Have you ever taken a bite of Greek chicken souvlaki and felt the perfect balance: juicy, tender chicken, fresh herbs, and that zesty hit of lemon and garlic? That’s the magic of a good marinade working at its best.

Greek chicken souvlaki is about simple, real ingredients that come together for bold flavor. And the good news? You can easily recreate it at home with just a few pantry staples.

In this blog, I’ll show you exactly how to make easy, flavorful chicken souvlaki, from the perfect homemade marinade to grilling tips and simple serving ideas.

What Is Souvlaki

Souvlaki is a classic Greek street food made of marinated meat grilled on skewers. It’s known for its simplicity, just tender, juicy meat paired with fresh sides like pita bread, crisp salads, and creamy dips.

You’ll find different versions across Greece, including pork, lamb, chicken, and even vegetarian options like grilled halloumi or veggies.

For this blog, we’re focusing on chicken souvlaki: light, protein-rich, and packed with Mediterranean flavor that’s easy to make at home.

What Are the Ingredients of Authentic Chicken Souvlaki

1. Protein: Start with boneless, skinless chicken breast for a leaner option or chicken thighs if you prefer juicier, more flavorful bites.

2. Marinade Base: A simple but essential combination of extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and minced garlic gives the chicken its signature tenderness and Mediterranean brightness.

3. Herbs: Classic Greek herbs like dried oregano and thyme provide the unmistakable souvlaki aroma and earthy depth. You can also add a touch of rosemary if you like a woodsy undertone.

4. Optional Extras: For even more flavor and tenderness, add a spoonful of Greek yogurt to the marinade. A pinch of paprika brings a subtle smokiness and beautiful color to your skewers.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Homemade Chicken Souvlaki

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into even, bite-sized cubes. This helps them cook quickly and evenly on the grill.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a bowl, mix olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, a touch of salt, pepper, and optional extras like paprika or a spoonful of Greek yogurt for tenderness.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Toss the chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring they’re well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if possible, for a deeper flavor.

Step 4: Skewer and Grill

Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Grill over medium-high heat for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is golden, lightly charred on the edges, and cooked through.

Best Marinade Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Chicken

Olive Oil + Lemon = Perfect Tenderness

Olive oil keeps the chicken moist during grilling, while lemon juice helps break down the fibers, making the chicken tender with a subtle citrus brightness.

Marinating Time Matters

For rich flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For maximum tenderness and depth, go for 6–24 hours in the fridge. Avoid marinating longer than 24 hours, especially with lemon, to prevent the chicken from becoming mushy.

Optional Yogurt Boost

Adding a spoonful of Greek yogurt to the marinade makes the chicken even softer and adds a creamy undertone, perfect if you prefer ultra-juicy grilled skewers.

Cooking Options: Grill, Oven, or Pan

Grill – For Authentic Charred Flavor:

Grilling over medium-high heat brings out that smoky, slightly crispy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy inside. It’s the classic way to cook souvlaki, ideal for outdoor meals.

Oven–Broiler Method for Convenience:

No grill? Use your oven’s broiler. Line the skewers on a rack, broil on high for about 8–10 minutes, flipping once for even charring. It mimics the grilled taste with less hassle.

Pan – Quick and Easy Indoors:

For weeknights or quick lunches, a stovetop grill pan or skillet works great. Sear the skewers over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked through.

How to Enjoy Your Chicken Souvlaki

Classic Style

Serve your chicken souvlaki in warm pita bread with a generous side of creamy tzatziki, a crisp Greek salad, and maybe a few olives on the side. This is the perfect casual meal packed with flavor.

Healthy Bowl Option

Skip the bread and build a nourishing bowl. Pair your grilled chicken with fluffy rice or roasted potatoes, grilled veggies like zucchini or peppers, and a drizzle of lemon sauce for a balanced, protein-rich meal.

Sharing Platter

Hosting a gathering? Turn souvlaki into a crowd-pleasing centerpiece. Serve skewers alongside a variety of Greek dips (tzatziki, hummus), golden potatoes, fresh bread, and a big seasonal salad to make everyone happy without much effort.

Conclusion

Greek chicken souvlaki isn’t just easy to make, it’s the perfect combination of bold flavor, juicy grilled meat, and fresh ingredients that always satisfy.

But if you’d rather skip the prep and enjoy perfectly marinated, grilled-to-order chicken souvlaki, Souvlaki Authentique has you covered. 

Visit your nearest location and experience the best chicken souvlaki in town: fresh, flavorful, and ready when you are.