Chicken Souvlaki is a delightful Greek dish that showcases juicy and tender grilled chicken skewers. This Chicken Souvlaki Recipe is perfect for gatherings, barbecues, or a cozy family dinner. With its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, it’s sure to impress your guests while being simple enough for weeknight meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 20 minutes of active cooking time, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
- Flavorful Marinade: The combination of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs infuses the chicken with a burst of flavor.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it on warm pita bread or over a salad for a lighter meal.
- Healthy Choice: Packed with protein and fresh vegetables, this dish fits perfectly into a balanced diet.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for friends or family, everyone loves succulent chicken skewers!
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin making this Chicken Souvlaki Recipe, gather the necessary tools and equipment to ensure smooth preparation.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill or skillet
- Zip-top bag or glass food storage container
- Whisk
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
- Meat thermometer
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill or skillet: Essential for cooking the chicken evenly while achieving that signature charred flavor.
- Zip-top bag or glass food storage container: Perfect for marinating the chicken thoroughly without any mess.
Ingredients
Chicken Souvlaki is juicy and tender grilled Greek marinated chicken skewers usually served on warm pita bread with red onions, tomatoes, and tzatziki sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken breasts (about 4)
– 1/2 cup canola or olive oil
– 3 tbsp white apple vinegar
– 2 lemons – juice only (3 if lemons are not very juicy)
– 6 garlic cloves (smashed)
– 3 tbsp fresh minced dill weed
– 3 tbsp fresh minced parsley
– 2 tsp dried oregano
– 1 – 1.5 tsp coarse salt (more or less to taste)
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 6-8 Greek pita bread (warmed)
– 2 tomatoes (sliced)
– 1/2 red onion (sliced thin)
– 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce (more or less)
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl and whisk well. Taste to adjust salt before adding chicken.
- Cut the chicken into about 1-inch cubes and place in a large zip-top bag. Pour in the marinade and mix until fully coated.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight but do not exceed 12 hours.
Step 2: Prepare the Grill
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 45 minutes.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto soaked skewers, fitting about 4-5 pieces onto each skewer.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, turning them every quarter turn.
- Total grilling time should be around 16-20 minutes based on thickness.
Step 4: Warm the Pita Bread
- While grilling, lightly brush pita bread with olive oil and place on the grill to warm through.
Step 5: Assemble Your Dish
- To serve Chicken Souvlaki, top each warm pita with grilled chicken, sliced red onions, tomatoes, and tzatziki sauce.
Alternative Cooking Method: Pan Cooking
If you prefer cooking indoors:
1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chicken skewers in one even layer without overlapping.
3. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Chicken Souvlaki! Perfectly paired with fresh toppings and warm pita bread, this recipe is bound to become a favorite at any table.
How to Serve Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Serving Chicken Souvlaki is a delightful experience that combines flavors and textures. This dish is versatile and pairs well with various toppings and sides, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy meal at home.
On Warm Pita Bread
- Grilled Chicken: Place the juicy grilled chicken directly on warm pita for a satisfying base.
- Toppings Galore: Add sliced red onions and fresh tomatoes for crunch and freshness.
- Luscious Tzatziki: Drizzle generous amounts of tzatziki sauce for creamy goodness.
With Fresh Salads
- Greek Salad: Serve alongside a classic Greek salad of cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese.
- Chickpea Salad: A protein-packed chickpea salad adds fiber and complements the grilled chicken perfectly.
As Kebabs
- Skewered Style: Serve the chicken directly on skewers for a fun and interactive dining experience.
- Veggie Skewers: Pair with grilled vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for extra flavor.
In Wraps
- Chicken Wraps: Roll the chicken with veggies and tzatziki in a wrap for an easy-to-eat option.
- Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, use large lettuce leaves to wrap the fillings.
How to Perfect Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Perfecting your Chicken Souvlaki takes some practice, but these tips will help you achieve restaurant-quality results right at home.
- Marinate Longer: Allow the chicken to marinate overnight for more flavor absorption.
