Sheet-Pan

Chicken Souvlaki

Name: Chicken Souvlaki
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried rosemary; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

By Juno Blackwood · June 19, 2026 · Sheet-Pan

Prep20 min

Cook25 min

Total60 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I had Chicken Souvlaki at a Greek restaurant in my hometown. The combination of tender chicken, crispy exterior, and flavorful spices was love at first bite. As a home cook, I wanted to recreate that experience in my own kitchen, and after several attempts, I finally nailed the recipe. Today, I'm excited to share it with you.

This Chicken Souvlaki recipe is perfect for meal prep and weeknight dinners. It's easy to make ahead, stores well in the fridge or freezer, and reheats beautifully. The best part? It's incredibly flavorful and tender, with a crispy exterior that's sure to impress your family and friends.

As a busy home cook, I'm always on the lookout for recipes that can be prepared in advance and reheated without losing their flavor or texture. This Chicken Souvlaki recipe fits the bill perfectly. I love that I can cook a big batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week, either on its own or as part of a larger meal.

Whether you're a fan of Greek cuisine or just looking for a new recipe to add to your rotation, I think you'll love this Chicken Souvlaki. It's a classic dish with a modern twist, and it's sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of Greek spices, including oregano, thyme, and rosemary, to give the chicken its signature flavor. We'll also be using a marinade to tenderize the chicken and add extra flavor. The result is a dish that's both familiar and exciting, with a depth of flavor that's sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make ahead and stores well in the fridge or freezer.
The chicken is tender and flavorful, with a crispy exterior that's sure to impress.
The recipe is perfect for meal prep and weeknight dinners, as it can be reheated without losing its flavor or texture.
The dish is healthy and nutritious, with a balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.
The recipe is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides, including salads, roasted vegetables, and grains.
The dish is perfect for special occasions, such as parties and holidays, as it's sure to impress your guests.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this recipe is the combination of Greek spices and the marinade. The spices add a depth of flavor that's hard to replicate with other seasonings, while the marinade helps to tenderize the chicken and add extra moisture. By using a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic, we're able to create a marinade that's both flavorful and healthy.

Another important factor is the cooking method. By using a sheet pan and cooking the chicken in the oven, we're able to achieve a crispy exterior and a tender interior. This is because the oven heat helps to dry out the exterior of the chicken, creating a crispy crust that's similar to what you'd get from grilling.

Finally, the resting time is crucial. By letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving, we're allowing the juices to redistribute and the chicken to retain its moisture. This results in a dish that's both flavorful and tender, with a texture that's sure to impress.

Overall, this Chicken Souvlaki recipe is a winner because it's easy to make, flavorful, and tender. The combination of Greek spices, marinade, and cooking method creates a dish that's both familiar and exciting, with a depth of flavor that's sure to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this recipe are simple and straightforward, with a focus on fresh and healthy ingredients. We'll be using a combination of Greek spices, including oregano, thyme, and rosemary, to give the chicken its signature flavor. We'll also be using a marinade to tenderize the chicken and add extra flavor.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose fresh and high-quality items. For the chicken, look for boneless and skinless thighs that are free of added hormones and antibiotics. For the spices, choose fresh and fragrant herbs that are free of additives and preservatives.

1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, boneless and skinlessChoose fresh and high-quality chicken that is free of added hormones and antibiotics. Boneless and skinless thighs work best for this recipe, as they are easier to cook and more tender than bone-in thighs.
2 tbsp olive oilUse a high-quality olive oil that is rich in flavor and aroma. Olive oil is a key component of the marinade and helps to add moisture and flavor to the chicken.
2 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh and fragrant garlic that is free of additives and preservatives. Garlic adds a depth of flavor to the marinade and helps to tenderize the chicken.
1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juiceUse fresh and high-quality lemons that are free of additives and preservatives. Lemon juice adds a bright and citrusy flavor to the marinade and helps to tenderize the chicken.
1 tsp dried oreganoUse fresh and fragrant oregano that is free of additives and preservatives. Oregano is a key component of the Greek spice blend and adds a depth of flavor to the chicken.
1 tsp dried thymeUse fresh and fragrant thyme that is free of additives and preservatives. Thyme is a key component of the Greek spice blend and adds a depth of flavor to the chicken.
1 tsp dried rosemaryUse fresh and fragrant rosemary that is free of additives and preservatives. Rosemary is a key component of the Greek spice blend and adds a depth of flavor to the chicken.
1/2 tsp saltUse a high-quality salt that is free of additives and preservatives. Salt helps to enhance the flavor of the chicken and adds texture to the dish.
1/4 tsp black pepperUse a high-quality pepper that is free of additives and preservatives. Pepper helps to enhance the flavor of the chicken and adds texture to the dish.
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsleyUse fresh and fragrant parsley that is free of additives and preservatives. Parsley adds a bright and fresh flavor to the dish and helps to garnish the chicken.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large bowlWhiskMeasuring cups and spoonsSheet panOvenInstant-read thermometer

