Chicken Souvlaki is a tasty Greek dish made with juicy pieces of chicken grilled on skewers. It’s often served with warm pita bread and fresh veggies, making it a fun meal!
Honestly, who can resist the smell of grilled chicken? I love to dip mine in tzatziki sauce—so refreshing! It’s perfect for a summer picnic or a cozy night in.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs are a great alternative as they stay juicy. Tofu or portobello mushrooms can be used for a vegetarian option.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to for marinating because of its rich flavor. If you need a substitute, avocado oil works well too or use a neutral oil for a lighter taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. If you’re short on time, garlic powder can be a quick substitute, but fresh is always better. Try roasted garlic for a sweeter taste!
Spices: Dried oregano is classic in Greek cuisine, but you can toss in dried thyme or a sprinkle of rosemary for a twist. If you like more heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes too.
Pita Bread: While traditional, pita can be swapped for flatbreads or tortillas. If gluten-free, look for gluten-free pitas or wraps for a tasty alternative.
How Do I Marinate Chicken Properly?
Marinating is key to getting flavorful chicken. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Make sure it’s thoroughly combined.
- Cut your chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even marinating.
- Add the chicken to the marinade and toss until all pieces are well coated.
- Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate. For best results, let it marinate for at least an hour, but overnight is even better for deeper flavors!
Remember, the longer you marinate, the juicier and tastier your chicken will be!
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For Serving:
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Souvlaki recipe takes about 15 minutes of active preparation time, plus at least 1 hour for marinating the chicken (or preferably overnight). Cooking on the grill will take about 12 minutes. All together, you can make it in under 2 hours, allowing some marinating time. But trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Once it’s well combined, add the chicken cubes to this marinade. Make sure each piece is coated well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 1 hour, or if you have time, overnight for even more flavor!
2. Prepare Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This will help prevent them from burning on the grill. Meanwhile, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to cook!
3. Skewer the Chicken:
Once marinated, take the chicken out of the fridge. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, packing them closely but not too tight to allow for even cooking.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook the chicken for about 10-12 minutes, turning the skewers occasionally. You want them to be cooked through and have those lovely grill marks. Keep an eye on them to avoid any burning!
5. Warm the Pita:
While the chicken is grilling, warm the pita breads on the grill for about 1-2 minutes on each side or until they’re slightly toasted. This makes them soft and yummy!
6. Prepare the Salad:
In a serving bowl, mix together the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion. You can season them with a little salt and pepper for taste, giving the salad a nice refreshing kick.
7. Serve:
On each plate, arrange a couple of grilled chicken skewers, a warm pita, a generous scoop of tzatziki sauce, and a portion of your colorful salad. If you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a lovely garnish.
8. Enjoy:
Serve everything hot and enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken Souvlaki! Perfect for a lovely meal or a fun gathering!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work wonderfully in this recipe. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful, so just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed – they might take a minute or two longer to cook through.
What If I Don’t Have Tzatziki Sauce?
No problem at all! You can substitute tzatziki with a simple yogurt dip. Just mix plain yogurt with chopped cucumber, garlic, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a bit of dill or mint for a refreshing alternative.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for anywhere from 1 hour to 24 hours. For the best flavor and tenderness, aim for at least 4-6 hours if you have the time, but overnight is ideal!
How to Store Leftover Chicken Souvlaki?
To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely, then place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat the chicken on the grill or in a pan over medium heat to maintain its flavor and texture.
