Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a recipe that brings the flavors of Greek street food straight to your home kitchen. With tender marinated chicken cooked on skewers and served in warm pita bread alongside crisp vegetables and a creamy, refreshing tzatziki sauce, this dish delivers a satisfying combination of taste, texture, and simplicity. Every bite captures the essence of Mediterranean cooking—bright, herbaceous, and full of flavor.

At the heart of this Greek Chicken Souvlaki is chicken souvlaki, a staple of Greek cuisine that dates back to ancient times. Traditionally made by grilling small pieces of marinated meat on skewers, souvlaki is both fast to prepare and deeply flavorful. The marinade is typically composed of ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs—elements known for their bold flavors and natural ability to tenderize meat. These components work together to create juicy, well-seasoned chicken that is as perfect on its own as it is folded into a gyro wrap.

One of the reasons chicken souvlaki has gained popularity worldwide is its adaptability. While it’s most famously served inside pita bread with a generous helping of tzatziki, the grilled chicken pieces can also be added to salads, grain bowls, or even served as a main course with a side of roasted vegetables. This makes it suitable for all kinds of eaters, from those seeking a quick and flavorful lunch to families looking for a wholesome and exciting dinner option.

Why You’ll Love This Greek Chicken Souvlaki

There are several reasons why chicken souvlaki gyros with tzatziki is a recipe you will return to time and time again. First and foremost, the flavor is exceptional. The chicken is marinated in a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs that permeates the meat with a tangy, savory essence. Once grilled or roasted, the marinade creates a slightly charred exterior while keeping the interior moist and tender. The result is a piece of chicken that is both deeply seasoned and perfectly cooked.

One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is its versatility. The marinated chicken can be served in many ways depending on your mood or the occasion. Whether wrapped in soft pita bread, layered over a crisp Greek salad, or paired with grains like couscous or rice, it adapts effortlessly. This means you can use the same core recipe to create a variety of meals throughout the week, reducing the need to cook from scratch every day.

Another reason you’ll love this dish is the balance of textures and temperatures. The warm grilled chicken pairs beautifully with the cool, creamy tzatziki sauce. Add in the crunch of fresh lettuce, the acidity of sliced tomatoes, and the sweetness of red onions, and you have a gyro that engages all your senses. Each bite offers a medley of flavors and mouthfeel that keeps you coming back for more.

Health Benefits Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Chicken souvlaki gyros with tzatziki offer a combination of ingredients that not only delight the taste buds but also support a healthy, balanced lifestyle. This recipe incorporates lean protein, heart-healthy fats, fresh vegetables, and probiotic-rich yogurt, making it a nutrient-dense meal that nourishes the body while satisfying hunger.

The main source of protein in this dish comes from boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Chicken is a complete protein, meaning it provides all nine essential amino acids that the body needs for tissue repair, immune support, and muscle development. It is also naturally low in fat, especially when using breast meat, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a leaner protein option. If you prefer a juicier cut, chicken thighs still offer high-quality protein while contributing iron, zinc, and B vitamins to your diet.

The marinade used in this recipe also contributes to its health benefits. Olive oil, a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are known to support cardiovascular health. These fats help lower bad cholesterol while maintaining or even increasing good cholesterol levels. In addition, olive oil contains antioxidants that reduce inflammation and support overall wellness.

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Introduction

Chicken souvlaki is one of the most popular dishes in Greek cuisine for good reason — it’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and incredibly versatile. The term “souvlaki” refers to small skewered pieces of meat, often marinated in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs before being grilled or roasted. When served in a pita with fresh toppings and tangy tzatziki, it becomes the beloved Greek “gyro” we all know and love.

This recipe takes you from marinade to plate, offering multiple cooking options and plenty of ways to enjoy it — whether wrapped, plated, or bowl-style.

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🧾 Ingredients Breakdown

 Chicken Souvlaki:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar (or red wine vinegar)

• Juice of 1 large lemon

• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 3 tablespoons Greek seasoning (or a mix of oregano, thyme, marjoram, rosemary)

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

 Serving (optional but recommended):

• Warm pita or flatbread

• Sliced red onion

• Diced or sliced tomatoes

• Shredded romaine or butter lettuce

• Tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade — see tip below)

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🥣 Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Prepare Marinade
   In a large bowl or resealable zip-top bag, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, Greek seasoning, salt, and pepper. The acid from the lemon and vinegar will help tenderize the chicken, while the herbs infuse bold flavor.

2. Add Chicken
   Place the cubed chicken into the marinade. Toss or stir to make sure every piece is well coated.

3. Marinate
   Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. This long marination time is key — it tenderizes the chicken and builds complexity in flavor. Avoid marinating longer than 24 hours to prevent the meat from becoming mushy.

4. Pro Tip: For extra flavor, reserve 2–3 tablespoons of the marinade (before adding the raw chicken) to brush over the skewers during cooking.

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🔥 Step 2: Prepare for Cooking

Grilling Outdoors:

• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400–425°F).

• Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

Using a Grill Pan or Indoor Method:

• Heat the grill pan over medium-high and lightly oil.

