Greek-Style Chicken Souvlaki Recipe with Garlic and Herbs

Chicken souvlaki recipe enthusiasts know that few dishes deliver such satisfying flavor with so little fuss.

Greek cuisine has long celebrated this classic street food for good reason, it pulls together bold Mediterranean flavors in one simple dish.

Whether you're planning a casual weeknight dinner or hosting friends for an outdoor gathering, it fits perfectly into any occasion.

You can serve it in countless ways, from tucked into warm pita to plated alongside fresh salads and dips.

Each bite offers that perfect balance of savory, smoky notes that make Greek food so beloved worldwide.

Head to the recipe card below and see just how simple authentic Greek flavor can be.

Street-Style Reasons to Grill Chicken Souvlaki

• Crowd-Pleaser: This chicken souvlaki transforms a simple dinner into a restaurant-worthy meal that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
• Flavor Explosion: The marinade packs such incredible taste into the chicken that every single bite delivers Mediterranean magic straight to your plate.
• Simple Ingredients: With basic pantry staples and fresh chicken, you can create a delicious meal that feels like a gourmet cooking experience without complicated techniques.
• Flexible Feast: Whether grilling outdoors on a summer evening or cooking inside during cooler months, this recipe adapts perfectly to whatever kitchen setup works for your day.

Ingredient Overview for Chicken Souvlaki

• Chicken Breasts (2 lbs): The star of your souvlaki, these boneless and skinless cuts will transform into tender, juicy bites perfect for grilling.

• Olive Oil (½ cup), Lemon Juice (¼ cup): These liquid heroes will tenderize and add bright, zesty flavor to your chicken.
• Garlic Cloves (4): Packed with robust intensity to give your marinade serious depth.
• Dried Oregano (2 tablespoons), Dried Thyme (1 tablespoon): Classic Greek herbs that bring authentic Mediterranean character.
• Salt (1 teaspoon), Black Pepper (½ teaspoon), Red Pepper Flakes (¼ teaspoon): Your seasoning trio for balanced, complex taste.

• Greek Yogurt (1 cup): The creamy, tangy base for your classic sauce.
• Cucumber (½), Garlic Cloves (2), Fresh Dill (1 tablespoon): Fresh ingredients that add bright, cool dimensions to your sauce.
• Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon), Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Liquids that lift and smooth the sauce’s flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Final seasoning touches to perfect your tzatziki.

• Wooden or Metal Skewers: Your grilling tools for creating those classic souvlaki kebabs.
• Pita Bread: Soft, warm wraps to cradle your delicious chicken.
• Red Onion, Tomato: Fresh vegetables to add crunch and color.
• Lemon Wedges: Bright citrus to squeeze over your finished dish.

Tools to Skewer and Grill Chicken Souvlaki

• Large Mixing Bowl: A spacious bowl that comfortably holds all your marinade ingredients and provides enough room to thoroughly coat each chicken cube.
• Whisk: Essential for blending marinade ingredients smoothly and ensuring no clumps form in your seasoning mixture.
• Plastic Wrap or Resealable Plastic Bag: Perfect for covering your marinating chicken and keeping it fresh in the refrigerator.
• Box Grater: Helps you quickly and evenly grate cucumber for your tzatziki sauce with minimal effort.
• Clean Kitchen Towel or Cheesecloth: Crucial for squeezing out excess liquid from grated cucumber, ensuring your tzatziki stays thick and creamy.
• Grill or Grill Pan: Your primary cooking surface for creating those delicious charred chicken skewers with beautiful grill marks.
• Metal or Wooden Skewers: Used to thread chicken cubes for even grilling and that classic souvlaki presentation.
• Tongs: Helpful for safely turning skewers on the grill and moving chicken without piercing the meat.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensures your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165F (74C) without overcooking.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping vegetables and preparing your souvlaki ingredients.

How to Grill Chicken Souvlaki Properly

Which Tips Keep Chicken Souvlaki Juicy

• Let your chicken soak in the zesty mix for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better for maximum flavor absorption.
• When making tzatziki, squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the grated cucumber to keep your sauce thick and creamy.
• Thread chicken pieces with a little space between them on the skewer to ensure each piece cooks evenly and gets that perfect char.
• Heat your grill to medium-high and watch for a slight char on the chicken, aiming for an internal temperature of 165F.
• Warm your pita, top with freshly grilled chicken, tzatziki, and fresh veggies, then squeeze lemon over the top for a bright finish.

