Greek Chicken Souvlaki

This Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a delicious street food-style dish that brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. Perfect for quick meals or summer gatherings, this dish features tender, marinated grilled chicken served on warm pita with fresh tomatoes, red onions, and tzatziki sauce. With its easy preparation and delightful flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Marinating the chicken takes minimal time, and grilling is straightforward.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano creates a mouthwatering taste.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a wrap or plate it up with sides for a full meal.
• Healthy Ingredients: Made with lean chicken and fresh vegetables, it’s both nutritious and satisfying.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for casual family dinners or serving guests at gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Greek Chicken Souvlaki, having the right tools can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or oven
• Skewers (metal or soaked wooden)
• Zip-top bag or bowl for marinating
• Whisk
• Baking sheet (for oven method)

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Offers that authentic charred flavor that enhances the dish.
• Skewers: Help keep the chicken pieces together while cooking evenly.
• Zip-top bag: Makes marinating easy and ensures all pieces are well coated.

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

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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. Leave space between pieces for even cooking. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.

Step 3: Grill Method

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

Step 4: Oven Method

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

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

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

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Serving Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a delightful experience that brings together fresh flavors and vibrant ingredients. This dish can be enjoyed in various ways, making it versatile for any occasion.

Classic Pita Wrap

• Use warm pita bread as a base for your souvlaki. Fill it with grilled chicken, sliced tomatoes, and onions for a traditional taste.

Salad Bowl

• Create a refreshing salad by placing the grilled chicken over a bed of mixed greens. Top with olives, feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Skewers on a Platter

• Arrange the grilled chicken skewers on a platter alongside tzatziki sauce and lemon wedges. This is perfect for sharing at parties or gatherings.

Mediterranean Grain Bowl

• Serve the chicken over quinoa or couscous mixed with herbs and vegetables for a filling meal packed with nutrients.

Appetizer Style

• For smaller bites, cut the chicken into cubes and serve with toothpicks along with tzatziki for dipping. This makes an excellent starter or finger food.

How to Perfect Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Perfecting your Greek Chicken Souvlaki involves attention to detail in both preparation and cooking methods. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out exceptional every time.

• Marinate Longer: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least one hour to enhance flavor penetration.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh herbs and quality olive oil to elevate the taste of your marinade.
• Avoid Overcrowding Skewers: Leave space between chicken pieces on skewers to ensure even cooking.
• Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the grilled chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking; this helps retain juices.
• Experiment with Vegetables: Add bell peppers or zucchini onto skewers for additional flavor and nutrition.

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Best Side Dishes for Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Pairing sides with Greek Chicken Souvlaki enhances the meal’s overall experience. Here are some fantastic options that complement this delicious dish.

1. Greek Salad
   A fresh mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, olives, and feta cheese dressed in olive oil.
2. Tzatziki Sauce
   A creamy yogurt-based sauce made with cucumbers, garlic, and herbs; perfect for dipping or drizzling.
3. Roasted Potatoes
   Seasoned potatoes roasted until crispy; they provide a hearty accompaniment to your souvlaki.
4. Grilled Vegetables
   Seasonal vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini lightly seasoned and grilled add color and flavor.
5. Hummus
   A smooth chickpea dip served with pita chips or fresh veggies makes an excellent appetizer alongside souvlaki.
6. Rice Pilaf
   Fluffy rice cooked with herbs adds texture while balancing the flavors of your main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Greek Chicken Souvlaki, it’s essential to steer clear of common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish.

• Bold marinating improperly: Ensure you marinate the chicken for at least 45 minutes. Skipping this step can lead to bland meat.
• Bold overcrowding skewers: Avoid placing too much chicken on each skewer. This prevents even cooking and proper grilling.
• Bold neglecting grill preparation: Always preheat and oil your grill grates. This helps prevent sticking and ensures a nice char on your chicken.
• Bold using leftover marinade: Never baste with marinade that has touched raw chicken. Use a separate bowl for basting to avoid contamination.
• Bold skipping resting time: Let the chicken rest after grilling for about 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Greek Chicken Souvlaki in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3–4 days for best quality.

Freezing Greek Chicken Souvlaki

• Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Greek Chicken Souvlaki

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for 10–15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1–2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Greek Chicken Souvlaki?

Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a popular street food made from marinated grilled chicken served on pita bread with fresh toppings like tomatoes and tzatziki sauce.

How do I make the marinade for Greek Chicken Souvlaki?

The marinade consists of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients well before adding them to cubed chicken.

Can I use other meats for Souvlaki?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with lamb, beef, or pork to create different variations of Greek souvlaki.

What are some serving suggestions for Greek Chicken Souvlaki?

Serve it with warm pita, fresh vegetables like red onions and tomatoes, and a generous amount of tzatziki sauce for a complete meal.

How long does it take to cook Greek Chicken Souvlaki?

Grilling takes about 8–10 minutes, while baking in the oven requires around 10–15 minutes depending on your method.

Final Thoughts

Greek Chicken Souvlaki is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with various toppings or side dishes to suit your taste. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking indoors, this recipe offers a fantastic way to enjoy bright Mediterranean flavors. Give it a try at your next gathering!