Using Wooden Skewers:

• Soak the skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.

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🍢 Step 3: Skewer and Grill

1. Thread Chicken
   Skewer the marinated chicken cubes, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.

2. Grill Skewers

   • Place on the grill or pan and cook for about 12–15 minutes, turning every few minutes.

   • Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness — the internal temperature should reach 165°F.

3. Optional Baste
   During the last few minutes, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade to add even more flavor.

4. Rest
   Transfer the cooked skewers to a plate and cover loosely with foil. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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🔄 Alternate Cooking Methods

Air Fryer

• Preheat to 370°F.

• Air fry skewers in a single layer for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

• Use the same temperature check (165°F internal).

Oven-Baked

• Preheat oven to 400°F.

• Place skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet or roasting rack.

• Bake for 20–22 minutes, flipping once halfway.

Stovetop Sear

• Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium-high.

• Sear chicken pieces for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.

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🧄 Bonus: Quick Homemade Tzatziki (Optional)

• 1 cup Greek yogurt

• ½ cucumber, grated and drained

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon chopped dill or mint (optional)

Mix everything together and chill before serving.

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🥙 How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Greek Chicken Souvlaki is as flexible as it is flavorful. Once your chicken is cooked, here are several ways to enjoy it:

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🥙 Build-Your-Own Gyros

• Base: Start with warm, soft pita or flatbread (lightly toasted or grilled for best texture).

• Layer: Spread tzatziki on the bottom, then pile on chicken.

• Toppings: Add sliced red onions, tomatoes, and shredded lettuce.

• Optional Add-ons: Feta crumbles, olives, pickled onions, or a sprinkle of sumac or za’atar.

Wrap it up burrito-style or fold it like a taco and serve with extra tzatziki on the side.

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🥗 Greek Salad Bowl

Skip the carbs and turn your souvlaki into a light but satisfying bowl:

• Serve chicken on top of a bed of chopped romaine or mixed greens.

• Add diced cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, red onion, and crumbled feta.

• Drizzle with lemon-oregano vinaigrette or tzatziki.

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🍽 Plated Dinner

Pair skewers with:

• Lemon rice or herbed couscous

• Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant

• Oven-roasted potatoes tossed in lemon juice and oregano

• Stuffed grape leaves or hummus as starters

It’s a great way to serve a Mediterranean-inspired dinner without the mess of handheld wraps.

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🍢 Skewers as Appetizers

Mini chicken souvlaki skewers make great party starters. Serve with toothpicks, pita wedges, and a bowl of tzatziki for dipping. Light, fun, and full of flavor.

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🍷 Pairing Suggestions

With its bright, lemony marinade, herbaceous depth, and cooling tzatziki, chicken souvlaki pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing drinks and wines that highlight — not overpower — the vibrant flavors.

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🍷 Wine Pairings

White Wines

• Assyrtiko (a dry Greek white wine): Crisp acidity, citrus notes, and a mineral finish make it the gold standard.

• Sauvignon Blanc: Herbal and citrusy, mirrors the lemon and garlic beautifully.

• Vermentino or Pinot Grigio: Light-bodied with refreshing zip.

Rosé

• Dry rosé from Greece, Provence, or California pairs well with the acidity in the tzatziki and the grill-kissed chicken.

Red Wines

• If you prefer red, go with a light Pinot Noir or Beaujolais — something fruity and chillable that won’t clash with the herbs.

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🍺 Beer Pairings

• Pilsner: Crisp and neutral enough to refresh without overwhelming.

• Wheat Beer (Hefeweizen or Belgian White): Slight sweetness and citrus notes match the Mediterranean herbs and lemon.

• Session IPA: Offers hop flavor without too much bitterness.

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🍹 Cocktail Pairings

• Lemon Vodka Spritz: Lemon, soda, vodka, and mint over ice.

• Ouzo Soda: A splash of ouzo with soda water and lemon, very traditional.

• Gin & Cucumber Tonic: Herbal, bright, and a great pairing for tzatziki-heavy bites.

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🧊 Non-Alcoholic Pairings

• Sparkling Mint Lemonade: Fresh, sweet-tart, and cooling.

• Iced Chamomile or Green Tea: A mellow, earthy contrast to the garlic and lemon.

• Cucumber Sparkling Water with Lime: Light, crisp, and restorative.

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🧊 Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Souvlaki is incredibly meal-prep friendly. With a long marinade shelf life and multiple options for storing and reheating, it’s a go-to for busy weeks and make-ahead meals.

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🧊 Storage

Cooked Chicken

• Let cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

• Keep sauce (tzatziki) in a separate container to preserve freshness.

Tzatziki Sauce

• Keeps for 4–5 days in the fridge in a sealed container. Stir before each use.

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❄️ Freezing

Raw Marinated Chicken

• Can be frozen directly in the marinade in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.

• Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

Cooked Chicken

• Freeze in single portions with parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.

• Keeps well for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Do not freeze tzatziki — it tends to separate and lose texture.