- Use High Heat: Cooking on medium-high heat ensures a nice sear while keeping the inside juicy.
- Don’t Overcrowd Skewers: Ensure each piece has space; this allows even cooking and prevents steaming.
- Rotate Frequently: Turn skewers every few minutes for an even golden-brown color on all sides.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the skewers rest for a few minutes after grilling to retain juices before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Pairing your Chicken Souvlaki with delicious side dishes enhances the meal. Here are some great options that complement the flavors beautifully.
- Greek Lemon Rice: A zesty rice dish cooked with lemon juice and herbs that adds brightness to your plate.
- Grilled Vegetable Medley: Assorted seasonal vegetables grilled to perfection, bringing out their natural sweetness.
- Fried Zucchini Chips: Crispy, thinly sliced zucchini fried until golden, offering a crunchy contrast to the soft pita.
- Roasted Potatoes: Herb-seasoned roasted potatoes provide heartiness and soak up any leftover tzatziki sauce.
- Tabbouleh Salad: A refreshing bulgur wheat salad with parsley, mint, tomatoes, and lemon—perfectly light!
- Hummus Platter: Smooth hummus served with pita chips or veggies for dipping, adding richness to the meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a Chicken Souvlaki Recipe, it’s easy to overlook important details. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
- Bold marinade oversight: Skipping the marinating step can lead to bland chicken. Always allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours for maximum flavor.
- Bold incorrect skewer usage: Not soaking wooden skewers can cause them to burn on the grill. Soak your skewers in water for at least 45 minutes before grilling.
- Bold overcrowding the grill: Placing too many skewers on the grill can lead to uneven cooking. Grill in batches if necessary, ensuring each skewer has enough space.
- Bold skipping oil on pita: Neglecting to brush olive oil on pita bread can result in dry bread. Lightly brush each pita before grilling for a deliciously warm and soft finish.
- Bold ignoring temperature zones: Grilling without managing temperature zones may lead to overcooked or undercooked chicken. Set up two heat zones on your grill for better control.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Chicken Souvlaki in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for the best taste and quality.
Freezing Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
- Freeze cooked chicken souvlaki in a freezer-safe container.
- It’s best to consume within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.
Reheating Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm, being careful not to overcook.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Cook chicken skewers for 3-4 minutes or until heated through, turning occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different meats in this Chicken Souvlaki Recipe?
Yes! While traditional souvlaki uses chicken, you can substitute with lamb, beef, or pork based on your preference.
What sides go well with Chicken Souvlaki?
Serve with Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or rice pilaf for a complete meal alongside your Chicken Souvlaki Recipe.
How do I make my tzatziki sauce?
Combine plain yogurt with grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, and dill. This will complement your Chicken Souvlaki beautifully!
Can I make Chicken Souvlaki ahead of time?
Absolutely! Marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill or cook.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
You can use dried herbs as substitutes. Just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated; reduce the amount by about one-third when using dried instead of fresh.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Souvlaki Recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors that is sure to impress both family and guests. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite toppings or side dishes. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different marinades or serve alongside various sauces! Enjoy this delicious Greek classic today!
Chicken Souvlaki
Chicken Souvlaki is a mouthwatering Greek dish that brings together juicy, marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a cozy weeknight dinner.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp white apple vinegar
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 6 garlic cloves
- Fresh dill and parsley
- Dried oregano
- Coarse salt and black pepper
- Greek pita bread
- Fresh tomatoes and red onion
- Tzatziki sauce
Instructions
- Combine marinade ingredients in a bowl; whisk well.
- Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes, add to marinade, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat; soak wooden skewers if using.
- Thread marinated chicken onto skewers; grill for 16-20 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through.
- Warm pita bread on the grill.
- Serve by layering grilled chicken on pita with sliced veggies and tzatziki.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Use high heat for grilling to achieve a nice char while keeping the chicken juicy. You can substitute the chicken with lamb or pork for variation.
