This Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe is everything you love about Mediterranean cooking—tender marinated chicken, smoky grilled flavor, fresh vegetables, warm pita, and creamy homemade tzatziki. Whether you’re planning a family meal, weekend cookout, or an easy Greek dinner, this recipe delivers authentic flavors with simple ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy, flavorful chicken with a classic Greek marinade.
- Easy to prepare ahead for busy weeknights.
- Perfect for grilling outdoors or cooking on a grill pan.
- Pairs beautifully with Homemade Tzatziki and fresh vegetables.
- Great for meal prep, family dinners, or entertaining guests.
- A delicious Mediterranean chicken recipe that’s both fresh and satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 10 garlic cloves, peeled
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup Greek extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup dry white grape juice or low-sodium chicken broth (halal substitute)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 bay leaves
For the Chicken
- 2½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1½-inch cubes
For Serving
- Greek pita bread
- Homemade Tzatziki
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced cucumbers
- Thinly sliced onions
- Kalamata olives
Optional Side Dishes
- Greek salad
- Roasted garlic hummus
- Mezze platter
- Watermelon and cucumber salad
Instructions
- Add the garlic, oregano, rosemary, paprika, salt, pepper, olive oil, halal white grape juice (or broth), and lemon juice to a food processor. Blend until smooth.
- Place the chicken into a large bowl. Add the bay leaves and pour the marinade over the chicken. Toss until every piece is evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30–45 minutes.
- Prepare the Homemade Tzatziki, vegetables, and any side dishes while the chicken marinates.
- Thread the marinated chicken evenly onto the soaked skewers.
- Heat an outdoor grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Grill the Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe for about 5 minutes, turning frequently until evenly browned and the internal temperature reaches 160°F before resting to 165°F.
- Lightly brush the chicken with the remaining marinade during grilling, then discard any leftover marinade.
- Let the chicken rest for 3 minutes.
- Warm the pita bread on the grill for about 30 seconds per side.
- Assemble each pita by spreading Homemade Tzatziki, adding grilled chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and Kalamata olives. Serve immediately.
Tips & Tricks
- Marinate overnight for maximum tenderness.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for extra juiciness.
- Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken moist.
- Always soak wooden skewers to prevent burning.
- A grill pan or cast-iron skillet works well if you don’t have an outdoor grill.
- Fresh lemon juice and quality Greek olive oil provide the most authentic flavor.
Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Marinating Time: 2 hours (or overnight)
- Cook Time: 5–8 minutes
- Total Time: About 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: High Protein, Halal-Friendly
Notes
- Replace the grape juice with low-sodium chicken broth if preferred.
- Serve buffet-style so everyone can build their own Greek pita wraps.
- Add feta cheese if desired.
- Pair with roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or crispy roasted potatoes.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
FAQ
Can I make Greek Chicken Souvlaki ahead of time?
Yes. Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and grill when ready.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Absolutely. Freeze it in the marinade for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before grilling.
What’s the difference between souvlaki and gyro?
Souvlaki uses grilled meat on skewers, while gyros are typically cooked on a vertical rotisserie.
Can I cook this in the oven?
Yes. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 18–20 minutes or until fully cooked.
What goes best with Chicken Souvlaki?
Greek salad, roasted potatoes, hummus, rice pilaf, or grilled vegetables all make excellent sides.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet, oven, or microwave until heated through without overcooking.
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Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe with Tzatziki
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 10 garlic cloves peeled
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup Greek extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup dry white grape juice or low-sodium chicken broth halal substitute
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 bay leaves
For the Chicken
- 2½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1½-inch cubes
For Serving
- Greek pita bread
- Homemade Tzatziki
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced cucumbers
- Thinly sliced onions
- Kalamata olives
Optional Side Dishes
- Greek salad
- Roasted garlic hummus
- Mezze platter
- Watermelon and cucumber salad
Instructions
- Add the garlic, oregano, rosemary, paprika, salt, pepper, olive oil, halal white grape juice (or broth), and lemon juice to a food processor. Blend until smooth.
- Place the chicken into a large bowl. Add the bay leaves and pour the marinade over the chicken. Toss until every piece is evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30–45 minutes.
- Prepare the Homemade Tzatziki, vegetables, and any side dishes while the chicken marinates.
- Thread the marinated chicken evenly onto the soaked skewers.
- Heat an outdoor grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Grill the Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe for about 5 minutes, turning frequently until evenly browned and the internal temperature reaches 160°F before resting to 165°F.
- Lightly brush the chicken with the remaining marinade during grilling, then discard any leftover marinade.
- Let the chicken rest for 3 minutes.
- Warm the pita bread on the grill for about 30 seconds per side.
- Assemble each pita by spreading Homemade Tzatziki, adding grilled chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and Kalamata olives. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Replace the grape juice with low-sodium chicken broth if preferred.
- Serve buffet-style so everyone can build their own Greek pita wraps.
- Add feta cheese if desired.
- Pair with roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or crispy roasted potatoes.
Conclusion
This Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe is an easy way to bring authentic Mediterranean flavors to your table. With juicy grilled chicken, warm pita, crisp vegetables, and creamy Homemade Tzatziki, it’s a meal that’s fresh, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving a casual family dinner or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.