If you love the flavor of authentic Greek souvlaki but don’t have a wood-fired grill, this Sheet Pan Chicken Souvlaki recipe delivers that same smoky Mediterranean flavor right from your oven. Tender chunks of chicken are marinated in garlic, oregano, lemon juice, olive oil, and a touch of liquid smoke, then threaded onto skewers with zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
This is something I do a lot of in the winter when all I want is to be outdoors grilling.
Roasting everything together on a sheet pan gives the chicken those caramelized edges while the vegetables become sweet and slightly charred. It’s a simple one-pan dinner that tastes like it came straight from a seaside taverna in Greece.
Whether you serve it with pita, rice, or a fresh Greek salad, this oven-baked chicken souvlaki is bright, garlicky, and full of bold Mediterranean flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Sheet Pan Chicken Souvlaki
- Authentic Greek flavor without a grill
- Liquid smoke mimics wood-fired souvlaki
- Healthy Mediterranean ingredients
- Easy sheet pan dinner
- Perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners
Ingredients
For the Souvlaki Marinade
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into chunks
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp liquid smoke
For the Skewers
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1 large zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 large red onion, cut into chunks
Optional for Serving
- Warm pita bread
- Tzatziki sauce
- Fresh parsley or dill
- Crumbled feta cheese
How to Make Sheet Pan Chicken Souvlaki
1. Make the Marinade
In a large bowl whisk together:
- olive oil
- lemon juice
- lemon zest
- garlic
- oregano
- smoked paprika
- salt and pepper
- liquid smoke
The marinade should smell bright, garlicky, and slightly smoky.
2. Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss until fully coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor).
3. Assemble the Skewers
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Thread onto skewers:
- chicken
- zucchini
- red onion
- cherry tomatoes
Alternate ingredients so each skewer has a mix of everything.
4. Roast on a Sheet Pan
Line a sheet pan with wrinkled parchment paper or foil.
Lay the skewers across the pan.
Roast for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly caramelized.
For extra char, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.
More Mediterranean Recipes You’ll Love
Sheet Pan Chicken Souvlaki
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 SERVINGS 1x
Description
This easy Sheet Pan Chicken Souvlaki is packed with bold Greek flavors. Tender chicken is marinated with garlic, lemon juice, oregano, olive oil, and a hint of liquid smoke to mimic a wood fired grill, then skewered with cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and red onion and roasted until perfectly caramelized.
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into chunks
1 pint cherry tomatoes
1 large zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
1 large red onion, cut into chunks
Marinade
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp liquid smoke
Instructions
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In a large bowl whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and liquid smoke.
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Add the cubed chicken and toss until well coated in the marinade.
-
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
-
Preheat oven to 425°F.
-
Thread the chicken onto skewers alternating with zucchini slices, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
-
Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and arrange the skewers in a single layer.
-
Roast for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly caramelized.
-
For extra char, broil the skewers for 2–3 minutes at the end.
-
Serve with warm pita, tzatziki sauce, or a simple Greek salad.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the sheet pan or the chicken will steam instead of roast.
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes before assembling to prevent burning.
Chicken thighs will be juicier than chicken breast.
A small amount of liquid smoke helps mimic the flavor of traditional souvlaki cooked over charcoal.
- Prep Time: 15 MINUTES
- Marinate Time: 30 mins- 8 hours
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking, SHEET-PAN
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, MEDITERRANEAN INSPIRED
Tips for the Best Oven Souvlaki
Use Chicken Thighs
They stay juicier than chicken breast.
Don’t Skip the Liquid Smoke
Just a small amount gives the wood-fire grill flavor that traditional souvlaki has.
Marinate Longer for Stronger Flavor
Even 30 minutes helps, but overnight marinade is incredible.
Use Metal Skewers if Possible
They conduct heat and help the chicken cook evenly.
What to Serve with Chicken Souvlaki
This Greek sheet pan dinner pairs perfectly with:
- Tzatziki sauce
- Warm pita bread
- Lemon rice
- Greek salad
- Roasted potatoes
You can also remove everything from the skewers and build Mediterranean bowls with rice, cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze cooked chicken for 2 months.
Reheat:
Warm in a skillet or air fryer to keep the edges crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make chicken souvlaki without skewers?
Yes. Simply spread the marinated chicken and vegetables directly onto a sheet pan and roast.
Can I grill this instead?
Absolutely. Grill over medium-high heat for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally.
What does liquid smoke do?
Liquid smoke adds a subtle smoky grilled flavor, mimicking traditional Greek souvlaki cooked over charcoal or wood fire.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and assemble skewers when ready to cook.
Final Thoughts
This Sheet Pan Chicken Souvlaki is one of those easy Mediterranean recipes that tastes far more impressive than the effort it takes. The combination of garlic, oregano, lemon, and smoky roasted chicken creates bold Greek flavor right from your oven.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep bowls, or casual summer dinners when you want that wood-fired souvlaki flavor without firing up the grill.
Once you try it, this easy sheet pan souvlaki will quickly become a regular in your dinner rotation.
