Greek Chicken Souvlaki

This Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a delicious street food-style dish made with tender, marinated grilled chicken served on warm pita with fresh tomatoes, red onion, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. It’s perfect for various occasions, from quick weeknight dinners to summer BBQs. The standout qualities are its vibrant Mediterranean flavors and the ease of preparation, making it an irresistible choice for any meal.

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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
• Pita Wraps
• Greek Salad
• Tzatziki Dip
• Rice Pilaf
• 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 my Greek Chicken Souvlaki more flavorful?
• Can I use other meats for souvlaki?
• What side dishes go well with Greek Chicken Souvlaki?
• Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With only 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe fits easily into your busy schedule.
• Flavorful Marinade: The combination of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs delivers a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on pita or as a salad; it adapts to your preferences.
• Healthy Choice: Made with lean chicken and fresh veggies, it’s both nutritious and satisfying.
• Great for Meal Prep: Marinate the chicken ahead of time for an easy weeknight meal.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this amazing recipe, gather the essential tools that will make your cooking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skewers (metal or wooden)
• Grill or oven
• Large zip-top bag or bowl
• Whisk
• Baking sheet (if using the oven)

Importance of Each Tool

• Skewers: Essential for grilling the chicken evenly. Metal skewers are reusable and easier to handle.
• Grill or oven: Provides the heat needed to cook the chicken to perfection, giving it that desirable charred flavor.
• Whisk: Helps combine the marinade ingredients thoroughly for consistent flavor throughout the chicken.

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 the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag (removing excess air) and toss to coat. Refrigerate for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Step 2: Prepare Skewers

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

Step 3: Grill Method

Preheat grill to medium-high. Clean and oil the grates. Grill the skewers for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 163°F. Baste once with reserved marinade while grilling (discard any leftover marinade). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling; it will continue to cook to 165°F. Warm pita on the grill if desired.

Step 4: Oven Method

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken cubes on a greased baking sheet. Bake on the top oven rack for 5–7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 163°F. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Serve grilled chicken on warm pita with sliced tomatoes, red onions, tzatziki sauce, and a squeeze of lemon. Enjoy your homemade Greek Chicken Souvlaki!

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Serving Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a delightful experience that brings the flavors of Greece right to your table. You can customize your presentation and side dishes to elevate this dish, making it a hit for any occasion.

Pita Wraps

• Warm Pita Bread: Serve the grilled chicken wrapped in soft, warm pita bread for a classic approach.
• Fresh Toppings: Add sliced tomatoes and red onion for a crunchy texture and vibrant color.

Greek Salad

• Crisp Vegetables: Pair the chicken with a refreshing Greek salad made of cucumbers, bell peppers, olives, and feta cheese.
• Zesty Dressing: Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice for added flavor.

Tzatziki Dip

• Creamy Sauce: Offer tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling over the chicken.
• Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh dill or mint on top for an extra burst of freshness.

Rice Pilaf

• Fluffy Rice: Serve with lemon-infused rice pilaf to soak up the delicious juices from the chicken.
• Nutty Flavor: Add toasted pine nuts or almonds for a nutty crunch.

How to Perfect Greek Chicken Souvlaki

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

• bold Marinate Properly: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 45 minutes. This enhances flavor and tenderness.
• bold Use Skewers Wisely: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water beforehand. This prevents burning while grilling.
• bold Don’t Overcrowd: Leave space between chicken pieces on skewers. This ensures even cooking and browning.
• bold Monitor Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• bold Let It Rest: After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps retain moisture and improves flavor.

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Best Side Dishes for Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Enhancing your meal with tasty side dishes can create a well-rounded dining experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Greek Orzo Salad: A light salad made with orzo pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, and olives; toss with olive oil and lemon juice.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant tossed in olive oil and herbs; roast until tender.
3. Feta Dip with Pita Chips: Creamy feta blended with yogurt and herbs; serve with crispy pita chips for dipping.
4. Lentil Soup: A hearty soup made of lentils, carrots, celery, and spices; perfect as a comforting starter.
5. Couscous Salad: Fluffy couscous mixed with parsley, lemon zest, diced vegetables; brightens up your plate nicely.
6. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn grilled until slightly charred; serve with butter and herbs as a summer favorite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using the right techniques is essential for making the perfect Greek Chicken Souvlaki. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the Marinade: Not marinating the chicken enough can lead to bland flavors. Always marinate for at least 45 minutes to enhance taste.
• Overcrowding Skewers: Packing too much chicken on each skewer can prevent even cooking. Leave space between pieces for proper grilling.
• Using Cold Chicken: Placing cold chicken directly on the grill can cause it to cook unevenly. Make sure to let it come to room temperature before grilling.
• Not Preheating the Grill: Grilling on a cold surface leads to sticking and uneven cooking. Always preheat your grill to medium-high heat beforehand.
• Ignoring Internal Temperature: Not checking the chicken’s internal temperature can result in undercooked meat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for safety.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Greek Chicken Souvlaki in an airtight container.
• It can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Make sure it’s cooled down before sealing.

Freezing Greek Chicken Souvlaki

• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It will keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating Greek Chicken Souvlaki

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and reheat chicken on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Cook the chicken pieces, stirring frequently, until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Greek Chicken Souvlaki?

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

How do I make my Greek Chicken Souvlaki more flavorful?

You can enhance flavor by adding additional herbs like thyme or rosemary or incorporating spices like paprika into your marinade.

Can I use other meats for souvlaki?

Yes! While this recipe focuses on chicken, you can also use lamb, beef, or pork for delicious variations of Greek Chicken Souvlaki.

What side dishes go well with Greek Chicken Souvlaki?

Consider serving with fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or rice pilaf for a complete meal alongside your Greek Chicken Souvlaki.

Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

Final Thoughts

Greek Chicken Souvlaki is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with various toppings and sides based on your preferences. This dish makes an excellent choice for quick meals or summer gatherings. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the vibrant Mediterranean flavors!

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