Easy Chicken Souvlaki

Name: Easy Chicken Souvlaki
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breasts, cubed; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 lemon, juiced; 4 garlic cloves; 1 tbsp dried oregano; 1 tbsp dried basil; 1 tbsp dried parsley; 1 tsp sea salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper

ByCaitlyn January 12, 2026February 26, 2026

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Excite your taste buds with this Easy Chicken Souvlaki recipe. Juicy chicken meets Mediterranean flavors on a skewer and is grilled to perfection for the ideal Greek dish.

Close-up of grilled chicken kebabs with vegetables and dip on a white plate.

From Tired to Thrilling

Are you tired of tired chicken? It always comes out dry and flavorless. Well, look no further! I have the recipe that will keep you coming back for more juicy and flavorful chicken with the right amount of Mediterranean flair.

When we stumbled upon a busy restaurant in the heart of Athens, we weren’t exactly sure what to expect. The crowds spilling out of every door of this place indicated that it is the spot to be, and the smell of spices that filled the air teased us with what we were about to indulge in.

Waiting for a table was almost excruciating, but alas, we were finally seated. Their menu includes all the classic Greek favorites from tzatziki sauce to pita bread to dolmades to souvlaki. You name it, they have it, and you better believe we tried it. I don’t think a single word was spoken as we scarfed down every last bite of food, as if we couldn’t eat it fast enough.

Although it has been some time since this experience, I can still taste the food. One dish in particular stands out, the chicken souvlaki. Traditional Mediterranean spices coating chicken on a skewer, then grilled just right, locking the juice in each bite. I couldn’t wait to recreate this Greek dish when I got back home. Lemons, herbs, and chicken sprawled across the counter as I experimented to find the ultimate combination that took me back to that bustling restaurant. It didn’t take long, but I did it!

Why THIS Recipe?

Although this recipe doesn’t require much prep work or too many ingredients, it sure packs a punch! And isn’t that the beauty of it? Creating something so magical that it transports you to Greece without even leaving your kitchen. This recipe forms a flavorful marinade with simple ingredients that each piece of chicken soaks up, making each bite one to be remembered – juicy, but grilled to perfection. Did I mention, it’s a healthy and tasty protein!

The Things Inside: The Ingredients

Chicken Breasts – boneless and skinless work best for ease
Olive Oil – any will do
Lemon Juice – fresh squeezed is best
Garlic Cloves – jarred or fresh work about the same
Oregano – dried is okay for this, but feel free to use fresh
Basil – it’s okay to use dried in this recipe, but fresh is also a good option
Parsley – dried works just fine for this recipe; fresh also works
Sea Salt – some sea salt to bring that Mediterranean flavor home
Black Pepper – fresh cracked black pepper

Building The Dish: Step-By-Step Guide

Step 1
Marinate that chicken! Mix up all of the ingredients in a Ziploc bag or a container, then toss in the cubed chicken. Give it a good shake to ensure all chicken pieces are coated with the seasoning, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight. The longer you can marinate the chicken, the better!
Step 2
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before threading the chicken on them so they won’t burn during the grilling process.
Step 3
Now it’s time to get those babies ready for the grill! Poke a skewer through each chicken piece (about five per skewer). Make sure there is some space between each chicken piece so they cook evenly.
Step 4
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Throw them on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes or until cooked through. Don’t forget to turn occasionally to prevent burning! If you don’t have a grill, you can cook them in the oven at 350* for about 20 minutes or in a skillet on the stove for 15 minutes.

The Perfect Pairing

Chicken souvlaki screams Mediterranean and is the star of the show in many Mediterranean meals, but sometimes even a star could use some support. Serve with some Authentic Tzatziki Sauce for dipping, or fill a Homemade Pita Bread for a fun twist on a classic Greek Gyro. Add in a side of Traditional Greek Dolmades, a Refreshing Greek Salad, and a heap of Zesty Greek Lemon Rice, and boom, you will feel like you are basking in the Grecian sun with this meal!

Have Leftovers?

If you have some leftover souvlaki, be sure to keep it stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. You can also freeze the chicken for a few months, but make sure you wrap it up well (i.e., in foil AND a freezer-safe bag) and freeze immediately to keep the flavor vibrant and the chicken juicy. To reheat, warm in the oven or in a hot skillet for best results.

Caitlyn

Hey there! I’m Caitlyn, the brains behind The Traveler’s Ingredients. I’m an amateur chef, baker, and avid food lover who is also passionate about visiting every corner of the world that I can! I am adamant about recreating dishes that I fell in love with in my travels, mastering comfort meals, and building packing lists to ease pre-trip jitters.