Greek chicken is a flavorful, easy to make dinner. Chunks of tender chicken breast or thighs are marinated in oregano, lemon and garlic, threaded onto skewers, then grilled to perfection. This authentic recipe for Greek chicken or chicken souvlakia, is from my friend and former teaching partner, Christina. Both her parents were born in Greece and Christina’s first language was Greek.
When we first started teaching together some 20 years ago, she gave me a copy of her family cookbook, filled with recipes she and her three sisters learned from their parents. (This post was first published on May 29th, 2014. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn commission on qualifying purchases.)
The first time I visited Greece, I was alone, as new graduate. I stopped off in Corfu, a small island just off the coast. I remember hiking with a few other, post-college kids, I’d met on the ferry over from Brindisi. We’d heard of Greek “wineries” (more like guys who made wine), nestled in the foothills overlooking the Ionian Sea, and decided to see if we could find and taste some of the fabled retsina.
The Parthenon, Athens.
We found an old gentleman who made his retsina, the same way his father and his grandfather had made it, by stomping on the grapes, “I Love Lucy” style. We tasted the strong pine-resin flavored wine, which wasn’t really very good. But that was beside the point, it was the experience we were after. He used a funnel to fill up clean glass bottles. We bought 3 or 4, for the four of us and sat on the top of the hill drinking in the beautiful view, nibbling on cheese and bread and sipping retsina.
On to Athens, Santorini and finally Crete, I tasted my first Greek Salad, with tangy, creamy feta, delicious Greek Chicken, Moussaka, Patsitsio and ouzo in Greece.
Greek Salad with fresh herbs and feta.
My taste buds were never the same again. Since then, my go-to marinade for just about anything is Greek inspired – olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and lots of fresh herbs. Oregano is a signature herb in lots of Greek dishes.
Ingredients for Greek Chicken
As with most European dishes, simplicity is key. This dish is no exception. The marinade is a combination of lemon juice and red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano and olive oil. Whether you use chicken thighs or breast meat is your choice.
While the chicken should marinate for 3 hours for maximum flavor, in a pinch, 30 minutes is fine. Once the chicken chunks have marinated, thread them on metal kabob or bamboo skewers. If using bamboo skewers, remember to soak them for at least 30 minutes in water to prevent them from burning.
Pour the marinade over the chicken and let marinate for up to 3 hours.
Make ahead tip
If you like to prep several meals at once, prepare the marinade, add the chicken chunks to the bag and freeze. The night before you plan to grill, defrost them in the fridge. They can defrost and marinate at the same time!
What to serve with Greek chicken?
Besides a Greek salad, these Crispy Greek Potatoes
Greek style garlic roasted potatoes with feta
or Greek Pasta would work.
Greek pasta with yogurt and lemon.
If you want the meal to be lighter and low carb, these Grilled Vegetables make a delicious addition to any Mediterranean meal.
Greek Chicken {Chicken Souvlakia}
Ingredients
- 1 lbs chicken breasts or thighs (skinless and boneless) cut into 1" chunks)
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 medium
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh oregano finely chopped (1 1/2 teaspoon if using dried)
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl. Coat chicken pieces.
- Marinate chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes, to three hours for maximum flavor.
- Thread chicken on metal skewers. Add mushroom caps and bell pepper if desired.
- Grill or broil chicken until done. This will depend on the thickness of your chicken, and temperature of your grill or broiler.
Notes
Nutrition
mimi says
Fabulous! A wonderful recipe. Greek flavors are so vibrant. I haven’t made it there yet, but it’s on my list!
Sheila says
OMGosh !!!! My taste buds are craving this now … Not fair … 😉 Thanks for the wonderful recipes. My grocery day is tomorrow, and I know exactly what I am making us for supper. Your chicken recipe mentions Greek seasoning. Can that be bought in the spice isle or did you come up with it yourself ? I’m going to check out the potatoes recipe too. Love, love, love Greek food. Have a great evening Cynthia.
Cynthia says
Sheila, I actually buy my greek seasoning at a greek grocery store in downtown LA, but I’ve seen similar Greek seasonings in the spice isle of my local grocery store as well. Let me know how it turns out!
Sheila says
I will definitely be making these Greek dishes you gave us again and again Cynthia !!! Soooo tasty and everyone loved everything and I have very picky eaters. I found the Greek spice at Superstore and was soooo pleased. YUMMEY ;-). Thanks again girl. Have a happy weekend.
Hugs,
Sheila
Cynthia says
Thanks so much Sheila. I love to hear that!
Erlene says
My oldest son love Greek chicken, but I haven’t made it in some time. I haven’t made Greek rice before, so would love to make this the next time I make Greek Chicken. Thanks for sharing this on The Weekend Social.
Cynthia says
Thank you for hosting and sharing! I don’t know if the Greek rice is authentic, I experimented with greek flavors, but it’s simple and tasty!
Lynn says
Hi Cynthia! We both have stories of Greece, complete with a Greek Lemon Chicken recipe – I recently posted a recipe on Bijouxs. Such a beautiful country!
Cynthia says
Awesome Lynn! I love Greece!
Taylor Kiser says
I really love Greek food! The flavors are so fantastic. I need to make this for dinner soon!
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
I still think about all the amazing food I ate on my trip to Greece for my high school graduation at 18. Almost half a lifetime ago, I swear I can still taste all the delicious flavors. Great chicken recipe to bring back those memories!
Nutmeg Nanny says
I love how simple and flavor packed this chicken recipe looks. Perfect for summer!
Lindsay @ The Live-In Kitchen says
I love Greek flavors! I appreciate your side suggestions, they look like they’d pair wonderfully!
Allison - Celebrating Sweets says
I love Mediterranean food and this chicken looks perfect! We loved our time in Greece, it’s so fun to recreate those recipes.
Annie says
Such a simple marinade with big flavors! Definitely a do over!
Patti says
This was absolutely delish. I made tzatziki sauce and was quite proud of myself. So flavorful.
Cynthia says
thank you Patti! Glad you liked it!
wonderfulcook.com says
Always happy for another chicken recipe. I’m sure this dish will be a hit in our household.
Cynthia says
Thank you!