Chicken souvlaki is a tasty dish featuring marinated chicken pieces grilled to perfection. It’s often served with warm pita, fresh veggies, and a side of yummy tzatziki sauce!
I love how quick it is to make chicken souvlaki. Just grill those skewers and enjoy a little taste of Greece right at home. Perfect for family dinners or weekend barbecues!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great choice for this dish as they’re juicy and cook evenly. If you’re looking for alternatives, you could use thighs for more flavor or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is perfect for marinating and grilling because it adds richness. If you’re out, any other oil with a high smoke point, like canola or avocado oil, would work well, too.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish. In a pinch, bottled lemon juice can work, but fresh is always better! Lime juice is also a delicious alternative.
Spices: Dried oregano and cumin add warmth and depth. If you don’t have these, Italian seasoning or even a dash of paprika can add a nice touch. Just adjust to taste!
How Do You Make Perfectly Grilled Chicken Souvlaki?
The key to delicious souvlaki is in the marination and grilling. Marinating the chicken for at least an hour (or overnight) allows flavors to infuse. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl, mixing well before adding chicken.
- Cover and let it soak up the flavors in the refrigerator. This step is crucial!
- When grilling, ensure your grill or pan is preheated to medium-high heat for those nice grill marks. Don’t overcrowd the skewers.
- Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (about 10-12 mins), turning occasionally for even cooking.
- Let it rest a few minutes off heat to keep it juicy.
These tips should help you achieve perfectly grilled chicken souvlaki every time! Enjoy it with warm pita and fresh veggies for a delicious meal.
How to Make Delicious Chicken Souvlaki
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
For Serving:
- Pita bread
- Tzatziki sauce (optional)
- Fresh vegetables (cucumber, tomatoes, red onion)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus at least 1 hour of marinating time (overnight is best!). Then, you’ll need around 10-12 minutes to grill the chicken. Altogether, you can expect to spend around 1 hour and 30 minutes to have everything ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until well mixed.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, but if you have time, letting it sit overnight will make the chicken even more flavorful!
3. Preheat and Skewer:
When you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge and thread the pieces onto the skewers, packing them snugly together. If you’re using wooden skewers, ensure they have been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Turn the skewers occasionally to ensure all sides are nicely charred and the chicken is cooked through. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is no longer pink in the center and has beautiful grill marks.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. When ready to serve, warm the pita bread slightly and place the grilled chicken on top. You can add tzatziki sauce and a side of fresh vegetables like cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion to complete your delicious chicken souvlaki meal. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can add some extra flavor and moisture to the dish. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized cubes to ensure even cooking. The marinating time can remain the same.
What if I Don’t Have Tzatziki Sauce?
No worries! You can quickly make a simple yogurt sauce by mixing plain yogurt with a bit of lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped cucumbers. This will give you a refreshing dip similar to tzatziki.
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Souvlaki?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the grill or stovetop to maintain that grilled flavor and texture. You can also enjoy the leftovers cold in a pita for a quick snack!
Can I Bake the Chicken Souvlaki Instead of Grilling?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t dry out!
