This Easy Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a fun and tasty dish! Juicy chicken pieces are marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs before being grilled to perfection.
Serve these delicious skewers with pita bread and a zesty tzatziki sauce. I love how simple they are to make—perfect for summer grilling or a quick dinner!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness, but chicken breasts work well too. If you need a quicker option, rotisserie chicken can be cut into cubes and marinated for the same flavor.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil provides the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, avocado oil can be a good substitute as it has a mild taste and a high smoke point.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dish. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice works, but fresh is always better. You can also try lime juice for a twist!
Herbs: Dried oregano is a must for authentic flavor, but feel free to use Italian seasoning if you’re out. For a fresh taste, you can use chopped fresh herbs if you have them on hand.
How Do I Perfectly Marinate Chicken for Souvlaki?
Marinating is key to achieving delicious chicken souvlaki. Here’s how to make the most of your marinade:
- Start with a good balance of oil and acid (like lemon juice) for tenderness.
- Mix your marinade, and make sure to coat the chicken well. The more time it sits, the more flavor it absorbs.
- Marinate in the fridge for at least an hour, but aim for 2-4 hours for maximum flavor.
- Don’t skip salting the chicken. It enhances flavor and helps keep the meat juicy.
Following these tips will help you nail that authentic Greek taste!
Easy Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Sliced red onions and tomatoes, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and requires at least 1 hour of marinating time, though 2-4 hours is ideal to enhance the flavor. The grilling will take about 10 minutes. Altogether, you can expect to spend around 1 hour and 25 minutes, with most of that time being hands-off while the chicken marinates.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme (if using), crushed rosemary, salt, and black pepper. This will be your delicious marinade that infuses flavor into the chicken. It should have a nice balance of acidity and herby goodness!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken pieces into the marinade, making sure they’re well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, but if you have time, 2-4 hours will bring out the flavor even more!
3. Prepare the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. This is an important step that makes sure your skewers hold up while cooking!
4. Preheat and Grill:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking. Make sure the chunks are secure so they don’t fall off while grilling.
5. Cooking the Chicken:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally so they brown evenly. You want the chicken to be fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Look for nice grill marks to know they’re crispy and delicious!
6. Rest and Serve:
Once the skewers are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping them juicy and tender. Serve the chicken souvlaki hot, accompanied by lemon wedges, sliced red onions, tomatoes, and fresh parsley. They also go wonderfully with warm pita bread and tzatziki sauce!
Enjoy the delightful flavors of Greece with this delicious and easy chicken souvlaki recipe! It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend barbecue.
FAQ for Easy Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki
Can I Use Other Types of Meat for Souvlaki?
Absolutely! While chicken is popular, you can use pork, beef, or lamb as well. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the type of meat, especially for beef and lamb, which may take a bit longer to reach the desired doneness.
Can I Make the Marinade in Advance?
Yes, you can make the marinade ahead of time! It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just mix it well before adding the chicken to ensure all the ingredients are incorporated.
How Do I Store Leftover Souvlaki?
Store any leftover chicken souvlaki in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the skewers in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, covered to keep moisture in. They’re also delicious cold in a salad!
Can I Skewer the Chicken in Advance?
Yes! You can thread the marinated chicken onto skewers in advance and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to grill. Just be sure to cook them within 24 hours for the best flavor and freshness.
