek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe with Tzatziki
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.)
- 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).
- When ready, thread marinated chicken pieces through the prepared skewers.
- 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 155° on instant read thermometer. 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).
- Transfer chicken to serving platter and let rest for 3 minutes. Meanwhile, briefly grill pitas and keep warm.
- 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.
- 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
Keywords: Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
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william says
in your visits to greece, have you ever seen seafood used for souvlaki or kebabs?
Suzy says
I have! 🙂
Paula says
I have made this many times now and love it. I cut my chicken kebab style but I cook it on the George foreman grill and it turns out perfect.
★★★★★
Charlotte says
These were perfect for my Greek chicken bowls! Will definitely be saving this for the future.
★★★★★
Suzy says
Awesome! Thanks, Charlotte!
Maria Darnell says
This is a Family Favorite - When we have left overs (very rarely) we chop up the chicken and add it to a Salad for the extra boost of Protein we all need!
Thank you for sharing your culture through cooking. I look forward to more from you!
Suzy says
My pleasure, Maria! So glad you enjoy this recipe!
Leslie Hughes says
I wanted to make lamb souvlaki’s and wondered if I would use the same marinade as your recipe for chicken souvlaki’s or do you have a different marinade for lamb?
Thank you!
Leslie Hughes
Suzy says
Hi, Leslie. You can absolutely use this recipe with lamb. Enjoy!
Sally says
This was absolutely delicious and easy to cook. My picky husband even ate it. I do not drink alcohol, used extra lemon and a little chicken broth . As I have an herb garden used fresh herbs, 1 T fresh to 1t dry. Suzy is this a correct conversion ?
I owill make this recipe again and again.
Thank you
★★★★★
Suzy says
So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Sally. Yes, that is the conversion that I typically use.
Joanne says
Your email is the only one I look forward to
Suzy says
Awww! That is so sweet, Joanne. Thank you!
Katrina says
Hi Suzy! I was just wondering if you put the grill on 155 degrees F or C? Thank you!
Suzy says
Hi, Katrina. The grill temp should be set at medium-high heat. Grill the souvlaki until it reaches and internal temperature of 155 degrees F.
Kim Allen says
Thanks for sharing the absolute best marinade ever. I'll be looking for that cookbook in 2022.
★★★★★
Suzy says
Awww! Thank you, Kim!
Abbie says
We loved this recipe! Definitely will be a go to.
★★★★★
Suzann says
The best recipe ever. I have made this recipe for my picky daughter and my in laws everyone loves it. You must write a cookbook. I have tried several of your recipes all wonderful. Thank you for sharing with me.
★★★★★
Suzy says
Awww! Thank you Suzann. I'm working on a cookbook right now. It will be out in 2022, so stay tuned! 🙂
Mark says
OMG SUZIE - I made this exactly as you said with thighs instead, and it is fantastic!
Delicious!!! Thank you so much!
Mark
Judy says
Hi, what size skewers do you use please?
Suzy says
Hi, Judy. The ones I usually use are about 12 inches, but really any size will work.
Deb says
Made this tonight, marinated for 3 hours. Was delicious, will definitely make again, served with Mediterranean couscous side
★★★★★
Paulina says
I’ve made this many times-always a hit!!
★★★★★
Richard says
Thank you for this excellent recipe. I use it often, with different variations. For example, lemon zest in the marinade or chopped shallots to tenderize the meat. Usually, I split the marinade between pork and chicken for a variety to offer guests.
We toast pita or tortilla wraps over the charcoal before serving. Lay a lettuce leaf on the wrap to prevent it getting soggy. Assemble the ingredients on top of the lettuce leaf.
Thanks for this.
★★★★★
Suzy says
Thanks for sharing, Richard!
Paula says
What if don’t have a grill? Can I bake the chicken?
Suzy says
Sure! If you are baking in the oven, do not skewer the chicken, and instead place on a large sheet pan that's been oiled and roast at 425°F or broil 5–6 inches from the heat source. Since ovens vary a bit, start checking for doneness after 25 minutes and keep going if needed until internal temperature of chicken is at 165 degrees F.
Stephanie says
Made this today for lunch. Everyone loved it. I will make this again. I also made the Tzatziki sauce recipe listed above & it was also a hit. My son doesnt like it from the Greek place we eat at but he ate this & said it was good. making Hawawshi later in the week. Thank you for sharing all these wonderful recipes.
★★★★★
Suzy says
Awesome!! I'm actually going to make Hawawshi tomorrow (Tuesday) LIVE on Instagram and Facebook. You should log on and join along. Always lots of fun!
Natasha says
This looks delicious! Can I use vinegar instead of white wine?
Suzy says
Hi, Natasha! Yes, you can leave it out and use a little more lemon juice or a combination of lemon juice and white wine vinegar (a smaller amount).
Sue says
I used boneless thighs and marinated overnight. Excellent flavour.
★★★★★
Suzy says
So glad you enjoyed it, Sue!