Chicken Souvlaki is a fun and tasty dish made with juicy grilled chicken pieces, marinated in lemon and herbs. It’s perfect for a summer cookout or a quick dinner on a busy night!
These little skewers are full of flavor and are super easy to make. I love serving them with warm pita and a side of tzatziki sauce—dipping is the best part! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is the go-to for this recipe. You can use thighs if you prefer a juicier option. Just cut them into similar-size pieces for even cooking.
Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps the marinade stick. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use avocado oil or even a little bit of yogurt in the marinade for different flavors.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is great here for its strong flavor. If you’re short on fresh, garlic powder can work in a pinch—just use about 1 tsp per clove.
Oregano: Dried oregano gives that classic Greek taste. If you have fresh oregano, that’s even better! Just double the amount since fresh herbs are less concentrated.
Pita Bread: Whole wheat pita is great for a healthier twist, but feel free to use regular or even flatbreads. If you can’t find pita, any flatbread or tortilla can serve as a wrap.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Skewers Stay Juicy and Flavorful?
The key to juicy chicken skewers is all in how you marinate and grill them. Make sure you let the chicken soak in the marinade for at least an hour; overnight is even better! This helps infuse all those wonderful flavors throughout the chicken.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat before you start cooking. This helps achieve that perfect char.
- Cook the chicken skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally. This keeps them from drying out and ensures they’re cooked evenly.
- Keep an eye on the grill temperature; too high can burn the outside while keeping the inside undercooked.
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
For Serving:
- 4 pita bread
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (for serving)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (for serving)
- 1 cucumber, diced (for serving)
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and at least 1 hour for marinating the chicken. Additionally, you’ll need about 15 minutes for cooking on the grill. So, in total, you’re looking at approximately 2 hours if you include marinating time, but most of that is just waiting!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
Start by grabbing a medium-sized bowl. Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and paprika until everything is nicely combined. This is your delicious marinade that will really enhance the chicken’s flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken breast into the bowl with the marinade. Mix everything together with a spoon or your hands until the chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or if you have time, up to overnight for even more flavor.
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for 30 minutes to help prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, packing them closely but not too tight. Grill the chicken skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are nicely charred and cooked through.
4. Warm the Pita Bread:
While the chicken is grilling, place your pita bread on the grill for about 1 minute on each side, just until they’re warmed and have a slight char. This adds a wonderful touch to your meal!
5. Assemble and Serve:
Once everything is ready, it’s time to serve! Place the chicken skewers on a plate along with the warmed pita bread. Serve with a generous side of tzatziki sauce, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. Enjoy your Chicken Souvlaki with all these fresh and tasty accompaniments!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Chicken for Souvlaki?
Absolutely! While chicken breast is lean and cooks quickly, you can also use chicken thighs for a juicier option. Just make sure to cube them similarly and marinate for the same amount of time.
How Can I Make This Recipe in the Oven?
You can easily adapt this recipe for the oven! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through. You can also broil them for a couple of minutes at the end for a nice char.
What If I Don’t Have Tzatziki Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have tzatziki, you can quickly whip up a yogurt sauce by mixing plain Greek yogurt with minced garlic, chopped cucumber, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. It’s super refreshing and pairs well with the souvlaki!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken souvlaki in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also enjoy it cold in a salad or wrap!
