Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe

If you’ve been craving something vibrant, juicy, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, then you’re going to love this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a little vacation on a plate, transporting you straight to a taverna under the Greek sun. I’ve made this recipe so many times—sometimes for a quick weeknight meal, other times when friends come over—and it always hits the spot. Trust me, once you try these skewers, you’ll want to make them again and again. Let me walk you through exactly how I do it to get that perfect tender chicken every single time.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe plays a key role in creating that classic souvlaki charm. From the fresh lemon juice to the aromatic garlic and Greek seasoning, each element works harmoniously to bring out the best in your chicken. For the best results, shop for fresh poultry and quality olive oil that isn’t too bitter.

• Chicken breasts or thighs: Thighs add more juiciness, but breasts are great if you prefer leaner meat.
• Olive oil: Choose a good quality extra virgin for smooth flavor and better marinade absorption.
• White wine vinegar: Adds a subtle tang and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic packs a punch that powder just can’t match.
• Greek seasoning: The magic mix of oregano, thyme, and other herbs is essential for authentic taste.
• Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon brightens the marinade, balancing all the flavors beautifully.
• Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning basics to enhance every bite.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you like or have on hand. I love throwing in some sliced bell peppers or onions on the skewers for a little extra veggie goodness, but you can keep it simple or get creative with herbs and seasoning intensity.

• Variation: Sometimes I swap out chicken thighs for breasts when I’m watching my fat intake, and it still comes out delicious and tender.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade if you like a little heat—you’ll feel like you’re at a lively Greek festival.
• Herb swaps: Fresh oregano or thyme can be stirred into the marinade instead of dried seasoning for an even fresher bite.
• Make it kid-friendly: Simply reduce the garlic and skip any spicy additions; the lemon and herbs alone make a tasty and mild combo.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe

Step 1: The All-Important Marinade Mix

First things first—combine the olive oil, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, Greek seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a sturdy ziplock bag or a tightly covered bowl. Shake or whisk it up until everything’s well combined and smells amazing. This marinade is the soul of the dish, so don’t rush this step. I like using a ziplock bag because it’s so easy to massage the chicken around and make sure every piece is lovingly coated.

Step 2: Marinate for Maximum Flavor

Add the bite-sized chicken pieces into the marinade. Seal the bag and give it a good shake so every morsel is dressed in those vibrant flavors. Now, here’s the trick: let it hang out in the fridge for at least 6 hours, or better yet, overnight. I promise it’s worth the wait—this slow soak is what turns ordinary chicken into juicy souvlaki magic.

Step 3: Skewering and Cooking with Care

Once your chicken has marinated, take it out of the bag, discarding any leftover marinade (it’s packed with raw chicken juice, so don’t reuse). Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers—if you’re using wooden ones, soak them beforehand for about 30 minutes to prevent burning. Grill your skewers on a hot outdoor grill, or fire up a grill pan on your stove. Cooking time is usually around 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the meat is cooked through (165°F internal temp is the safe target!). If you don’t have a grill, bake or air fry them—more on that below.

Step 4: The Resting Reward

After all that work, don’t skip the resting step! Wrap your skewers loosely in foil and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This little pause allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken tender and juicy—definitely one of those small steps that makes a big difference!

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe

Garnishes

Whenever I serve these skewers, I can’t resist topping them off with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Sometimes I add thinly sliced red onions or a few slices of cucumber for crunch. And of course, a generous dollop of homemade or store-bought tzatziki sauce is a must—it adds that cool, creamy contrast that ties everything together.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides for Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe include warm pita bread, a simple Greek salad with tomatoes and olives, and some lemony roasted potatoes on the side. If you want to keep it light, a chilled tabbouleh or rice pilaf also pairs beautifully with these skewers.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to serve these souvlaki skewers as part of a mezze platter with lots of small dishes: hummus, dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), and feta cheese. Arranging the skewers on a beautiful wooden board with fresh lemon wedges always impresses guests. You can even turn the skewers into sliders using mini pita buns and a bit of tzatziki—perfect finger food for parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually remove the chicken off the skewers before storing—it just fits better in containers and cools down faster in the fridge. Place the chicken in an airtight container separately from any garnishes or sauces, and it’ll last up to 5 days. This way, when you reheat it, you can add fresh toppings to keep the flavors bright.

Freezing

If I’m prepping ahead, I marinate the chicken and freeze it in a ziplock bag with the marinade still inside. When I’m ready to cook, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and then grill as usual. Freezing doesn’t dull the flavors, so it’s a fantastic shortcut for busy days.

Reheating

To keep the chicken juicy when reheating, I warm it gently in a skillet over low heat just until heated through, adding a drizzle of olive oil if it looks dry. You can also reheat in the oven wrapped in foil at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, since that can make the chicken rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe has become a staple at my house for good reason—it’s easy, flavorful, and brings a bit of joyful Mediterranean sunshine to the table. I hope you find it as satisfying and dependable as I do, and feel free to make it your own with your favorite tweaks. So go ahead, fire up your grill or heat your pan, and bring some Greek magic into your kitchen tonight!

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