Classic Chicken Souvlaki Variations to Make

• Vegetarian Souvlaki: Swap chicken with firm tofu or seitan cubes, marinating exactly the same way to get deep Mediterranean flavors.
• Lamb Souvlaki Switch: Replace chicken with tender lamb chunks for a richer, more traditional Greek protein option that pairs perfectly with the same marinade.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pita or wrap the souvlaki in large lettuce leaves, ensuring the marinade ingredients remain unchanged for authentic taste.
• Spicy Herb Variation: Add extra red pepper flakes and fresh chopped rosemary to the marinade for a bolder, more intense flavor profile that kicks up the traditional recipe.

How to Serve Chicken Souvlaki

• Serve with Fresh Sides: Grab some cucumber salad or crisp Greek salad to complement the grilled chicken. These cool, tangy sides balance the warm, seasoned souvlaki perfectly.
• Perfect Beverage Pairing: Crack open a cold Greek beer or pour a crisp white wine like Assyrtiko. These drinks cut through the richness of the chicken and refresh your palate.
• Bread Basket Bonus: Warm up extra pita bread to soak up those delicious tzatziki drippings. Soft, warm bread makes the meal feel complete and satisfying.
• Customize Your Plate: Sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese over your souvlaki for an extra burst of Mediterranean flavor. This salty addition takes your dish from good to awesome.

How to Store Chicken Souvlaki Juicy

• Refrigerate the marinated chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 days, sealed tightly to keep those amazing flavors locked in.
• Store leftover tzatziki sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days; give it a quick stir before serving to refresh the texture.
• Pop extra cooked chicken souvlaki in the fridge inside a sealed container and enjoy within 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to keep the meat tender and juicy.
• Freeze uncooked marinated chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling for the best results.

Chicken Souvlaki FAQs and Prep Notes

Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 23-27 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Chicken Souvlaki wraps tender marinated chicken in a flavor-packed Greek tradition that brings Mediterranean sunshine right to your dinner plate. Grilling these skewers creates a simple yet delicious meal your family will absolutely devour with warm pita and creamy tzatziki.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Marinade Ingredients:

• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Tzatziki Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cucumber
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill
• Salt
• Pepper

Serving Ingredients:

• Wooden or metal skewers
• Pita bread
• Red onion
• Tomato
• Lemon wedges

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Instructions

1. Whisk ½ cup olive oil, ¼ cup lemon juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons dried oregano, 1 tablespoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes in a large bowl to create a vibrant marinade.
2. Drop 2 pounds of chicken breast cubes into the marinade. Massage each cube thoroughly until completely coated.
3. Seal the marinating chicken in a plastic container or resealable bag. Refrigerate for 2-8 hours to allow deep flavor penetration.
4. Grate ½ cucumber using a box grater. Squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel until nearly dry.
5. Mix 1 cup Greek yogurt, the squeezed cucumber, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 1 tablespoon chopped dill in a bowl.
6. Sprinkle salt and pepper into the tzatziki. Stir until ingredients blend smoothly. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
7. Heat your grill to 400°F. Ensure grates are lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
8. Slide marinated chicken cubes onto pre-soaked wooden or metal skewers. Space pieces evenly for consistent cooking.
9. Arrange skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 10-12 minutes, rotating every 3-4 minutes to create even char marks.
10. Check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer. Remove skewers when fully cooked.
11. Allow grilled chicken to rest for 3-4 minutes before serving. This helps retain juicy tenderness.
12. Warm pita bread. Layer chicken from skewers onto bread. Top with tzatziki, red onion slices, and tomato.
13. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the souvlaki.

Notes

• Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but overnight delivers maximum flavor depth and tenderness.
• Squeeze cucumber thoroughly when making tzatziki to prevent watery sauce and ensure a thick, creamy consistency.
• Use metal or soaked wooden skewers to prevent burning and ensure even chicken cooking on the grill.
• For a gluten-free version, serve the chicken and tzatziki over a fresh Greek salad instead of pita bread.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-12 minutes
• Category: Chicken
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 408 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 375 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg