Chicken Souvlaki

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Souvlaki is incredibly versatile and full of flavor. The chicken is marinated in a zesty blend of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs, which makes it tender and packed with Mediterranean flavors. The grilling process gives it a smoky char that complements the freshness of the herbs. Whether you enjoy it on its own, served in a pita, or with a refreshing Greek salad, Chicken Souvlaki is a satisfying and delicious meal that is both healthy and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

For the chicken marinade:

• 1 1/2 lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For serving:

• 4 pita bread or flatbreads
• 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Fresh vegetables (like cucumber, tomatoes, onions, and lettuce) for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Prepare the grill or skillet: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using skewers, thread the marinated chicken onto metal or wooden skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning).
3. Grill the chicken: Place the skewers or chicken pieces directly on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and has a nice char on the outside. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
4. Prepare the pitas: While the chicken is grilling, warm the pita bread on the grill for about 1 minute per side or until soft and slightly crispy.
5. Assemble and serve: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skewers (if using) and serve on warm pitas. Top with fresh vegetables and a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Total time: 40 minutes
  • Prep time: 10 minutes
  • Cook time: 20-30 minutes (including marinating time)

Variations

• Add vegetables: For a complete meal, thread vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, onions, or cherry tomatoes onto the skewers with the chicken before grilling.
• Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade if you like a little heat in your souvlaki.
• Grilled chicken salad: Serve the grilled chicken souvlaki on a bed of mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon dressing for a lighter, salad-based meal.
• Vegan version: Swap the chicken for marinated tofu, seitan, or a mix of grilled vegetables for a plant-based souvlaki option.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover chicken souvlaki can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave for 30-40 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative to chicken breasts. They will be juicier and more flavorful, but be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a little longer to cook through.

Can I cook Chicken Souvlaki in the oven?

Yes, you can cook chicken souvlaki in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the marinated chicken pieces on a lined baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown. You can also broil for the last few minutes to get a crispy finish.

What can I serve with Chicken Souvlaki?

Chicken Souvlaki is traditionally served with tzatziki sauce and pita bread, but it also goes wonderfully with a Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or even rice pilaf.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the marinade ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before grilling for the best flavor.

Can I use store-bought tzatziki?

Absolutely! While homemade tzatziki is delicious, store-bought tzatziki works just as well and saves time. You can even add a little extra lemon juice or dill to personalize it.

Can I make Chicken Souvlaki without skewers?

Yes, you can cook the marinated chicken directly in the pan or grill without skewers. Simply cook the marinated chicken cubes on a grill pan or grill directly, flipping them to ensure even cooking.

Can I use different herbs in the marinade?

Yes, while oregano is traditional, you can also experiment with other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to customize the flavor profile of your chicken souvlaki.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken souvlaki ahead of time by marinating the chicken a day before cooking it. When you’re ready to cook, just grill or bake the chicken, and assemble the pitas with your toppings.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, Chicken Souvlaki is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free pita bread. Be sure to check the tzatziki sauce ingredients if you’re buying store-bought to ensure it’s gluten-free.

Conclusion

Chicken Souvlaki is a delicious, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that brings the best of Greek cuisine into your home. With its aromatic herbs, tender grilled chicken, and fresh accompaniments like tzatziki and vegetables, it’s the perfect meal for a casual dinner or special gathering. Whether you enjoy it wrapped in warm pita or as part of a fresh salad, Chicken Souvlaki is sure to satisfy your cravings for Mediterranean-inspired food.

Chicken Souvlaki

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Chicken Souvlaki is a flavorful Greek dish featuring marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection and served with pita, tzatziki sauce, and fresh vegetables. The chicken is tender, juicy, and infused with Mediterranean herbs and spices like oregano, garlic, and lemon.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-30 minutes (including marinating time)
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

1. For the chicken marinade:
2. 1 1/2 lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
3. 3 tablespoons olive oil
4. 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
5. 3 cloves garlic, minced
6. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
7. 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
8. 1/2 teaspoon paprika
9. Salt and black pepper, to taste
10. For serving:
11. 4 pita bread or flatbreads
12. 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
13. Fresh vegetables (like cucumber, tomatoes, onions, and lettuce) for garnish
14. Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken cubes and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.

1. Prepare the grill or skillet: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers (soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning if using).
2. Grill the chicken: Place skewers or chicken pieces on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked with a nice char on the outside. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
3. Prepare the pitas: While the chicken is grilling, warm pita bread on the grill for about 1 minute per side or until slightly crispy.
4. Assemble and serve: Once chicken is done, remove it from skewers (if using) and serve on warm pitas. Top with fresh vegetables and tzatziki sauce. Optionally, serve with lemon wedges for extra freshness.

Notes

1. For a variation, use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier and more flavorful option.
2. Make a spicy version by adding cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade.
3. For a vegan version, replace the chicken with marinated tofu or grilled vegetables like zucchini, peppers, and mushrooms.
4. Serve the souvlaki with a Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 85mg