Greek Chicken Souvlaki

This Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a delightful blend of juicy, marinated chicken grilled to perfection and served in warm pita bread. Perfect for summer nights or any quick meal, this dish brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean right to your table. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce makes it an irresistible choice for gatherings or a cozy family dinner.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken
• For the Marinade
• For Serving
• For Garnish
• How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki
• Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
• Step 2: Prepare Skewers
• Step 3: Grill Method
• Step 4: Oven Method
• Step 5: Assemble and Serve
• How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki
• On a Warm Pita
• With Tzatziki Sauce
• As a Salad Bowl
• In a Wrap
• With Lemon Wedges
• How to Perfect Greek Chicken Souvlaki
• Best Side Dishes for Greek Chicken Souvlaki
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Greek Chicken Souvlaki
• Reheating Greek Chicken Souvlaki
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Greek Chicken Souvlaki?
• How do I make the marinade for Greek Chicken Souvlaki?
• Can I use other meats for souvlaki?
• How do I serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki?
• Can I grill Greek Chicken Souvlaki indoors?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 15 minutes of active prep time, making it a fast option for busy days.
• Flavorful Marinade: The marinade infuses the chicken with rich Mediterranean flavors that will impress your taste buds.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a wrap, on its own, or with a side salad for a complete meal.
• Perfect for Grilling: Ideal for outdoor summer cooking, this dish shines on the grill but can also be made in the oven.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love assembling their own pitas with their favorite toppings.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make all the difference when preparing Greek Chicken Souvlaki. Here are some essentials you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skewers
• Grill or baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Zip-top bag

Importance of Each Tool

• Skewers: Essential for grilling the chicken evenly; consider using metal ones for convenience.
• Grill or Baking Sheet: A grill gives you that smoky flavor, but an oven works just as well for indoor cooking.
• Mixing Bowl: Necessary for combining your marinade ingredients thoroughly to coat the chicken.
• Whisk: Helps blend marinade ingredients smoothly for optimal flavor absorption.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed

For the Marinade

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

For Serving

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 plum tomatoes, sliced
• Tzatziki sauce
• Pita bread (khubz)
• Lemon slices, for squeezing

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Place the cubed chicken in a large zip-top bag or bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together:
1. Olive oil
2. Lemon juice
3. Minced garlic
4. Dried oregano
5. Kosher salt
6. Ground black pepper

Pour this marinade over the chicken in the bag or bowl. Seal it tightly (removing excess air) and toss to coat. Refrigerate for 45 minutes to 1 hour to let those flavors meld perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare Skewers

Remove the chicken from the marinade and thread onto skewers, leaving space between each piece to ensure even cooking. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.

Step 3: Grill Method

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and clean/oil the grates. Grill the skewers for about 8–10 minutes:
– Turn occasionally until they are golden brown.
– Ensure internal temperature reaches 163°F.
– Baste once with reserved marinade while grilling (discard any leftover marinade).
Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after grilling; it will continue cooking to reach an internal temperature of 165°F. You can warm pita on the grill if you like.

Step 4: Oven Method

If you prefer roasting:
– Preheat your oven to 350°F.
– Place chicken cubes on a greased baking sheet.
– Bake on the top oven rack for approximately 5–7 minutes per side until reaching an internal temperature of 163°F.
Let rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Serve your grilled chicken on warm pita bread along with sliced tomatoes, red onions, tzatziki sauce, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to finish off this delightful dish!

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Serving Greek Chicken Souvlaki is all about showcasing its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this dish.

On a Warm Pita

• Serve the grilled chicken skewers on warm pita bread for an authentic experience.
• Add fresh vegetables like sliced tomatoes and red onions for crunch.

With Tzatziki Sauce

• Drizzle or dollop tzatziki sauce generously over the chicken and veggies.
• This creamy yogurt dip adds a refreshing contrast to the grilled chicken.

As a Salad Bowl

• Create a fresh salad by placing the grilled chicken on a bed of mixed greens.
• Top with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean flair.

In a Wrap

• Wrap the grilled chicken and toppings in pita bread for an easy-to-eat option.
• This makes it perfect for picnics or packed lunches.

With Lemon Wedges

• Serve lemon wedges on the side for those who enjoy an extra squeeze of citrus.
• It enhances the flavors of the souvlaki beautifully.

How to Perfect Greek Chicken Souvlaki

To achieve the best results with your Greek Chicken Souvlaki, consider these essential tips.

• Marinate longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight will deepen the flavors significantly.
• Use high heat: Grilling at medium-high heat ensures that you get a nice char while keeping the chicken juicy inside.
• Don’t overcrowd skewers: Leaving space between pieces allows for even cooking and better grill marks.
• Invest in good skewers: Metal skewers are reusable and prevent food from slipping off during grilling. Wooden ones need soaking to avoid burning.
• Rest before serving: Letting the chicken rest after grilling helps retain its juiciness before you dig in.

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Best Side Dishes for Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Pairing side dishes with your Greek Chicken Souvlaki can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese dressed in olive oil and lemon juice.
2. Couscous: Fluffy couscous tossed with herbs adds a light yet filling side that complements grilled flavors perfectly.
3. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant drizzled with olive oil enhance the Mediterranean theme.
4. Rice Pilaf: Aromatic rice cooked with broth and herbs serves as a hearty base alongside your souvlaki.
5. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with oregano provide a satisfying crunch that pairs well with tzatziki sauce.
6. Pita Chips: Crunchy pita chips served with hummus or tzatziki make for a delightful starter or side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Greek Chicken Souvlaki can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some to watch out for:

• Skipping the Marinade: Not marinating the chicken long enough can lead to bland flavors. Ensure you marinate for at least 45 minutes for juicy, flavorful chicken.
• Overcrowding Skewers: Placing too much chicken on each skewer prevents even cooking. Leave space between pieces to ensure perfect grilling.
• Ignoring Temperature Control: Grilling at too high a temperature can burn the outside while leaving the inside raw. Medium-high heat is best for even cooking.
• Using Old Ingredients: Expired spices or old chicken can ruin your dish. Always check your ingredients for freshness before starting.
• Forgetting to Rest the Chicken: Cutting into grilled chicken right away leads to dry meat. Let it rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Greek Chicken Souvlaki in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Greek Chicken Souvlaki

• Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• You can freeze it for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum freshness.

Reheating Greek Chicken Souvlaki

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Cook until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Greek Chicken Souvlaki?

Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a popular street food made from marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection, often served with pita bread and tzatziki sauce.

How do I make the marinade for Greek Chicken Souvlaki?

To make the marinade, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk together and coat your chicken cubes before marinating.

Can I use other meats for souvlaki?

Yes! While this recipe features chicken, you can also use lamb or pork for different flavor profiles while still enjoying that classic souvlaki taste.

How do I serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki?

Serve grilled chicken on warm pita bread topped with sliced tomatoes, red onions, and tzatziki sauce. A squeeze of lemon enhances its flavor!

Can I grill Greek Chicken Souvlaki indoors?

Absolutely! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can use a grill pan on your stovetop or broil it in your oven. Just monitor closely to avoid burning.

Final Thoughts

This Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe offers vibrant Mediterranean flavors that make it perfect for any meal. It’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings or side dishes. Try it today and enjoy a taste of Greece right at home!

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