This Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe delivers tender, flavorful skewers marinated in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs before being grilled to perfection. It’s a classic Mediterranean dish known for its simplicity and bold taste. Perfect for weeknight dinners or outdoor gatherings, this recipe brings vibrant, fresh flavors to the table while remaining easy to prepare.
The first time I made these chicken skewers at home, the aroma of lemon and oregano filling the kitchen instantly reminded us of sunny seaside meals. My husband loved how juicy and lightly charred they turned out, and they quickly became one of our favorite dinner options when we want something satisfying yet fresh. Now we often prepare them together — threading the chicken onto skewers and sharing laughs while they cook — turning an ordinary evening into a little family tradition.
Why This Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
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Bright Mediterranean flavor: Lemon, garlic, and oregano create a classic savory marinade.
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Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples with fresh chicken for easy preparation.
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Versatile serving options: Perfect in wraps, with salads, or alongside grilled vegetables.
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Healthy and protein-rich: Lean chicken provides a nutritious, satisfying main dish.
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Great for gatherings: Skewered portions make serving convenient and appealing.
Ingredients
(Serves about 5 people)
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680 g (1.5 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size chunks
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45 ml (3 tbsp) extra virgin olive oil — about 41 g (0.09 lb)
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30 ml (2 tbsp) fresh lemon juice — about 30 g (0.07 lb)
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3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
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1 tbsp dried oregano
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5 g (0.01 lb) salt
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2 g (0.004 lb) ground black pepper
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15 ml (1 tbsp) red wine vinegar — about 15 g (0.03 lb)
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Wooden or metal skewers
Directions
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and vinegar to form a marinade.
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Add chicken pieces and stir until well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least half an hour or up to two hours for deeper flavor.
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If working with wooden skewers, soak them in water beforehand to reduce burning.
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Arrange marinated chicken onto skewers, spacing pieces slightly apart.
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Heat a grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat and cook skewers for around 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
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Serve warm, optionally alongside flatbread, yogurt sauce, or a fresh salad.
Notes
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Marinating time: Longer marination intensifies flavor but avoid exceeding several hours to keep texture tender.
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Cooking alternative: Bake in the oven or air-fry if a grill isn’t available.
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Vegetable addition: Add peppers or onions to skewers for variety.
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Storage tip: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days and reheat gently.
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Serving idea: Great with rice bowls, wraps, or roasted vegetables.