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🔥 Reheating

Oven Method

• Preheat oven to 325°F.

• Place chicken in a baking dish, splash with lemon juice or broth, and cover loosely with foil.

• Heat for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.

Skillet Method

• Reheat in a nonstick pan with a tiny bit of oil over medium heat.

• Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until hot.

Microwave Method

• For quick meals, heat in 30-second bursts, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

From Frozen

• Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat using any of the methods above.

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🥡 Meal Prep Tips

• Pre-marinate multiple batches and freeze in portions for grab-and-go weeknight meals.

• Use leftovers in wraps, salads, grain bowls, or even omelets.

• Pack bento-style: include chicken, tzatziki, pita, and veggie sticks for balanced, handheld lunches.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Chicken souvlaki may seem simple, but there are a few key pitfalls that can keep you from achieving that perfectly juicy, flavorful result you’re after. Avoid these common mistakes to make sure your Greek-style skewers shine every time:

1. Skimping on the Marinating Time
A big part of souvlaki’s signature flavor comes from the long soak in lemon juice, garlic, herbs, and olive oil. While a short marination will technically work, the ideal flavor (and tenderness) develops with at least 6 hours—overnight is even better. Rushing this step will result in bland chicken.

2. Using Low-Quality or Pre-Cut Chicken
Pre-cut chicken pieces can be uneven, making it harder to achieve consistent cooking. Stick to fresh, whole chicken breasts or thighs and cut them yourself into even, bite-sized chunks for the best texture and flavor distribution.

3. Not Threading the Chicken Properly
Packing the chicken too tightly on skewers can cause uneven cooking. Leave small gaps between pieces so each chunk can cook fully and get those delicious grill marks. Overcrowding also prevents that charred, smoky edge souvlaki is known for.

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🔑 Pro Tips

Want to take your homemade chicken souvlaki to Greek taverna status? These pro tips will help you perfect your skewers, streamline your process, and customize the dish to fit any meal plan or craving.

1. Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness
While breasts are lean and cook fast, boneless chicken thighs bring more flavor and stay moist, even with high-heat grilling. If you’re looking for a more forgiving option that’s hard to overcook, thighs are your MVP.

2. Soak Wooden Skewers Ahead of Time
If you’re grilling with bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading. This prevents them from burning or breaking mid-cook, especially on a hot grill.

3. Add Vegetables to the Skewers
Looking for a one-skewer meal? Add chunks of red onion, bell pepper, or zucchini between chicken pieces. Just make sure to cut everything to a similar size to promote even cooking.

4. Marinate in a Ziplock Bag for Easy Cleanup
Skip extra dishes and marinate your chicken in a resealable bag. Not only does this allow the marinade to coat the chicken evenly, but it also makes cleanup a breeze.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What exactly is chicken souvlaki?
Chicken souvlaki is a traditional Greek dish made of marinated meat (usually chicken, pork, or lamb) skewered and grilled. It’s seasoned with olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs, and typically served in pita bread or with sides like salad, rice, or roasted potatoes.

Q2: Can I make this without a grill?
Yes! You can cook chicken souvlaki in the oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes, or use a grill pan on the stovetop. Air fryers also work great—just cook at 370°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Q3: How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate chicken for up to 24 hours. Any longer, and the acidity from the lemon juice can begin to break down the texture too much, making it mushy.

Q4: Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Absolutely. Just freeze the raw chicken directly in the marinade in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and cook as normal for an easy make-ahead option.

Q5: What should I serve with souvlaki gyros?
Besides pita and tzatziki, classic accompaniments include tomato-cucumber salad, kalamata olives, feta cheese, roasted chickpeas, or lemony potatoes. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with mint is a nice touch, too.

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✅ Conclusion & Call to Action

Chicken souvlaki gyros are the kind of dish that make you feel like you’ve taken a quick trip to Greece—without leaving your kitchen. Between the savory, lemony marinade, the smoky grilled flavor, and the cool tang of tzatziki, every bite is a satisfying balance of fresh and bold.

Whether you’re firing up the grill for a summer night feast or meal-prepping a week’s worth of power bowls, this recipe fits the bill. It’s quick to prep, easy to customize, and endlessly versatile. Serve it tucked in a warm pita, piled on a crisp salad, or next to roasted veggies for a meal that’s as wholesome as it is flavorful.

Best of all, it’s a great recipe to scale up. Hosting a backyard gathering or dinner party? Just double the marinade and skewers, prep a few sides, and let everyone build their own gyro. It’s interactive, festive, and fuss-free.

So go ahead—grab your skewers, gather your herbs and lemons, and whip up a batch of this Greek street food classic. You’ll be amazed how something so simple can taste so incredibly good.

📌 Bookmark the recipe, print it for your meal plan, or share it with a fellow foodie.
📸 Tried it with your own twist? Tag your gyro creation online—we’d love to see your take!

Want to bundle this with other Mediterranean recipes or get a side-by-side flavor comparison of your favorite chicken dishes? Let me know—I’d be happy to help build your ultimate Greek-inspired recipe collection!

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