Chicken souvlaki is a tasty Greek dish made of juicy chicken pieces on skewers, seasoned with delicious herbs and spices. It’s perfect for grilling on warm days!
Serve it with pita bread and a side of tzatziki, and you’ve got a meal that feels like a mini vacation! I could eat this every week—nothing beats a good souvlaki night! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is the go-to for this dish, ensuring tender pieces. If you’re looking for alternatives, boneless thighs offer more flavor due to their fat content. They’re juicy and withstand grilling well.
Olive Oil: This is the base for the marinade, adding richness. Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its flavor, but regular olive oil or even avocado oil will work if you’re in a pinch.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and balances flavors. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled juice will do, but fresh is definitely better. Lime juice can also be a tasty substitute!
Garlic: Minced garlic adds depth to your marinade. Alternatively, garlic powder may be used; however, you’d need about 1/2 tsp for roughly three cloves. Adjust to your taste!
Dried Oregano: This herb brings that classic Mediterranean flavor. If you can’t find it, try dried thyme or Italian seasoning, but the taste will vary slightly.
How Do I Make Sure the Chicken Stays Juicy on the Grill?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but following a few steps will keep it juicy and flavorful. The key here is the marinade and cooking time.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes but aim for 2 hours. This not only infuses flavor but also helps retain moisture.
- Be sure to soak wooden skewers beforehand if you’re using them. This prevents burning and helps them last longer on the grill.
- Grill on medium-high heat, turning the skewers every few minutes. This prevents drying out and promotes even cooking.
- Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for perfect doneness without overcooking.
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Wooden or metal skewers
For Serving:
- Pita bread
- Fresh vegetables (cucumber, tomatoes, red onion)
- Tzatziki sauce, for dipping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. Cooking will take around 15 minutes, so in total, expect about 1 hour to enjoy your delicious Chicken Souvlaki!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until everything is well combined. This flavorful marinade will make the chicken delicious!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, making sure each piece gets nicely coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or if you have time, let it sit for 2 hours to soak up all those yummy flavors.
3. Prepare the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, place them in water and let them soak for about 30 minutes while the chicken marinates. This step will help prevent them from burning on the grill.
4. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. This will allow the chicken to cook evenly. Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has gorgeous grill marks!
5. Warm the Pita Bread:
While the chicken is grilling, place your pita bread on the grill for about a minute on each side to warm them up. This will make them soft and delicious!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your chicken is ready, serve the Chicken Souvlaki with the warm pita, a fresh side salad made of cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion, and tzatziki sauce for dipping. Dig in and enjoy your tasty homemade dish!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great for souvlaki and will provide a juicier bite. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized cubes for even cooking. The marination time and cooking instructions remain the same!
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor. If marinating for longer than 2 hours, be sure to use a glass or ceramic container, as acidic marinades can react with metal.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Skewers?
No worries! If you don’t have skewers, you can cook the marinated chicken directly on the grill or in a grill pan. Just be sure to keep an eye on it and turn the pieces frequently to achieve even cooking and browning. Alternatively, you could make a delicious chicken souvlaki salad instead!
How to Store Leftover Chicken Souvlaki?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Warm until heated through and enjoy in sandwiches or salads!
