Name: Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 6 h 25 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite size pieces; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar; 4 large garlic cloves, minced; 3 tablespoons Greek seasoning; 1 large lemon, juiced; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 17 reviews

If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with bright, Mediterranean flavors and super easy to whip up, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe is honestly one of my all-time favorites—not only does it taste incredible, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re feeding the family, prepping for a BBQ, or just want something fresh and healthy, these skewers deliver every single time. Let me walk you through how you can make tender, juicy chicken infused with lemon, garlic, and that signature Greek seasoning. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this your new go-to!

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Marinade: A quick blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and classic Greek seasoning gives the chicken maximum flavor without fuss.
Marinating Time: Allowing the chicken to soak up the marinade overnight ensures tenderness and juiciness in every bite.
Cooking Flexibility: You can grill, air fry, or bake, making this recipe work perfectly no matter your kitchen setup.
Outdoor & Indoor Friendly: Whether it’s grilling season or a weeknight dinner, this recipe adapts easily for a crowd or just you.

Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers, Greek chicken skewers, Mediterranean chicken skewers, easy Greek souvlaki, grilled chicken skewers - The image shows several metal skewers with grilled pieces of seasoned chicken stacked on a black grill pan with red handles, placed on a wooden surface. The chicken pieces are golden brown with grill marks and a slightly charred texture. To the side, there are two lemon wedges and some green herbs on the pan. In the background, there are two round white pita breads stacked on top of each other, a white bowl with white sauce containing herbs, a clear bottle of olive oil, and a white bowl with fresh green herbs, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe plays an important part in building those bold, vibrant flavors that make Greek food so irresistible. Plus, you’ll find that most of these are things you probably already have in your kitchen.

Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers, Greek chicken skewers, Mediterranean chicken skewers, easy Greek souvlaki, grilled chicken skewers - Flat lay of boneless, skinless chicken breast pieces, a large bright yellow lemon cut in half, four whole garlic bulbs with cloves visible, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of clear white wine vinegar, a small white ceramic bowl filled with coarse sea salt, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly cracked black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl containing a mix of dried Greek seasoning herbs, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts or thighs: Thighs give a little more flavor and stay juicy, but breasts are leaner—either works well here, just cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Olive oil: Adds moisture and helps distribute marinades evenly—don’t skip it, especially if grilling!
White wine vinegar: Brings a subtle tang that balances the savory and lemony notes.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced is best for that pungent, aromatic kick.
Greek seasoning: The star of the show—loaded with oregano, thyme, garlic, and other herbs to give that unmistakable souvlaki flavor.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for brightness and a touch of acidity that tenderizes the meat.
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Enhances all the other flavors and adds necessary seasoning.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I like to keep the classic flavors but sometimes throw in a little twist to surprise my guests or just mix things up at home. The beauty of this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe is how forgiving it is to experimentation, so feel free to get creative!

Variation: I sometimes swap Greek seasoning for za’atar for a slightly different herbal flavor—my family loves the twist it gives.
Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade uplifts the flavor if you want it a bit smoky and hot.
Herb upgrade: Toss in fresh chopped rosemary or thyme to the marinade for a garden-fresh aroma that’s unbeatable.
Vegetarian swap: For a veggie version, marinate halloumi or firm tofu in the same mix—then grill to perfection. Super tasty!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Marinate for Maximum Flavor

Start by combining olive oil, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, Greek seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a large ziplock bag or bowl. Shake or whisk it up until everything’s evenly blended. Then, add your chicken pieces and make sure each piece is fully coated in the marinade. I like to give the bag a few good shakes to distribute the flavor evenly. The golden rule here: don’t rush it! Let the chicken marinate overnight or at least six hours in the fridge. It makes a huge difference in tenderness and flavor punch.

Step 2: Skewer and Cook With Care

Once marinated, take the chicken out and discard the leftover marinade—you don’t want any cross-contamination. Thread the chicken onto skewers, making sure they aren’t too tightly packed, so the heat can circulate evenly. Grill your skewers on a medium-hot grill, or if you’re inside, a grill pan works wonders. Cook until the chicken hits 165°F internally; that usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally for that even char and juicy inside. If you don’t have a grill, the air fryer or oven can do the job as well—just watch the timing and temperature carefully.

