Name: Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup lemon juice; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 red onion, cut into chunks; 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks; 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks; Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

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Get ready for your kitchen to smell like a sun-drenched Greek taverna! This Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe is everything you crave in a summer meal—juicy, herb-marinated chicken, vibrant peppers and onions, all perfectly charred on the grill. The best part? You don’t need a plane ticket to Athens to experience these unforgettable flavors. Whether you’re hosting a backyard feast or just wishing for a taste of the Mediterranean, this recipe brings the charm of Greek street food straight to your table.

Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about fresh, elemental flavors, relying on just a handful of pantry staples and crisp veggies. Each ingredient here plays a big role, whether it’s adding zesty brightness, herby warmth, or beautiful color to every skewer.

Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless pieces to keep things tender and juicy—cut them into even chunks so they cook evenly.
Olive oil: This is the heart of the marinade, bringing fruity richness and helping all the herbs and aromatics stick to the chicken.
Lemon juice: For that essential citrus tang that makes Greek chicken sing, fresh-squeezed is always best.
Garlic: Four cloves deliver plenty of bold, savory flavor—don’t skimp!
Dried oregano: The signature herb of classic Greek cuisine, oregano infuses each bite with Mediterranean magic.
Dried thyme: Adds subtle earthiness and rounds out the other herbs beautifully.
Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and amplifying all the bold flavors in the marinade.
Red onion: A must for color and sweetness, plus a little char on these is absolutely delicious.
Red bell pepper: Sweet and bright, it brings a lovely pop of color to every skewer.
Green bell pepper: For a fresh, slightly grassy note that pairs perfectly with the other vegetables.
Wooden skewers: Soak them for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill—this step is a lifesaver!

How to Make Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade

Start by grabbing your biggest mixing bowl and whisking the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper all together. Give it a good sniff—the aroma alone will have you dreaming of blue skies over the Aegean! This blend is the secret to making the Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe taste just like you had it in Greece.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Drop all your chicken chunks into the bowl, making sure every piece is blanketed in the flavorful marinade. Toss everything really well, cover, and pop it into the fridge. For the most tender, flavor-packed souvlaki, let the chicken marinate for at least one hour, though overnight is even better if you want true depth of flavor.

Step 3: Prep the Veggies and Skewers

While the chicken soaks up those gorgeous flavors, chop your red onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using wooden skewers, start soaking them in water now—this simple step can save you from accidental grill flare-ups later!

Step 4: Assemble the Skewers

Now for the fun part: alternate threading marinated chicken, red onion, and both peppers onto your skewers. Not only does this make the Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe extra appetizing, but it ensures every bite is a mix of juicy meat and smoky, sweet veggies.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium-high. Lay your skewers across the grates and listen for that sizzle! Grill for 8 to 10 minutes, turning every few minutes so everything gets those irresistible char marks. The chicken should be cooked through, with the juices running clear and the veggies tender on the edges. Serve them up hot and fresh!

How to Serve Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Garnishes

There’s something magical about a finishing sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a squeeze of extra lemon to brighten the plate. You can also dust a little extra dried oregano or add crumbled feta for an authentic rustic touch. A dollop of cool, creamy tzatziki on the side is non-negotiable for most Greeks, adding freshness and zest to every bite.

Side Dishes

A fluffy bed of warm pita bread is a must—slice it into wedges for easy swooping and dipping. Classic sides like Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or even a handful of kalamata olives turn this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe into a full-blown Mediterranean feast. Don’t forget a simple wedge of lemon for extra brightness!

Creative Ways to Present

Spread out the skewers on a classy platter arranged over a scatter of greens, or serve them “build-your-own” style with bowls of tzatziki, veggies, and pita so everyone can make their own wraps. For a fun twist at parties, try making mini skewers as appetizers. However you serve them, watch your guests reach for seconds!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is a rare occasion!), store the skewers in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen a little overnight—just be sure to enjoy them within three days for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

To freeze, remove the chicken and veggies from the skewers, then pack them into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Let them thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, so you keep the chicken tender and juicy.

Reheating

When you’re ready to relive your Greek vacation, reheat the chicken and veggies in a skillet over medium heat until just warmed through. This prevents them from drying out and keeps everything tasting fresh. A quick zap in the microwave works too, but grilling brings back that delicious smokiness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are slightly richer and stay especially juicy on the grill. Just trim any excess fat and cut them into similar-size chunks before marinating.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No problem at all. You can use a stovetop grill pan or even your oven’s broiler. Both methods deliver fantastic flavors and those signature charred edges—just keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For best results, marinate the chicken for at least one hour. If you’ve got time, letting it chill overnight gives you the most authentic, deep flavor in your Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe.

Can the recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, just make sure any sides you serve, like pita bread, are gluten-free, and double check that your seasonings are too. The marinade and main recipe are naturally gluten-free.

What sauces pair well with these skewers?

Tzatziki is the classic pairing—hands down. You can also serve with hummus, a drizzle of garlic yogurt, or a tart tomato-cucumber salad for a cool counterpoint to the savory chicken.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s bursting with personality and summer vibes, you really can’t go wrong with this Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe. It’s flavorful, foolproof, and always a crowd-pleaser. Gather your friends, fire up the grill, and treat yourself to a taste of Greece tonight!

Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 3 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe is bursting with Mediterranean flavors. Tender chicken marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, and aromatic herbs, skewered with colorful bell peppers and onions, then grilled to perfection. Serve with a side of creamy tzatziki sauce for a complete Greek dining experience.

Instructions

Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
Marinating: Add chicken chunks to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.
Grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, alternating with pieces of red onion and bell pepper. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
Serving: Serve hot with tzatziki sauce for dipping.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the cooked souvlaki before serving.
You can also serve the souvlaki with a side of Greek salad and warm pita bread.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Greek