Name: Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Maple Garlic Glaze
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 500g chicken breast or thighs, cut into cubes; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp dried oregano; Salt & black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp maple syrup; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp lemon juice

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There’s something about Greek Chicken Souvlaki that just feels like sunshine, even on a weeknight. The smell of lemon, garlic, and olive oil hitting the grill—it’s pure happiness. And this version? It adds a sticky, golden twist: a sweet maple garlic glaze that caramelizes just enough to make every bite irresistible. Think juicy, herby chicken with a glossy coating that clings to your fork. Honestly, it’s the kind of meal that makes you want to linger at the table a little longer.

If you’ve ever wanted a Greek Chicken Souvlaki that balances classic Mediterranean flavor with a cozy, homey touch, this one’s for you. Let’s dive in—and if you love collecting fresh dinner ideas like this, subscribe to get the latest recipes straight to your inbox.

The Allure of Greek Chicken Souvlaki

A little background & tradition

Greek Chicken Souvlaki has always been more than a recipe—it’s a ritual. In Greece, it’s the aroma of marinated chicken sizzling on an open flame, the clink of tongs, and friends crowding around a platter piled high with pita. When I first tried souvlaki on a tiny Greek island, I was hooked by its simplicity: a handful of ingredients and patience. That’s all it takes.

But here’s the twist—adding a maple garlic glaze brings in that sweet-savory balance that makes every bite feel special. It’s not traditional, but it’s the kind of comfort food mash-up that fits perfectly into a modern kitchen.

The taste and texture journey

Imagine tender cubes of marinated chicken brushed with a shiny, sticky glaze. Each bite of this Greek Chicken Souvlaki is juicy and savory, with hints of maple sweetness rounding out the lemon and oregano. The grill (or oven, if that’s your move) gives the edges that smoky char we all crave. And honestly? It’s addictive.

This isn’t just dinner—it’s an experience. A dish that bridges Mediterranean freshness with cozy comfort, no passport required.

Ingredients and Preparation Essentials for Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Ingredient list with substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need for this Greek Chicken Souvlaki masterpiece:

Ingredient	Amount	Substitutions / Notes
Chicken breast or thighs	500 g	Thighs give richer flavor
Olive oil	2 tbsp	Avocado oil works too
Lemon juice	1 tbsp	Lime juice for a zestier twist
Garlic, minced	2 cloves	Adjust for taste
Dried oregano	1 tsp	Fresh oregano or thyme also great
Salt & black pepper	To taste	Sea salt enhances flavor
Maple Garlic Glaze:
Maple syrup	2 tbsp	Honey for a lighter sweetness
Olive oil	1 tbsp	Any neutral oil if needed
Garlic, minced	1 clove	Don’t skip it—it’s flavor gold
Dijon mustard	1 tsp	Optional but adds tang
Lemon juice	1 tsp	Helps balance the sweetness

You’ll notice how every element here plays a role: acid for brightness, fat for richness, and that syrupy glaze for shine.

Necessary tools & setup tips

You don’t need fancy equipment—just a few basics:

Mixing bowls for marinade and glaze
Metal or wooden skewers (soaked if wooden)
Grill pan or oven tray
Brush for glazing

If you’re grilling outdoors, preheat the grill so the chicken hits a hot surface and sears instantly. For oven cooking, 400°F (200°C) is perfect—just don’t overcrowd your pan.

How to Cook Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Maple Garlic Glaze

Step-by-step instructions

Marinate: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken cubes and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes—or better, overnight.
Prepare the glaze: Whisk maple syrup, olive oil, garlic, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth. Set aside.
Assemble skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces evenly onto skewers.
Cook: Grill or bake for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway through until golden.
Glaze: During the last few minutes, brush the maple garlic glaze generously over each skewer. Watch it bubble and caramelize—it’s magic.
Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley, and serve with warm pita or fluffy rice.

The moment that glaze hits the heat, you’ll smell pure heaven—garlic, maple, and lemon dancing together.

Serving suggestions & what to pair

You can never go wrong serving Greek Chicken Souvlaki alongside a cucumber yogurt sauce or fresh salad. Try pairing it with Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls for a full Mediterranean experience. Or, for something brighter, layer the skewers over herbed rice and a dollop of hummus.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, try Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tomato—it’s like summer in a bowl, bursting with juicy freshness.

Tips, Storage and Nutrition for Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Pro tips and mistakes to avoid

Here’s the thing—Greek Chicken Souvlaki might be simple, but small tweaks make all the difference.

Don’t rush the marinade. The longer the chicken soaks, the more flavorful it becomes.
Use a hot grill. You want that quick sear for tenderness inside and crisp edges outside.
Brush glaze near the end. Too early, and the sugars will burn instead of caramelize.
Rest before serving. Letting the chicken sit for a few minutes keeps it juicy.

And, confession time—I once forgot to soak my wooden skewers and nearly started a bonfire. Learn from my mistakes!

Storage instructions, nutrition table and FAQs

Leftovers? They’re even better the next day.

Refrigerate: Store cooked souvlaki in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave, brushing with a little leftover glaze.
Freeze: Store marinated (uncooked) chicken up to 2 months; thaw before grilling.

Nutrition per serving:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	360 kcal
Protein	34 g
Fat	14 g
Carbohydrates	22 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugars	10 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake instead of grill Greek Chicken Souvlaki?
Absolutely. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway. You’ll still get tender, juicy chicken with caramelized edges.

Can I use wooden skewers?
Yes—just soak them for at least 30 minutes in water before threading the chicken.

How do I keep the chicken juicy?
Don’t overcook! Pull the skewers off as soon as the juices run clear.

Can I meal prep this?
Definitely. Greek Chicken Souvlaki holds up beautifully for lunches or dinners through the week.

What’s a good side dish?
Try couscous, roasted veggies, or a Greek salad. Or take inspiration from Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Hummus—it’s the perfect creamy complement.

Conclusion

Greek Chicken Souvlaki is one of those meals that never gets old. It’s bright, bold, and ridiculously easy to love. That maple garlic glaze? It’s the secret that takes it from everyday grilled chicken to “wow, what’s your recipe?” territory.

Whether you’re cooking for guests or just treating yourself, this Greek Chicken Souvlaki delivers every time—simple prep, clean ingredients, and pure flavor.

If you’re in the mood to keep exploring, check out those Souvlaki Bowl variations I linked earlier—they’re all fun ways to remix this dish. And don’t forget to pin your favorite photos on Pinterest or share your version in the comments below.

Because honestly, food like this deserves to be shared.

Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Maple Garlic Glaze