You don’t need a trip to the Greek islands to enjoy Chicken Souvlaki. Tender, marinated chicken is grilled, tucked into soft pita, and finished with creamy tzatziki and fresh herbs for a simple Mediterranean meal you can make at home. Pair it with homemade flatbread or a crisp cucumber salad for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Chicken souvlaki is a great way to change up your usual chicken routine. It’s easy to prepare and quickly becomes a household favorite. Start by marinating boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a bright, garlicky mixture of lemon, olive oil, and seasonings. Let the chicken soak up the flavors, then grill until charred and juicy. Serve hot with pita, tzatziki, and a squeeze of lemon.
Why This Chicken Souvlaki Works
- Bold flavor. Fresh lemon juice and zest, garlic, and olive oil make a bright, savory marinade that really shines.
- Simple ingredients. This recipe relies on pantry staples—no fancy or hard-to-find items required.
- Authentic style. Inspired by traditional Greek methods, this souvlaki is best served with soft pita, tzatziki, and fresh herbs for garnish.
What Is Greek Chicken Souvlaki?
Souvlaki refers to small skewers of marinated meat—chicken, pork, lamb, or beef—grilled and often served on the skewer or stuffed into pita. The name comes from “souvla” (skewer) and “-aki” (little). It’s a common street-food style dish across Greece and is delicious served with rice, salad, or inside warm bread.
Recipe Ingredients
Below are the main ingredients for this chicken souvlaki. Exact amounts are listed in the recipe card further down.
- Chicken – boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Onion – small yellow onions, cut into pieces to thread between chicken pieces.
For the Marinade
- Olive oil – extra virgin is preferred for flavor.
- Lemon – fresh lemon juice and a bit of zest give brightness.
- Garlic – minced for a classic savory kick.
- Salt and pepper – use fine salt and freshly ground pepper.
- Greek seasoning – or substitute dried oregano and basil.
- Fresh herbs – mint, oregano, or dill for garnish.
How To Make Chicken Souvlaki
The key to great souvlaki is allowing enough time for the marinade to work. Here’s a concise overview of the preparation and cooking steps.
- Make the marinade: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, white pepper, Greek seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Marinate: Toss chicken cubes in the marinade, cover or seal, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor.
- Prep skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Thread: Alternate chicken and onion pieces on skewers.
- Grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high and cook the skewers 6–8 minutes per side, turning so they char evenly and reach a safe internal temperature.
- Rest and serve: Let the skewers rest a few minutes, then serve with warm pita, tzatziki, lemon wedges, and fresh herbs.
Recipe Tips for Success
A few small steps elevate this simple dish into something exceptional.
- Marinate long enough. For deeper flavor, marinate overnight so the lemon and garlic fully penetrate the chicken.
- Finish with fresh herbs. Sprinkle chopped mint, oregano, or dill over the hot skewers for brightness.
- Protect wooden skewers. Soak them before grilling to keep them from burning.
Ways To Serve Chicken Souvlaki
Souvlaki is versatile and works as a snack, main dish, or part of a larger meal. Try these serving ideas:
- Stuffed in soft pita. The classic presentation—fill warm pita with sliced souvlaki, tzatziki, and vegetables.
- Over rice. Serve the chicken atop steamed rice or garlic-parmesan rice for a heartier plate.
- With salad. Pair with a Greek salad or a fresh tomato–avocado salad for a light, balanced meal.
- Toppings to add. Tzatziki, a squeeze of lemon, crumbled feta, and chopped herbs are traditional and delicious.
Proper Storage
- Refrigerator: Store cooked chicken souvlaki in an airtight container for up to 3 days, skewers optional.
- Freezer: Freeze cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave in short intervals, or warm in a skillet or oven to preserve texture.
More Easy Chicken Recipes
- One Pot Creamed Spinach Chicken
- Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Thighs
- Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
- Chicken Fajitas Casserole
- Crispy Honey Sesame Chicken
Chicken Souvlaki
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 small yellow onions, chopped into 1-inch pieces
For the Marinade:
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- 2 teaspoons Greek seasoning (or 1 teaspoon oregano + 1 teaspoon basil)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh herbs, for garnish
Instructions
- Make the marinade: Combine olive oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, white pepper, Greek seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Marinate the chicken: Place chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish, pour in the marinade, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Soak skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them for about 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Preheat grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Thread chicken: Thread marinated chicken and onion pieces onto skewers.
- Grill: Cook skewers 6–8 minutes per side until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
- Rest: Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes.
- Serve: Serve with pita, tzatziki, lemon wedges, and chopped herbs.
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. Values may vary according to ingredients and tools used.