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 casual gatherings, family dinners, or a summer grilling night. The dish offers a delightful blend of Mediterranean flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

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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 Wrap
• Salad Bowl
• Tzatziki Dip
• Grilled Veggies
• Rice Platter
• 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 best marinade for Greek Chicken Souvlaki?
• Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
• What can I serve with Greek Chicken Souvlaki?
• How do I customize my Greek Chicken Souvlaki?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: The marinade is quick to make, allowing you to prepare the chicken in advance.
• Flavorful Experience: The combination of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs creates a mouthwatering taste.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it in pitas, wraps, or over rice; the choice is yours!
• Healthy Meal Choice: Packed with protein and fresh ingredients, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Impress your guests with this easy-to-make yet impressive dish.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. Using the right equipment can make all the difference in achieving perfectly grilled chicken souvlaki.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skewers (metal or wooden)
• Grill or oven
• Mixing bowls
• Zip-top bag or container
• Basting brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Skewers: Essential for holding the chicken pieces together while grilling.
• Grill or Oven: Provides high heat needed for perfect cooking and flavor development.
• Mixing Bowls: Necessary for combining marinade ingredients easily.
• Basting Brush: Useful for applying marinade during cooking for added flavor.

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 the 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 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

Greek Chicken Souvlaki is not just a meal; it’s an experience! This dish can be served in various delightful ways to enhance its Mediterranean charm. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your Greek Chicken Souvlaki.

Pita Wrap

• Warm pita bread makes a perfect wrap. Simply place the grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and tzatziki sauce inside for a handheld delight.

Salad Bowl

• Create a refreshing salad bowl by layering greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and pieces of chicken souvlaki. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice for extra flavor.

Tzatziki Dip

• Serve the tzatziki sauce as a dip on the side. It’s great for dipping pita chips or fresh vegetables while enjoying the souvlaki.

Grilled Veggies

• Pair your souvlaki with grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant. They add color and nutrition to your meal.

Rice Platter

• Serve over a bed of fluffy rice for a filling option. The rice soaks up any leftover juices from the chicken and adds substance to your meal.

Lemon Wedges

• Fresh lemon wedges are essential for squeezing over the chicken. It brightens up the flavors and adds a zesty kick!

How to Perfect Greek Chicken Souvlaki

To achieve the best Greek Chicken Souvlaki, follow these simple tips. They will ensure that your dish is flavorful and perfectly cooked.

• Marinate well: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 45 minutes enhances flavor and tenderness.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs will significantly improve the taste compared to dried alternatives.
• Don’t overcrowd skewers: Leave space between chicken pieces on skewers for even cooking and better grilling results.
• Check internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Let it rest: After grilling, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute within the meat.
• Experiment with spices: While traditional oregano works great, feel free to experiment with other spices like paprika or cumin for added depth of flavor.

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Best Side Dishes for Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Serving side dishes alongside your Greek Chicken Souvlaki can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options to consider:

1. Greek Salad: A classic combination of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese dressed in olive oil.
2. Hummus: Creamy hummus pairs wonderfully with pita bread or fresh veggies for dipping.
3. Fried Potatoes: Crispy fried potatoes seasoned with oregano offer a comforting side that everyone loves.
4. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas): These vine leaves filled with rice and herbs make a tasty addition.
5. Roasted Chickpeas: Crunchy roasted chickpeas seasoned with spices add texture and protein.
6. Olive Tapenade: A rich spread made from olives is perfect on warm bread or crackers.
7. Grilled Halloumi Cheese: This salty cheese grilled until golden brown makes a delightful side that complements the souvlaki.
8. Tzatziki Sauce: Always have this creamy yogurt-based sauce ready as it pairs beautifully with any side dish!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Greek Chicken Souvlaki can be simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the final taste. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.

• Bold Marinade Mistake: Not marinating long enough can lead to bland chicken. Aim for at least 45 minutes to infuse the flavors.
• Bold Skewer Spacing Error: Overcrowding the skewers prevents even cooking. Leave space between each piece of chicken for better grilling.
• Bold Grill Temperature Issue: Grilling at too low a temperature results in dry chicken. Preheat your grill to medium-high for juicy results.
• Bold Using Leftover Marinade: Basting with leftover marinade is unsafe. Always discard any marinade that has touched raw chicken.
• Bold Ignoring Rest Time: Cutting into the chicken immediately after grilling releases juices. Let it rest for 5 minutes for optimal juiciness.

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

• Place cooled cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Greek Chicken Souvlaki

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning frequently to avoid drying out.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Greek Chicken Souvlaki?

Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a popular street food made of marinated grilled chicken served in pita with fresh toppings and tzatziki sauce.

How do I make the best marinade for Greek Chicken Souvlaki?

Use fresh ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Marinating the chicken enhances its flavor and tenderness.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes, lamb or pork are also popular choices for making souvlaki. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

What can I serve with Greek Chicken Souvlaki?

Pair it with sides like Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or fries for a complete meal experience.

How do I customize my Greek Chicken Souvlaki?

Feel free to add toppings like feta cheese, cucumbers, or olives to personalize your dish!

Final Thoughts

This Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe is not only delicious but also highly versatile. You can customize your toppings and sides to suit your taste preferences. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue favorite, this dish brings vibrant Mediterranean flavors right to your table. Enjoy experimenting with different marinades and accompaniments!

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