Why You’ll Love this Juicy Greek Chicken Souvlaki
Once you taste this Greek chicken souvlaki, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it weekly. The marinade—a perfect blend of lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, and garlic—infuses every bite with Mediterranean flavor.
I’m obsessed with how the chicken stays incredibly tender on the inside while developing a beautiful char on the outside. Who doesn’t love food on sticks, right?
Plus, it’s ridiculously versatile. Serve it with pita bread, over a salad, or alongside some tzatziki sauce. The best part? You can prep everything ahead of time, making this perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
What Ingredients are in Juicy Greek Chicken Souvlaki?
The beauty of Greek chicken souvlaki lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of fresh, vibrant ingredients, you can create a dish that transports you straight to a seaside taverna in Santorini.
The magic happens when these few simple ingredients combine and marinate, transforming ordinary chicken into something extraordinary. This is Mediterranean cooking at its finest—uncomplicated but bursting with flavor.
- 2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin works best)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
When shopping for these ingredients, quality really matters. Try to find the freshest chicken possible, and don’t skimp on the olive oil—a good Greek extra virgin olive oil adds incredible depth.
If you happen to have fresh oregano on hand, you can substitute it for dried (just use about twice as much). And those wooden skewers mentioned in the cooking method? You’ll want to have those ready too, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
The simplicity of this ingredient list is what makes this dish so approachable, yet the flavors that develop are anything but basic.
How to Make this Juicy Greek Chicken Souvlaki
Preparing this Greek chicken souvlaki is invigoratingly straightforward, starting with cutting your 2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts into small one-inch cubes. This uniform size guarantees they cook evenly and quickly on the grill.
Once you’ve prepped your chicken, it’s time to create that magical marinade that gives souvlaki its signature flavor. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of lemon juice, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 teaspoons of oregano, and 2 minced garlic cloves until well combined. Can you almost smell that Mediterranean aroma already? The citrus brightness balanced with the earthy herbs creates that quintessential Greek profile we all crave.
Now comes the vital waiting game—pour your marinade into a zip-top bag, add your chicken cubes, seal it up and gently massage the bag to guarantee all pieces are coated. Then tuck it away in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours, allowing those flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat. The longer you let it marinate, the more flavorful it becomes, though anything beyond 24 hours might start breaking down the proteins too much.
While you’re waiting, remember to soak those wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling—a step many folks forget that prevents them from turning into matchsticks on your grill.
When it’s finally time to cook, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto your soaked skewers, leaving small spaces between each piece for even cooking. For restaurant-quality results that rival authentic Greek establishments, consider investing in a commercial deep fryer for perfectly crisp appetizers to accompany your souvlaki. Grill them over medium-high heat for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re beautifully charred on the outside and perfectly juicy inside. A good rule of thumb? When the chicken reaches 165°F internally, it’s ready to devour.
Juicy Greek Chicken Souvlaki Substitutions and Variations
While traditional Greek chicken souvlaki follows a time-honored recipe, you’ll find endless ways to customize this Mediterranean classic to suit your dietary needs or what’s available in your pantry.
Swap chicken for lamb, beef, or even tofu for vegetarians. No lemon? Try a splash of white wine vinegar instead. Fresh herbs like dill or mint can replace oregano, giving your souvlaki a different aromatic profile.
I’m particularly fond of adding a pinch of smoked paprika for depth. For a twist, toss in some honey with your marinade for a sweet-savory balance that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Honestly, cooking is all about making it your own.
What to Serve with Juicy Greek Chicken Souvlaki
Because Greek souvlaki deserves proper accompaniments, I’ve rounded up some traditional and creative sides that’ll transform your skewers into a complete Mediterranean feast.
Warm pita bread is non-negotiable, perfect for wrapping those juicy chicken pieces. A dollop of tzatziki sauce? Absolutely vital—that cooling cucumber-yogurt combo balances the marinade’s lemon and garlic perfectly.
Consider a classic Greek salad with chunky tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta.
Want something heartier? Lemon-herb rice or crispy roasted potatoes with oregano make substantial additions.
Can you imagine a better dinner spread? Mediterranean heaven on a plate.
Final Thoughts
After you’ve savored that first bite of this juicy Greek chicken souvlaki, you’ll understand why this classic dish has stood the test of time.
There’s something magical about the combination of bright lemon, fragrant oregano, and garlic that transforms simple chicken into something extraordinary.
What makes this recipe so wonderful is its versatility. You can serve it for casual backyard gatherings or dress it up for dinner parties.
And the leftovers? Even better the next day wrapped in warm pita.
I’m convinced this souvlaki recipe will become a staple in your cooking repertoire.
Who can resist those tender, flavor-packed morsels?
