How to Make the Best Chicken Souvlaki: Your Ultimate Greek Street Food Guide

Hey there, fellow food lovers! I’m super excited to share one of my absolute favorite Mediterranean dishes with you today – chicken souvlaki! This delicious Greek street food has been my go-to recipe for over 15 years, and once you try it, you’ll understand why.

During my last trip to Greece, I had some amazing souvlaki, especially in Athens But don’t worry if you can’t hop on a plane to Greece right now – I’m gonna show you how to bring those authentic Greek flavors right into your kitchen!

What is Chicken Souvlaki?

Let’s start with the basics. The word “souvlaki” simply means “meat on skewers” in Greek. But it’s so much more than that! It’s juicy, tender chicken marinated in Mediterranean flavors, grilled to perfection, and typically served in warm pita bread with tzatziki sauce and fresh veggies. It’s basically the Greek version of a kebab, and it’s absolutely mouthwatering!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Before we dive into the cooking process let me tell you why this recipe is a total game-changer

• Juicy and Tender: The marinade ensures your chicken comes out incredibly moist with a touch of smokiness and char on the outside.
• Easy to Make: With minimal prep time and simple cooking methods, this is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Bold Flavors: The combination of garlic, lemon, and Greek herbs creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
• Versatile: You can serve it in pita, over salad, or with rice for a complete meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Trust me, your family and friends will be begging for the recipe!

The Secret to Amazing Chicken Souvlaki: The Marinade

The heart and soul of great chicken souvlaki is the marinade. This is where all those incredible Greek flavors come from! Here’s what you’ll need

Chicken Souvlaki Marinade Ingredients:

• Olive oil (¼ cup): Use extra virgin for the best flavor
• Garlic (4-10 cloves, minced): Don’t skimp here! Garlic is key
• Lemon juice (from 1 fresh lemon): Always use fresh, not bottled
• Lemon zest (from 1 lemon): For extra citrus punch
• White wine vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds tang and helps tenderize
• Dried oregano (2 teaspoons): A must-have Greek herb
• Dried herbs like rosemary and basil (½-1 teaspoon each)
• Salt and pepper (½ teaspoon each)
• Optional add-ins: paprika, bay leaves, or a splash of white wine

Step-by-Step Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Now let’s get cooking! Here’s my foolproof method for making perfect chicken souvlaki every time:

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a large bowl or ziplock bag, combine all your marinade ingredients and mix well.
2. For extra ease, you can pulse the marinade ingredients (except bay leaves) in a small food processor.

Step 2: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken

1. Cut 2-2.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1½-inch cubes.
2. Add the chicken to the marinade and toss until well coated.
3. Cover tightly or seal the bag and refrigerate.
4. Marinating time: For best results, marinate overnight or at least 6 hours. In a pinch, 30 minutes will work too!

Step 3: Prepare for Grilling

1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in warm water for 30-45 minutes to prevent burning.
2. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving small spaces between pieces for even cooking.
3. Discard any leftover used marinade.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

1. Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
2. Place chicken skewers on the grill and cook for about 5-8 minutes total.
3. Turn skewers every few minutes to ensure even cooking on all sides.
4. Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has nice char marks.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Transfer cooked chicken to a serving platter and let rest for 3-5 minutes, covered with foil.
2. While resting, quickly warm your pita bread on the grill.
3. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings!

No Grill? No Problem!

Don’t have access to an outdoor grill? You’ve still got options:

• Grill Pan: Use a grill pan on your stovetop over medium-high heat.
• Oven Method: Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Air Fryer: Cook at 370°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Serving Your Chicken Souvlaki

Now comes the fun part – eating! Here are my favorite ways to serve chicken souvlaki:

Classic Souvlaki Pita Wrap:

1. Spread tzatziki sauce on warm pita bread
2. Add grilled chicken pieces (removed from skewers)
3. Top with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and kalamata olives
4. Add a sprinkle of feta cheese if desired
5. Roll up and enjoy!

Mediterranean Bowl:

1. Start with a base of rice or greens
2. Add your grilled chicken souvlaki
3. Include chopped veggies and olives
4. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce
5. Finish with a squeeze of lemon

Greek Salad Style:

1. Toss fresh greens with Greek dressing
2. Top with cucumber, tomato, red onion, and feta
3. Add your chicken souvlaki
4. Serve with pita wedges on the side

Must-Have Side: Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

No chicken souvlaki is complete without tzatziki sauce! This cool, creamy cucumber-yogurt sauce is the perfect complement to the grilled chicken. While you can buy it pre-made, homemade is SO much better!

You can find my favorite tzatziki recipe on my blog, but the basic ingredients are:

• Greek yogurt
• Grated cucumber (squeezed to remove excess water)
• Fresh garlic
• Lemon juice
• Dill
• Salt and pepper

Just mix everything together and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Marinate in advance: Prepare the chicken in the marinade up to 48 hours ahead.
• Freezer option: You can freeze the chicken in the marinade for up to 3 months! Just thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to use.
• Leftovers: Store cooked chicken souvlaki (removed from skewers) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Meal prep: Make a big batch on Sunday for easy meals throughout the week!

What to Serve with Chicken Souvlaki

Make it a complete Greek feast with these sides:

• Greek salad
• Roasted potatoes with lemon and oregano
• Greek pasta salad
• Hummus with pita chips
• Watermelon and feta salad
• Tabouli (tabbouleh)
• Falafel
• Grilled vegetables

My Personal Tips for Perfect Chicken Souvlaki

After making this recipe for years, I’ve picked up a few tricks:

1. Don’t rush the marinade: The longer, the better for flavor development.
2. Use metal skewers if possible – they conduct heat better and don’t require soaking.
3. Keep some space between chicken pieces on the skewers for even cooking.
4. Don’t overcook: Chicken breast can dry out quickly, so watch it carefully.
5. Let it rest: Those 3-5 minutes of resting time make a huge difference in juiciness!

Commonly Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually more forgiving and tend to stay juicier. Just follow the same recipe.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
The chicken souvlaki itself is naturally gluten-free, just be sure to serve with gluten-free pita if needed.

Can I make this recipe ahead for a party?
Yes! Marinate the chicken up to 48 hours in advance, and you can even grill it a few hours before serving and reheat gently.

What wine pairs well with chicken souvlaki?
A crisp Greek white wine like Malagousia complements chicken souvlaki beautifully!

Final Thoughts

Chicken souvlaki isn’t just food – it’s a little taste of Greek culture and hospitality right in your home. I love how something so simple can bring such incredible flavors to my table, and I hope you love it too!

Until next time, καλή όρεξη (kali orexi) – that’s “bon appétit” in Greek!

Note: This recipe was inspired by my trips to Greece and refined through years of testing in my own kitchen. It combines elements from several authentic family recipes shared by Greek friends.