Chicken Souvlaki is a tasty Greek dish featuring marinated chicken skewers, grilled to perfection. It’s juicy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying!
Serve it with fresh veggies or warm pita bread, and boom! It’s a meal that feels like a party on your plate. I love making extra skewers for leftovers—what’s better than that?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tenderness. You can substitute with chicken thighs if you like darker meat. They stay juicy and flavorful when grilled.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil works best, as it adds rich flavor. If you’re out, avocado oil is a great alternative. It has a high smoke point and is also healthy.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice really brightens up the dish. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice is an acceptable swap, but fresh is always better.
Herbs & Spices: Dried oregano is key for that classic Mediterranean flavor, but you could also try Italian seasoning or a pinch of thyme if you prefer something different. Ground cumin can add a unique twist too!
Pita Bread: While pita is traditional, you can use flatbreads or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. It’s all about what you enjoy!
How Do I Ensure the Chicken is Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinating the chicken is crucial for flavor and tenderness. The marinade should include acidity (like lemon juice) and oil to help penetrate the meat. Here’s how to do it right:
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl.
- Add chicken cubes and coat them well. The longer they marinate (up to 2 hours), the more flavor they’ll absorb.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan properly to help achieve a nice char and seal in the juices.
- Grill the chicken skewers on medium-high heat, turning them regularly to cook evenly.
Using a meat thermometer can help—cook until the internal temperature hits 165°F for perfectly cooked chicken!
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 4-6 skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
- Pita bread
- Tzatziki sauce
- Tomato, diced
- Cucumber, diced
- Red onion, sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Souvlaki takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. After that, you’ll need about 10-12 minutes to grill the chicken. Overall, you can expect to spend about 1 hour, including marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to create a tasty marinade. This will infuse your chicken with lots of flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, making sure they are all well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for a richer flavor.
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, get your grill or grill pan ready. Preheat it over medium-high heat. This will ensure your chicken gets a nice sear and grill marks.
4. Prepare the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure they are soaked in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning. Once the grill is hot, thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
5. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken skewers on the hot grill. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally. You want the chicken to cook through and develop a beautiful char on the outside. It’s perfectly cooked when it’s no longer pink inside!
6. Warm the Pita Bread:
While the chicken is grilling, you can warm up the pita bread. Simply place it on the grill for about a minute on each side until it’s warm and slightly toasted.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Once everything is cooked, serve the grilled chicken souvlaki on a plate alongside warm pita bread. Add tzatziki sauce, diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and sliced red onions for a fresh touch. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Souvlaki!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat for Souvlaki?
Absolutely! While chicken is a popular choice, you can also use pork, beef, or lamb for delicious souvlaki. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the type of meat you choose, ensuring it reaches the appropriate internal temperature.
What If I Don’t Have Tzatziki Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have tzatziki sauce, you can easily make a quick alternative by mixing Greek yogurt with diced cucumber, minced garlic, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Alternatively, a garlic yogurt sauce or hummus can work well as a dip.
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can marinate the chicken cubes the day before and keep them in the fridge overnight for better flavor! Just bring them to room temperature for about 15 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking.
How to Store Leftover Chicken Souvlaki?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can enjoy them cold in a salad or warm them up in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through for a quick meal.
