Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Maple Honey Glaze Recipe

If you are craving a delightful meal that bursts with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, let me introduce you to the absolutely irresistible Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Maple Honey Glaze. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken cubes marinated in classic Greek herbs and spices, then grilled to perfection and brushed with a luscious maple honey glaze. The balance between savory oregano and smoky paprika paired with the sweet, tangy glaze creates a phenomenal taste experience you’ll want to make again and again. It’s simple to prepare but impressive enough to serve for any occasion!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to mastering this Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Maple Honey Glaze. Each component plays an essential role—brightening the chicken, lending a smoky or sweet note, and enhancing texture to deliver a beautifully balanced dish.

• Chicken breasts, 1 ½ lbs cubed: The base of this dish, chicken breasts are lean and soak up marinades wonderfully.
• Olive oil, 3 tablespoons: Adds moisture and helps the marinade penetrate the meat for tenderness.
• Fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons: Brings acidity that tenderizes and brightens flavors.
• Garlic cloves, 3 minced: Infuses a pungent, aromatic depth to the marinade.
• Dried oregano, 1 teaspoon: A signature herb in Greek cooking that adds earthiness.
• Smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon: Offers a subtle smoky warmth without overpowering.
• Salt and black pepper: Simply essential seasonings that highlight every ingredient’s natural flavor.
• Wooden or metal skewers: For threading the chicken; soak wooden ones beforehand to avoid burning.
• Pure maple syrup, 2 tablespoons: The star in the glaze, providing rich sweetness and caramel notes.
• Honey, 1 tablespoon: Enhances the glaze’s texture with smooth, natural sweetness.
• Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon: Adds a gentle tang and balances the sweet glaze beautifully.
• Soy sauce or tamari, 1 tablespoon: Brings umami depth and a touch of saltiness to the glaze.
• Lemon zest, 1 teaspoon: Lifts the glaze with fresh citrus aroma.
• Warm pita bread or rice: Perfect carriers for your juicy souvlaki bites.
• Tzatziki sauce (optional): For creamy cooling contrast if you want a traditional touch.
• Fresh parsley and lemon wedges: For garnish that adds color and an extra pop of flavor.

How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Maple Honey Glaze

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Toss the chicken cubes into this vibrant marinade, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Cover and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, though up to 4 hours will infuse even more flavor and ensure super tender meat. This marination stage is key—it softens the chicken while allowing those classic Greek flavors to permeate deeply.

Step 2: Prepare the Maple Honey Glaze

While the chicken soaks up those flavors, it’s time to create the magic glaze. Combine the maple syrup, honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and fresh lemon zest in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir the mixture gently and let it simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly into a glossy glaze. This sticky, sweet, and tangy glaze is what truly elevates the Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Maple Honey Glaze to the next level—ready to add beautiful caramelization during grilling.

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

Once marinated, thread the chicken pieces evenly onto the skewers, making sure they’re packed snug but not overcrowded. The skewers make grilling easy and allow the chicken to cook evenly, locking in all those delicious juices.

Step 4: Grill the Souvlaki

Preheat your grill or stovetop pan to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally to get that perfect golden sear on all sides. The aroma at this point is utterly tantalizing. The chicken should be cooked through but still juicy in the center, making every bite tender and flavorful.

Step 5: Brush with Maple Honey Glaze

In the last couple of minutes on the grill, generously brush each skewer with the prepared maple honey glaze. This step creates a stunning, caramelized finish and adds a glossy, sticky coating that beautifully complements the savory chicken. Grill for an additional minute on each side after glazing so the sugars melt and coat the meat perfectly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the skewers and serve immediately with warm pita bread or fluffy rice, an extra drizzle of the glaze, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley along with lemon wedges for squeezing. If you’re feeling indulgent, add a dollop of cool tzatziki sauce to balance the sweetness. Every component together results in a truly satisfying meal you’ll want to share!

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Maple Honey Glaze

Garnishes

To take your dish from great to unforgettable, fresh garnishes are essential. Bright green parsley scattered on top adds a lovely herbaceous pop and visual appeal, while a squeeze of lemon juice right before eating enhances all the flavors. Optional tzatziki sauce brings cool creaminess that pairs beautifully with the tender grilled chicken and its sweet glaze.

Side Dishes

Classic sides work wonderfully with Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Maple Honey Glaze. Serve with warm pita bread to soak up every bit of the glaze or a simple bowl of fluffy rice for a heartier meal. A fresh Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta cheese balances the richness of the glaze with crisp texture and a burst of freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress your guests or family? Try assembling a souvlaki platter with colorful vegetable skewers, grilled halloumi cheese, and bowls of assorted dips including hummus and tzatziki. Another fun idea is to serve the chicken souvlaki as a wrap with pita, veggies, and glaze drizzled inside. The sticky maple honey glaze ensures every bite is bursting with flavor, no matter how you present it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The souvlaki will keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining its flavor and juiciness. Just be sure to keep the glaze separate or lightly brushed on to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked souvlaki skewers for up to 2 months. Wrap each skewer tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag to protect them from freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftover Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Maple Honey Glaze in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. You can also warm them on the grill or in a stovetop pan covered with foil to keep the chicken moist. Avoid the microwave if possible to preserve texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even more flavorful and juicy due to their higher fat content. Just cut them into similar-sized cubes and follow the same marination and grilling times.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with firm tofu or halloumi cheese cubes. Marinate and glaze just like the chicken, then grill until golden and slightly crispy.

Can I make the maple honey glaze ahead of time?

Definitely. Prepare the glaze in advance and refrigerate it in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Warm gently before brushing on the skewers to get that perfect sticky finish.

What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook this indoors?

No grill? No problem! Use a hot grill pan or cast iron skillet on the stovetop for similar results. Just keep an eye on cooking times and turn your skewers frequently for even browning.

How do I prevent the wooden skewers from burning on the grill?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This keeps them moist and less likely to char or catch fire while cooking your souvlaki.

Final Thoughts

I truly can’t recommend the Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Maple Honey Glaze enough—it’s an exciting dish that brings together the best of vibrant Mediterranean flavors with the sweet, caramelized twist of maple and honey. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests at your next get-together, this recipe will become a fast favorite that everyone asks for again. Give it a whirl and enjoy the delicious journey!