Chicken Souvlaki – Juicy, flavorful, and irresistibly aromatic, Chicken Souvlaki is a Greek classic that brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your plate. Marinated in a blend of olive oil, garlic, lemon, and oregano, these tender chicken skewers are grilled to perfection, boasting a delightful char that pairs beautifully with fresh tzatziki, warm pita, and crisp veggies.
What is Chicken Souvlaki?
Chicken Souvlaki is a traditional Greek dish consisting of small pieces of chicken marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a blend of Mediterranean herbs, then skewered and grilled to perfection. The word “souvlaki” comes from the Greek term “souvla,” meaning skewer. It’s a popular street food in Greece and is typically served with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, fresh vegetables, and sometimes rice or potatoes.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Souvlaki
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and good-quality olive oil elevate the flavor of the marinade.
- Marinate Longer: For the most tender and flavorful chicken, marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers: Leave a little space between the chicken pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Monitor the Grill: Chicken cooks quickly, so keep a close eye to avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Add Veggies to the Skewers: Bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes complement the chicken beautifully.
Delicious Variations of Chicken Souvlaki
- Spicy Chicken Souvlaki: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade for a fiery kick.
- Herby Twist: Incorporate fresh rosemary or mint for a unique flavor profile.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap tzatziki for a tahini sauce to cater to dietary restrictions.
- Sheet Pan Souvlaki: Bake the marinated chicken pieces on a sheet pan at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How to Serve Chicken Souvlaki
Chicken Souvlaki is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Classic Pita Wraps: Stuff warm pita bread with chicken, tzatziki, lettuce, tomatoes, and red onions.
- On a Platter: Serve the skewers alongside Greek salad, lemon rice, and roasted potatoes for a hearty meal.
- Low-Carb Option: Enjoy the chicken over a bed of cauliflower rice or zoodles with a dollop of tzatziki.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Souvlaki
- Storage: Store leftover souvlaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze marinated raw chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before grilling.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving if overcooked, making them a fantastic choice for souvlaki.
Q: Can I cook Chicken Souvlaki in the oven?
A: Yes! Bake the skewers at 425°F on a lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through.
Q: What if I don’t have skewers?
A: No problem! You can cook the marinated chicken pieces directly in a grill pan or on a barbecue grill without skewers.
Q: Is Chicken Souvlaki gluten-free?
A: The chicken and marinade are naturally gluten-free. Pair with gluten-free pita or serve over rice for a complete meal.
Chicken Souvlaki
Chicken Souvlaki - Juicy, flavorful, and irresistibly aromatic, Chicken Souvlaki is a Greek classic that brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your plate.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Souvlaki:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed (1 ½-inch pieces)
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp kosher salt
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 ½ cups Greek yogurt
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 medium cucumber, peeled and grated
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- ½ tsp kosher salt
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for extra flavor)
Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers (about 8-9 pieces per skewer).
- Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, until cooked through and slightly charred.
Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
- Drain the grated cucumber by pressing it through a fine mesh sieve, nut milk bag, or cheesecloth to remove excess water.
- Mix the cucumber with Greek yogurt, dill, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl. Let the flavors meld for a few minutes.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 484Total Fat 29gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 23gCholesterol 106mgSodium 597mgCarbohydrates 8gFiber 1gSugar 4gProtein 47g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Souvlaki is more than just a dish; it’s a delightful experience that brings the vibrant flavors of Greece to your plate. With its easy preparation, endless variations, and crowd-pleasing taste, it’s no wonder this dish has earned its spot as a global favorite. So fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the unbeatable taste of homemade Chicken Souvlaki!
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