Greek Souvlaki at Home: Authentic Marinade and Grilling Guide

Juicy, smoky, and full of fresh Mediterranean flavor, Greek Souvlaki is the ultimate street food — and surprisingly easy to make at home. Souvlaki means “little skewers” in Greek, and whether you grill chicken, or lamb, the secret is in the marinade. This guide walks you through every step, from choosing the right meat to serving your souvlaki just like a Greek taverna.

Greek Souvlaki Recipe

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• Author: Chef skimo
• Total Time: 27 minutes plus marinating
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Juicy, smoky, and full of fresh Mediterranean flavor, Greek Souvlaki is the ultimate street food — and so easy to make at home. These tender little skewers are marinated with classic Greek herbs and grilled to perfection, served with warm pita and tzatziki just like in a Greek taverna.

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Ingredients

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• 1–2 pounds chicken thighs, chicken shoulder, or lamb shoulder
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 large lemon
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp dried oregano (Greek oregano if possible)
• 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Metal or wooden skewers (if wooden, soak in water)

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Instructions

1. Cut meat into bite-sized chunks.
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme or rosemary (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Add meat to the marinade and toss to coat well.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
5. Thread marinated meat onto skewers.
6. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
7. Grill skewers, turning every few minutes and basting with leftover marinade, for about 8–12 minutes or until meat is cooked through and nicely charred.
8. Serve hot with warm pita, sliced tomatoes, onions, and a generous spoonful of tzatziki.

Notes

Use cuts with some fat for juicy souvlaki. Grill over medium-high heat for the best char. Serve with fries or a fresh Greek salad for a full meal. No grill? Use a stovetop grill pan or bake in the oven at 400°F for 15–20 minutes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grill
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 skewer
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

What is souvlaki?

Souvlaki is one of Greece’s most popular dishes: small pieces of marinated meat grilled on skewers, often served with warm pita, fresh vegetables, and a generous spoonful of tzatziki. Traditionally made with lamb, souvlaki has endless variations—every Greek household has its own marinade secrets.

Best Meat Cuts for Souvlaki

chicken shoulder or chicken neck are classic choices for juicy, flavorful souvlaki. Chicken thighs work perfectly too. Lamb leg or shoulder is delicious for a richer version. The key is to choose cuts with some fat for tenderness and flavor.

Authentic Souvlaki Marinade

Basic Souvlaki Marinade
1/4 cup olive oil
Juice of 1 large lemon
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp dried oregano (Greek oregano if possible)
1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl. Cut meat into bite-sized chunks, toss in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours—overnight is best for maximum flavor.

Grilling Tips for Perfect Souvlaki

Thread marinated meat onto metal or soaked wooden skewers. Grill over medium-high heat, turning every few minutes until evenly charred and cooked through—about 8–12 minutes depending on meat type and size. Baste with leftover marinade while grilling for extra flavor.

How to Serve Greek Souvlaki

Serve hot off the grill with warm pita bread, sliced tomatoes, onions, and a big spoonful of homemade tzatziki. Add fries on the side for a real street food touch. A simple Greek salad completes the meal. Pair with Authentic Tzatziki and Greek Starters or see the full Traditional Greek Recipes Guide.

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