How to Make Chicken Souvlaki

1
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
2
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
4
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C). Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the breast.
5
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the garnish by chopping the fresh parsley.
6
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
7
Slice the chicken into thin strips and garnish with the chopped parsley.
8
Serve the chicken hot, with your choice of sides such as roasted vegetables, grains, or salads.
9
To make ahead, cook the chicken and let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
10
To reheat, place the cooked chicken in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Expert Tips

Use a high-quality olive oil that is rich in flavor and aroma.
Don't overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
Use fresh and fragrant herbs to add depth and flavor to the dish.
Don't overcrowd the sheet pan, as this can prevent the chicken from cooking evenly.
To freeze, place the cooked chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry and tough.
Not letting the chicken rest before slicing, which can cause the juices to run out.
Using low-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not whisking the marinade properly, which can cause the spices to clump together.
Not cooking the chicken to the correct internal temperature, which can cause food safety issues.
Not storing the cooked chicken properly, which can cause it to spoil or become contaminated.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some heat to the dish by incorporating red pepper flakes into the marinade.
Use different types of protein, such as pork or lamb, for a unique twist on the recipe.
Add some acidity to the dish by incorporating a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Use different types of herbs, such as basil or cilantro, to change up the flavor profile.
Add some crunch to the dish by incorporating chopped nuts or seeds into the garnish.
Use a different type of oil, such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil, for a unique flavor and texture.

What to Serve With Chicken Souvlaki

This Chicken Souvlaki is perfect for serving with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, grains, or salads. Some of our favorite options include roasted Brussels sprouts, quinoa, and a simple green salad. You can also serve it with a side of tzatziki sauce or hummus for a creamy and tangy contrast.

For a more substantial meal, try serving the chicken with a side of roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes. The crispy exterior and fluffy interior of the potatoes pair perfectly with the juicy and flavorful chicken.

Roasted Brussels sproutsQuinoaSimple green saladTzatziki sauceHummusRoasted potatoes

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This Chicken Souvlaki is perfect for making ahead and storing in the fridge or freezer. To store in the fridge, place the cooked chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To freeze, place the cooked chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

When reheating, place the cooked chicken in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it. To prevent drying out, make sure to cover the chicken with a damp paper towel or microwave-safe lid.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it reheats beautifully, without losing its flavor or texture. The chicken stays juicy and tender, and the flavors remain bright and fresh. This makes it perfect for meal prep or for serving at a party or gathering.

To freeze, make sure to cool the chicken completely before placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. This will help to prevent the formation of ice crystals and keep the chicken fresh and flavorful. When you're ready to reheat, simply thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge or reheat it straight from the freezer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

Boneless and skinless chicken thighs work best for this recipe, as they are easier to cook and more tender than bone-in thighs.

Can I use different types of protein?

Yes, you can use different types of protein, such as pork or lamb, for a unique twist on the recipe.

How long can I store the cooked chicken in the fridge?

You can store the cooked chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze the cooked chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool it completely before placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag.

How do I reheat the cooked chicken?

You can reheat the cooked chicken in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.

What are some good sides to serve with this dish?

Some of our favorite options include roasted Brussels sprouts, quinoa, and a simple green salad. You can also serve it with a side of tzatziki sauce or hummus for a creamy and tangy contrast.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer. Simply cook the chicken and let it cool completely before storing it.

Is this recipe healthy?

Yes, this recipe is healthy, as it uses fresh and high-quality ingredients and is low in calories and fat.

The Full Recipe

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