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Greek Chicken Souvlaki Flavorful Grill

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

Experience tender chicken thighs or breasts marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano for at least an hour. The chicken is skewered and grilled over medium-high heat until a golden crust forms and the meat is juicy inside. Letting the skewers rest briefly before serving enhances the flavors. This dish pairs wonderfully with pita bread and creamy tzatziki, making it a delightful and easy choice for gatherings or weeknight dinners. Optional paprika or thyme adds a subtle twist, while a splash of honey can bring a gentle sweetness to the marinade.

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Lili Clark smiling at the camera.
Created By Lili Clark
Updated on Mon, 16 Feb 2026 23:12:22 GMT
A plate of food with meat and vegetables. Save
A plate of food with meat and vegetables. | lilicooks.com

Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a wonderful dish that brings the bright, fresh flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. Tender chicken marinated in lemon, garlic, and oregano, then grilled to juicy perfection makes this an easy and impressive meal, especially served alongside warm pita and refreshing tzatziki.

I started making this recipe when I craved a fresh twist on grilled chicken. It quickly became a favorite for family dinners and weekend gatherings because everyone loves the tender, flavorful bites.

Ingredients

  • 600 grams boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: thighs add juiciness and deeper flavor, breasts are leaner
  • Olive oil: creates a rich base for the marinade and keeps chicken moist
  • Lemon juice: brings bright acidity that tenderizes and lifts the flavors
  • Garlic cloves minced: essential for that pungent aromatic kick
  • Dried oregano: the classic Greek herb that defines souvlaki’s flavor profile
  • Salt: enhances all the flavors, don’t skimp here
  • Black pepper: adds a subtle heat and depth
  • Optional paprika or thyme: paprika adds warmth and smokiness, thyme gives an earthy note use based on your taste and what’s available

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the marinade:
Whisk together olive oil lemon juice minced garlic dried oregano salt black pepper and any optional spices in a bowl. This combination creates the perfect base to infuse the chicken with Mediterranean zest.
Marinate the chicken:
Cut the chicken into even chunks for uniform cooking. Place the pieces into the marinade coat them well cover and refrigerate for at least one hour or up to eight. Longer marinating lets the flavors really soak in and tenderizes the meat.
Prepare the skewers:
If using wooden skewers soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. Thread the chicken chunks onto the skewers leaving a little space between each piece so they cook evenly and get that perfect char.
Preheat the grill:
Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot. A well-heated surface helps sear the chicken quickly sealing in juices.
Grill the chicken:
Cook the chicken skewers for 10 to 12 minutes turning occasionally for even cooking. Look for a golden color and check that the internal temperature reaches 75 degrees Celsius or 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure doneness.
Rest and serve:
Remove the skewers and let them rest for about five minutes so the juices redistribute. Serve with pita bread lemon wedges and tzatziki sauce for the perfect Greek feast.
A plate of food with meat and vegetables. Save
A plate of food with meat and vegetables. | lilicooks.com

My favorite part is the oregano because it instantly transports me to warm Greek evenings dining al fresco. Making it reminds me of a vacation with friends when we grilled under the stars while sharing stories and wine.

Storage tips

Store leftover grilled chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a pan or oven to avoid drying out. The marinade really helps maintain moisture even after refrigeration. You can also freeze the cooked chicken skewers by wrapping them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months.

Ingredient substitutions

If you don’t have chicken thighs use breasts but be mindful that breasts dry out faster so reduce grilling time slightly. Kalamata olives or fresh herbs like parsley can be added to the marinade for more Greek authenticity. Lemon zest can replace or complement lemon juice for an extra punch of citrus aroma.

Serving suggestions

Serve souvlaki on warm pita with sliced cucumber diced tomatoes and red onion for a fresh texture contrast. Classic tzatziki sauce with cucumber garlic and yogurt elevates the dish. A simple Greek salad or roasted potatoes with oregano round out a complete meal.

Cultural background

Souvlaki is a traditional Greek dish that dates back to ancient times when meat was cooked on skewers over open flames. It remains popular as street food and at family gatherings across Greece and the Mediterranean, celebrated for its simple ingredients and bold flavors.

Recipe FAQs

→ What cut of chicken works best for this dish?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for juiciness and flavor, but chicken breasts can also be used for a leaner option.

→ How long should the chicken marinate?

Marinating for at least 1 hour allows the herbs and lemon to infuse the chicken. For deeper flavor, marinate up to 8 hours in the refrigerator.

→ Can I use wooden skewers for grilling?

Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for 20-30 minutes prevents them from burning while grilling.

→ What is the internal temperature for properly cooked chicken?

Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) to ensure it’s safe to eat and juicy.

→ What sides complement this grilled chicken?

Pita bread and cool tzatziki sauce are classic accompaniments, balancing the smoky grilled flavors perfectly.

Traditional Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Tender grilled chicken with lemon, garlic, and oregano, perfect for flavorful meals.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
12 min
Overall Time
27 min
Created By: Lili Clark

Category: Dinner

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: Greek

Output: 4 Serves

Dietary Options: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Chicken

01 1.3 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

→ Marinade

02 3 tbsp olive oil
03 2 tbsp lemon juice
04 3 garlic cloves, minced
05 2 tsp dried oregano
06 1 tsp salt
07 1/2 tsp black pepper
08 Optional: 1/2 tsp paprika or thyme

Steps

Step 01

Combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional paprika or thyme in a bowl. Whisk until well blended.

Step 02

Cut chicken into chunks and immerse them in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 8 hours to enhance flavor and tenderness.

Step 03

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water to prevent burning. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving small spaces between pieces for even cooking.

Step 04

Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to ensure proper searing and cooking.

Step 05

Cook the chicken skewers for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Step 06

Allow the skewers to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with lemon wedges and serve alongside tzatziki sauce.

Tips

  1. Use chicken thighs for added flavor and juiciness. Avoid overcrowding skewers to ensure even cooking. Add a touch of honey to the marinade for a subtle sweetness.

Required Tools

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Wooden skewers (soaked if wooden)
  • Mixing bowl

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 290
  • Fats: 19 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Proteins: 27 g