Step 3: Rest Before Serving

This might seem minor, but letting your chicken rest wrapped in foil for about five minutes after cooking locks in those juices—you’ll thank me with every tender bite. Then, it’s time to get creative with how you serve these beauties!

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Pro Tips for Making Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe

Marinate Long Enough: I once rushed the marinade time and the chicken tasted just okay—overnight marinating truly makes a juicy difference.
Use a Thermometer: Don’t guess; a quick temp check at 165°F saves you from dry or undercooked meat every time.
Soak Wooden Skewers: If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
Rest the Chicken: Letting the chicken rest in foil locks in the juices—this step makes your chicken taste restaurant-quality.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe

Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers, Greek chicken skewers, Mediterranean chicken skewers, easy Greek souvlaki, grilled chicken skewers - A white flatbread lies flat as the base layer, topped with green leafy lettuce scattered across it. On top, there are three grilled, browned pieces of meat with visible grill marks. Bright red tomato slices with visible seeds are placed alongside thin slices of purple onion. A white sauce with green herbs is drizzled near the grilled pieces. All is set on a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

When I serve these skewers, I love topping them off with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of crumbled feta—it adds a lovely creamy, salty note that pairs perfectly with the zesty chicken. A drizzle of homemade or store-bought tzatziki sauce is a must; its cool cucumber and yogurt flavor balances the garlic and lemon beautifully. Don’t forget a wedge or two of lemon on the side to brighten things up some more!

Side Dishes

Pair these skewers with traditional Greek sides like a fresh cucumber and tomato salad, warm pita bread, or fluffy lemon rice. I often throw together a quick Greek salad with kalamata olives, red onions, and a splash of olive oil on the side—it really rounds out the plate. Roasted vegetables or a simple tabbouleh also work if you want something light and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I’ve served the chicken souvlaki chopped off the skewers in bowls for a DIY gyro bar—think pita, tomatoes, onions, tzatziki, and pickled peppers. It’s always a hit and makes it easy for guests to customize their plates. Another favorite is stacking the skewers over a bed of orzo salad with fresh herbs; it looks colorful and feels special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually strip the chicken off the skewers before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps fresh for up to five days, and it’s handier to grab for salads or wraps the next day. Keep any sauces or toppings separate to maintain freshness.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I prep the chicken in marinade, then place it, marinade and all, in a freezer-safe ziplock bag. When I’m ready to cook, I thaw it overnight and grill as usual. It’s a lifesaver for busy nights or last-minute meals.

Reheating

To keep the chicken juicy when reheating leftovers, I cover it loosely with foil and heat in the oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, warming it gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth works well. Avoid microwaving unless you’re in a pinch to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully because they tend to stay moister and more flavorful when grilled. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if the pieces are larger, but overall, they’re a great choice and even bring a richer taste to your skewers.
How long should I marinate the chicken for best results?

For the juiciest and most flavorful chicken, I recommend marinating for at least 6 hours, but overnight is ideal. The longer the chicken soaks up the marinade, the more tender and tasty it becomes. If you’re pressed for time, even 30 minutes can impart some flavor, but don’t expect as deep a taste.
Can I cook Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers indoors without a grill?

Yes! You can use a grill pan on the stove or cook them in the oven or air fryer. For the oven, bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. In the air fryer, 370°F for 20 minutes works great. This way, you get that perfectly cooked chicken even without a grill.
What can I serve with Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers?

Traditional sides like Greek salad, pita bread, rice pilaf, or tzatziki sauce are incredible complements. You can also go with roasted veggies or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad for a complete meal that balances protein, veggies, and carbs.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! The chicken marinade itself is naturally gluten-free as long as your Greek seasoning blend doesn’t contain any gluten ingredients. Just double-check the seasoning packet if using pre-made and avoid serving with pita or side dishes that contain gluten unless you opt for gluten-free versions.

Final Thoughts

This Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe has become one of those dishes I just love making and sharing because it combines simplicity, bold flavor, and the comfort of homemade goodness. I’ve served these skewers at family dinners and casual get-togethers, and they never disappoint—it’s that perfect balance of juicy, bright, and a little smoky that keeps everyone coming back for more. I hope you’ll try them out and make them your own favorite too. Happy grilling!