Chicken Souvlaki is a tasty Greek dish made with tender pieces of marinated chicken grilled to perfection on skewers. It’s often served with fresh veggies and pita!
There’s nothing like a backyard barbecue with these tasty bites! I love adding a sprinkle of lemon juice for an extra zing—super simple and so good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast works best here for tenderness. If you want a richer flavor, consider using chicken thighs instead, which remain juicy when grilled.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to for marinades because of its robust flavor. For a lighter option, avocado oil can also work and has a high smoke point.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the marinade a bold taste. If you’re short on fresh garlic, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be milder.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice will suffice, but fresh is always best for flavor.
Dried Oregano: Oregano is a staple for Greek flavors. If you don’t have it, try dried thyme or Italian seasoning for a different twist.
Tzatziki Sauce: While store-bought tzatziki is convenient, making your own with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and a bit of dill makes a huge difference in taste!
How Can I Ensure My Chicken Souvlaki is Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinating the chicken is essential for maximum flavor and tenderness. Letting it sit in the marinade for at least 1 hour is good, but overnight in the fridge really deepens the flavors.
- Make sure to coat the chicken evenly in the marinade. This ensures each piece absorbs the tasty flavors.
- If using wooden skewers, soaking them in water before grilling is vital. It prevents them from burning and ensures even cooking.
- When grilling, turn the skewers occasionally for even cooking and nice grill marks. Overcooking can lead to tough chicken, so keep an eye on it!
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Pita bread
- Tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh vegetables (e.g., cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Souvlaki recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and then needs at least 1 hour to marinate in the fridge. After marinating, grilling will take about 10 to 15 minutes. So, plan for around 1 hour and 30 minutes overall, depending on how long you decide to marinate the chicken!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until well-blended to create a tasty marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes into the bowl with the marinade. Use your hands or a spoon to make sure each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or for the best flavor, leave it overnight.
3. Prepare for Grilling:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling.
4. Skewer the Chicken:
Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece to ensure they cook evenly. This step makes it easy to grill the chicken thoroughly.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes. Make sure to turn them occasionally so they can develop those beautiful grill marks and are cooked through. The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Prepare Fresh Vegetables:
While the chicken is grilling, wash and slice your fresh vegetables into bite-sized pieces. This can include cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion—whatever you like!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken is done, remove the skewers from the grill. Serve the delicious chicken souvlaki with warm pita bread, a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping, and your fresh vegetables. Enjoy your tasty meal!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and moisture to your souvlaki. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may take a few extra minutes to cook through compared to chicken breasts.
How to Store Leftover Souvlaki?
Store any leftover chicken souvlaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the grill or in a skillet over medium heat to restore some of that delicious grilled flavor!
Can I Marinate the Chicken for Longer Than 24 Hours?
While marinating for 24 hours is usually sufficient, marinating for more than a day isn’t recommended, as the acid in the lemon juice can start to break down the chicken and make it mushy. Aim for anywhere between 1 hour to 24 hours for the best texture!
What Are Some Good Vegetable Options to Serve with Souvlaki?
Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and bell peppers are fantastic options! You can also toss in some grilled zucchini or eggplant for extra flavor. Just make sure to slice them into similar sizes for even cooking.
