Imagine the succulent aroma of chicken souvlaki wafting through your kitchen, mingling with the vibrant scents of garlic and herbs. Each skewer is a promise of flavorful bites that transport you straight to a sun-drenched Greek taverna, with laughter and warmth all around. This dish is not just food; it’s an experience that makes you feel alive, even if you’re just cooking in your cozy home.
Now picture yourself at a summer gathering, friends laughing over plates of this delicious chicken souvlaki, each bite bursting with flavor. You’ll create memories that linger longer than the taste itself. This recipe promises to deliver that excitement right in your kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This amazing Greek chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing
I remember the first time I made chicken souvlaki for my family; their delighted expressions were priceless as they savored every last bite.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
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Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor.
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Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dish and balances richness beautifully.
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Dried Oregano: A key herb in Greek cuisine; it adds an aromatic touch that’s irresistible.
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Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor and health benefits.
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Pita Bread: Warm pita serves as the perfect vessel for your delicious souvlaki.
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Vegetables (like bell peppers and red onions): They add color, crunch, and nutrients to your meal.
For the Sauce:
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Tzatziki Sauce: A refreshing yogurt-based sauce that complements the spices of the chicken wonderfully.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors in your dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare to embark on a flavorful journey! Follow these steps closely for delightful chicken souvlaki.
Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add cubed chicken breasts and ensure they’re well-coated. Let them marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes; this helps develop fantastic flavor.
Prepare Your Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning. Meanwhile, preheat your grill or oven broiler to medium-high heat—get ready for some sizzle!
Skewer the Chicken and Veggies: Thread marinated chicken onto skewers alternately with colorful pieces of bell pepper and onion. This not only adds flavor but also creates a beautiful presentation.
Cook Your Souvlaki : Grill or broil skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden brown and cooked through. The lovely smell will have everyone gathering around!
Serve with Tzatziki : While skewers are cooking, whip up tzatziki by mixing yogurt with grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, dill (if desired), salt, and pepper. Drizzle over warm chicken souvlaki before serving.
Enjoy every juicy bite alongside warm pita bread—each piece is like a mini adventure waiting to be tasted!
You Must Know
- This amazing Greek chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating your chicken souvlaki for at least two hours for maximum flavor. Grill skewers over medium-high heat for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also experiment with different herbs like oregano or basil to change up the flavor profile.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chicken souvlaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain tenderness and prevent drying out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Marinating overnight allows deeper flavors to develop, giving satisfying taste to your chicken souvlaki
- Skewering vegetables like bell peppers adds color and nutrition to your dish
- Always preheat your grill; this helps achieve those lovely char marks that scream ‘delicious’
Sharing this recipe always brings back memories of family gatherings where we grilled together, laughter filling the air as everyone enjoyed my chicken souvlaki masterpiece.

FAQ
What is the best way to marinate chicken souvlaki?
The best way is to marinate overnight for intense flavor infusion.
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Shrimp, pork, or even tofu work wonderfully in this recipe.
How long do leftovers last in the fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days without losing quality.
Delicious Chicken Souvlaki
Savor the vibrant flavors of homemade chicken souvlaki, a classic Greek dish that brings the taste of the Mediterranean to your kitchen. Marinated in a zesty blend of lemon, garlic, and oregano, this dish is grilled to perfection and served with warm pita and refreshing tzatziki sauce. Perfect for summer gatherings or cozy dinners, each skewer promises a burst of flavor that will transport you to a sun-drenched taverna.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 pita breads
- 1 bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- 1. In a large bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add cubed chicken breasts and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- 2. Preheat your grill or oven broiler to medium-high heat.
- 3. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers alternately with bell pepper and onion pieces.
- 4. Grill or broil skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through.
- 5. While cooking, prepare tzatziki by mixing yogurt with grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- 6. Serve warm chicken souvlaki with tzatziki sauce and pita bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer with tzatziki (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg

