Greek Chicken Souvlaki

I came across Greek cuisine when I was exploring Mediterranean flavors and craving something bright and fresh. I loved the ease and simplicity of the ingredients as well as their amazing flavors and quality.

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When my family started requesting this Greek Chicken Souvlaki on repeat it was easy to see why – everyone loves a Mediterranean inspired meal that is quick, affordable, and has ingredients that are easily accessible to everyone.

I came up with this Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe using some basic pantry staples and fresh herbs.

In addition to the marinade all you need for this recipe is boneless, skinless chicken thighs, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and oregano. The steps are super simple as well.

Let me walk you through them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Something about Greek Chicken Souvlaki just feels right. The flavors stay bold without feeling heavy, and the steps stay easy without cutting corners.

Bright flavor: Lemon juice and vinegar keep the chicken fresh tasting and lively.

Juicy texture: Olive oil and careful cooking lock in moisture.

Simple prep: Basic ingredients come together fast with no stress.

Versatile meal: Works for wraps, plates, bowls, and meal prep.

Crowd friendly: Everyone enjoys the familiar yet bold seasoning.

Weeknight ready: Minimal steps with big payoff.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts and thighs cut into bite size pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• Juice from 1 large lemon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 4 large garlic cloves minced
• 3 tablespoons Greek seasoning

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Step by Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken into even bite size pieces. Keeping the size consistent helps everything cook at the same pace. Place the chicken into a large bowl so there is room to mix without spilling.

2. Mix the Marinade

Add olive oil, white wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and Greek seasoning directly over the chicken. Stir well until every piece looks coated and glossy. The marinade should cling to the meat and smell fresh and garlicky.

3. Let the Chicken Rest

Cover the bowl and let the chicken sit in the fridge for at least thirty minutes. Longer time brings deeper flavor, though even a short rest makes a difference. This step helps the seasoning soak in fully.

4. Heat the Pan or Grill

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and let it warm fully. A hot surface helps create that golden outside while keeping the inside tender. Add a small drizzle of olive oil once the pan heats. You can also go with the grill using the skewers. Simply thread the chicken onto skewers and grill it until all sides are perfectly and evenly cooked. 

5. Cook the Chicken

Add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Let it cook without moving for a few minutes so color develops. Stir and continue cooking until every piece turns golden and cooked through. The garlic should smell rich without burning.

6. Finish and Rest

Remove the pan from heat once the chicken cooks fully. Let it rest for a few minutes so juices settle back into the meat. This keeps every bite moist and flavorful.

Tips and Variations

• Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, cleanest flavor, squeezing it just before mixing.
• Cut chicken into smaller pieces for quicker cooking and tender results.
• Cook in a cast iron pan if possible to get extra browning and flavor.
• Sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken after cooking for added freshness.
• Thread chicken onto skewers for a traditional souvlaki presentation.
• Great for meal prep, as the flavors remain strong after reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Greek Chicken Souvlaki fits into many meals without extra work. Serve it with warm pita, sliced cucumber, tomatoes, and a creamy yogurt sauce. It also tastes great over rice with roasted vegetables on the side.

When friends come over, I like setting everything out family style so everyone builds their own plate. The chicken pairs nicely with fresh salads and simple sides, making the meal feel relaxed and generous.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook this on a grill?

Yes, a grill works great. Skewer the chicken and cook over medium heat until done.

How long does it stay fresh?

Stored in the fridge, it keeps well for up to four days in a sealed container.

Can I freeze the chicken?

You can freeze it after cooking. Let it cool fully, then store in freezer safe bags.

Does this recipe taste spicy?

The seasoning brings warmth and herbs without heat, so it stays balanced.

Can I use only chicken thighs?

Yes, thighs work very well and stay extra juicy.

Final Thoughts

Greek Chicken Souvlaki brings together everything I love about simple cooking. Fresh ingredients, clear steps, and big flavor with no fuss. The lemon, garlic, and herbs create something comforting yet bright at the same time.

I keep coming back to this recipe because it fits so many moments. Quick dinners, shared meals, leftovers that still taste great. Once you make it, it easily becomes a regular in the kitchen rotation.