Easy Chicken Souvlaki Recipe – Grill This Greek Classic

Chicken souvlaki is an absolute crowd-pleaser, and for good reason! This iconic Greek street food, characterized by its marinated, grilled skewers, offers a burst of sunshine on a plate. We all love the irresistible combination of tender, juicy chicken infused with zesty lemon, fragrant oregano, and a hint of garlic. What truly makes chicken souvlaki special is its incredible versatility. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch wrapped in warm pita bread with a dollop of tzatziki, or as a centerpiece for a festive dinner with a side of roasted vegetables and a crisp Greek salad, it always hits the spot. Forget takeout! Mastering this chicken souvlaki recipe will allow you to recreate that authentic, vibrant Mediterranean flavor right in your own kitchen, making every meal feel like a mini-vacation. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this simple yet sensational dish.

Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about perfectly grilled, marinated chicken skewers. Chicken souvlaki, a classic Greek dish, is all about vibrant flavors, tender meat, and a touch of Mediterranean sunshine. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a summer barbecue or opting for a stovetop sear, this recipe will guide you to deliciousness. The key to truly exceptional souvlaki lies in a well-balanced marinade that infuses the chicken with zesty lemon, fragrant herbs, and pungent garlic. Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying restaurant-quality chicken souvlaki right in your own home.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Prepare the Marinade and Chicken

The magic of souvlaki starts with the marinade. In a medium bowl, whisk together the canola or olive oil, white grape juice vinegar, and the fresh lemon juice. This acidic combination is crucial for tenderizing the chicken and allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply. Add the smashed garlic cloves, ensuring they are well distributed. Next, stir in the fresh minced dill weed and parsley, along with the dried oregano. The fresh herbs provide a burst of authentic Greek flavor that dried herbs alone can’t quite replicate. Season with the coarse salt and black pepper. Taste the marinade at this point and adjust the salt and pepper if necessary. It should have a good balance of tangin extractess and savory notes.

Now, prepare your chicken. Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts. Cut each chicken breast into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch to 1.5-inch pieces. Consistency in size is important for even cooking. Place the chicken cubes into a large resealable plastic bag or a non-reactive bowl. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Gently massage the marinade into the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably for 2 to 4 hours. For the most intense flavor, you can marinate it overnight, but avoid marinating for much longer than 12 hours as the lemon juice can start to break down the chicken too much.

Skewer the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)

If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This prevents them from burning on the grill or in the pan. Once the chicken has finished marinating, remove it from the refrigerator. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers. Don’t pack the chicken too tightly; leave a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking and browning. If you don’t have skewers, you can cook the chicken pieces directly, but skewers do add to the traditional presentation and make for easier flipping.

Grilling or Pan-Searing the Souvlaki

For Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the skewered chicken onto the hot grill. Grill for about 6-8 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Be careful not to overcook, as this can lead to dry chicken.

For Pan-Searing: Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken skewers to the pan in a single layer. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can steam the chicken instead of searing it. Sear for about 5-7 minutes per side, turning regularly, until golden brown and cooked through. Again, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Warm the Pita Bread and Prepare the Toppings

While the chicken is cooking or resting, warm your Greek pita bread. You can do this on the grill for a few minutes per side, in a dry skillet over low heat, or briefly in the oven. Warming the pita makes it pliable and more enjoyable for wrapping. Prepare your toppings by ensuring your tomatoes are sliced and your red onion is thinly sliced. Have your tzatziki sauce ready.

Assemble and Serve Your Chicken Souvlaki

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill or pan and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and moist chicken. Carefully remove the chicken from the skewers if desired, or serve directly on the skewers. To assemble your souvlaki, take a warm pita bread. Spread a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce on the inside. Add some of the tender, flavorful chicken pieces. Top with slices of fresh tomato and thin slices of red onion. You can also add a sprinkle of extra fresh dill or parsley if you like. Fold the pita in half or roll it up to enjoy. Serve immediately with any extra tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping. This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a simple Greek salad or some roasted potatoes. Enjoy the vibrant taste of Greece!

Conclusion:

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this incredible Chicken Souvlaki recipe! It’s truly a winner because it delivers those authentic, vibrant Greek flavors with such an approachable method. The marinade is the key to incredibly tender and flavorful chicken, perfectly grilled or pan-seared to achieve that delightful char. This recipe is fantastic for a weeknight dinner because it’s relatively quick, or it can be a showstopper for your next backyard barbecue. Imagin extracte the aroma filling your kitchen – pure bliss!

I love serving my chicken souvlaki skewers alongside a fresh Greek salad, fluffy rice pilaf, or warm pita bread spread with tzatziki sauce. Roasted potatoes are also a phenomenal accompaniment. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your serving style!

If you’re looking to switch things up, try marinating beef shoulder for beef souvlaki, or even firm tofu for a delicious vegetarian option. You can also thread vegetables like bell peppers and red onion onto the skewers with the chicken for a complete meal grilled together.

So, go ahead, gather your ingredients, and dive into making this fantastic Chicken Souvlaki recipe. I’m confident you’ll fall in love with its simplicity and the explosion of deliciousness it brings to your table. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I make the chicken souvlaki ahead of time?

Absolutely! The chicken can be marinated for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. You can also grill or pan-sear the chicken souvlaki in advance and reheat it gently. For skewers, it’s best to assemble them just before cooking for the freshest presentation.

Q: What if I don’t have a grill?

No worries at all! This chicken souvlaki recipe works beautifully when pan-seared in a hot skillet or cooked under the broiler in your oven. Just keep a close eye to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

A flavorful and classic Greek chicken souvlaki recipe perfect for grilling or pan-frying. Marinated chicken skewers served with warm pita, fresh tomatoes, red onion, and creamy tzatziki sauce.

Prep Time
30 Minutes

Cook Time
15 Minutes

Total Time
45 Minutes

Servings
6-8 servings

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken breasts (about 4)
• 1/2 cup canola or olive oil
• 3 tbsp white grape juice vinegar
• 2 lemons – juice only (3 is 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)

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. In a large bowl, whisk together canola or olive oil, white grape juice vinegar, lemon juice, smashed garlic cloves, minced dill weed, minced parsley, dried oregano, coarse salt, and black pepper.
2. Step 2
   Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
3. Step 3
   Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
4. Step 4
   Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil. Cook the souvlaki for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
5. Step 5
   While the chicken cooks, warm the Greek pita bread according to package directions.
6. Step 6
   Assemble the souvlaki by placing chicken skewers inside the warm pita bread. Top with sliced tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.