Chicken Souvlaki is a tasty dish made from juicy grilled chicken marinated in herbs and lemon. It’s perfect on skewers for easy eating and packed with flavor!
Whenever I make it, I serve it with warm pita and a zingy yogurt sauce. Trust me, it’s a hit at any gathering—everyone loves that fresh and yummy taste! 🥙
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: While boneless, skinless chicken breast is a go-to for souvlaki, you could substitute chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Thighs stay juicy, especially on the grill.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a lovely depth of flavor. However, if you’re out, any neutral oil like canola or avocado oil works fine.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is the best for brightness, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. Just keep in mind it might not taste as fresh.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are key for depth. If you need a quick option, garlic powder can substitute, but use less (about 1/8 teaspoon) since it’s more concentrated.
Oregano: Dried oregano brings that classic Greek flavor. If you’re looking for a change, try fresh oregano or even a mix of Italian seasoning.
Tzatziki Sauce: While store-bought tzatziki is convenient, homemade is often more delicious. Just blend yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon, and herbs.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Souvlaki Stays Juicy?
Marinading your chicken is vital for flavor and tenderness. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, let it sit for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. This ensures that those delicious flavors soak in.
- Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk well to create an even marinade.
- Add your chicken cubes and toss until well-coated. Cover the bowl to keep the marinade close to the chicken.
- Remember to preheat your grill or grill pan! A hot grill gives the chicken nice grill marks and seals in moisture.
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- 4 pita bread
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Souvlaki recipe takes about 40 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the chicken and marinating it for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. Then, grilling takes about 10-12 minutes, plus a short time warming up the pita. A quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinating the Chicken:
In a large bowl, pour in olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Use a whisk to mix everything together until it’s well blended. Now, add the chicken cubes to the marinade. Make sure every piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours if you want even more flavor.
2. Preparing to Grill:
After the chicken has marinated, it’s time to grill! Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. While that heats up, take the marinated chicken out of the fridge and thread the pieces onto skewers. Leave a little space between each piece so they can cook evenly.
3. Grilling the Chicken:
Place the skewers on the hot grill. Grill the chicken for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally to get those beautiful grill marks and ensure they’re cooked through. You’ll know they’re ready when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
4. Warming the Pita and Serving:
While the chicken is grilling, you can quickly warm the pita bread. Just place it on the grill for about a minute until soft and a little charred. Now it’s time to serve! Get a platter ready with the grilled chicken souvlaki, warm pita bread, and bowls of fresh diced cucumber, tomatoes, sliced red onion, and tzatziki sauce for dipping. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra flavor and tenderness to your souvlaki. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly; thighs may take a couple of minutes longer to cook through than breasts. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Can I Make This Recipe with Vegetables Only?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with robust vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Just marinate the veggies the same way and grill them for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re tender and slightly charred.
How to Store Leftover Souvlaki?
Store any leftover grilled chicken souvlaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, but be cautious not to overcook and dry it out.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Souvlaki?
For a traditional twist, serve the souvlaki with warm pita, diced vegetables, and tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping. You could also use the ingredients to create a fresh salad or a wrap if you prefer a lighter meal option!
