Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Souvlaki is a delicious Greek dish featuring juicy, tender grilled chicken skewers marinated in fresh herbs and lemon. Served on warm pita bread with tomatoes, red onions, and creamy tzatziki sauce, it’s a perfect meal for a casual dinner or gathering.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken breasts (about 4)
• Marinade:
• 1/2 cup canola or olive oil
• 3 tbsp white wine vinegar
• Juice of 2 lemons (3 if 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 (to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• To Serve:
• 6-8 Greek pita bread, warmed
• 2 tomatoes, sliced
• 1/2 red onion, sliced thin
• 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients and taste for salt. Adjust if needed before adding chicken.
2. Step 2: Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and place in a large zip-top bag or glass container. Pour marinade over chicken and mix well to coat. Marinate for at least 2 hours or up to 12 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Step 3: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 45 minutes before grilling.
4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat, creating two heat zones if possible.
5. Step 5: Thread 4-5 pieces of chicken onto each skewer.
6. Step 6: Grill chicken skewers for about 4-5 minutes per side, turning a quarter turn each time for even cooking, totaling 16-20 minutes.
7. Step 7: While chicken cooks, brush pita bread lightly with olive oil and warm on the grill.
8. Step 8: Slice tomatoes and red onion and arrange on a serving plate.
9. Step 9: To serve, place grilled chicken on warm pita bread and top with sliced vegetables and tzatziki sauce.
10. Alternative Cooking: You can cook the chicken skewers in a preheated skillet with a little oil on medium to medium-low heat, turning every 3-4 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Tips & Variations

• To make this dish gluten free, serve chicken on gluten-free pita or another gluten-free bread.
• If using dried herbs instead of fresh, use half the amount called for in the marinade for best flavor balance.
• Ensure not to marinate chicken for more than 12 hours to prevent texture breakdown.
• For extra smoky flavor, add a touch of smoked paprika to the marinade.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the grill or in a skillet to avoid drying out. Leftover pita and toppings can be stored separately.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and offer a juicier, more flavorful option. Adjust cooking time slightly until fully cooked.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, cut into the thickest piece and ensure the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink.

Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

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Chicken Souvlaki is a classic Greek dish featuring juicy and tender grilled marinated chicken skewers, typically served on warm pita bread with fresh red onions, tomatoes, and creamy tzatziki sauce. This flavorful recipe includes a vibrant marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs that infuses the chicken with authentic Mediterranean flavors. Perfect for a summer barbecue or weeknight dinner, this dish brings a taste of Greece to your table.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 lbs chicken breasts (about 4 breasts)

Chicken Souvlaki Marinade

• 1/2 cup canola or olive oil
• 3 tbsp white wine vinegar
• Juice of 2 lemons (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 (to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

To Serve

• 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. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, smashed garlic, fresh dill, parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Taste the marinade before adding chicken to ensure seasoning is balanced.
2. Marinate the chicken: Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and place them into a large zip-top bag or glass container. Pour the marinade over the chicken and mix well to coat evenly. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 12 hours, allowing the flavors to develop.
3. Preheat the grill: Prepare and heat the grill to medium-high heat, ideally setting up two temperature zones for better control.
4. Soak the wooden skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 45 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
5. Skewer the chicken: Thread 4-5 pieces of marinated chicken onto each skewer, spacing the pieces slightly for even cooking.
6. Grill the chicken kebabs: Place skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning a quarter turn each time, for a total of approximately 16-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
7. Warm the pita bread: Lightly brush pita breads with olive oil and place them on the grill to warm through while the chicken cooks.
8. Prepare the toppings: Slice tomatoes and red onions and arrange on a serving platter.
9. Assemble and serve: Place grilled chicken onto warm pita breads, top with sliced tomatoes, red onions, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. Serve immediately.
10. Alternative stovetop cooking: Heat a skillet with oil over medium to medium-low heat. Place chicken skewers in the pan without overlapping and cook, turning every 3-4 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through, about 16-20 minutes total.

Notes

• Gluten Free Notes: To make this chicken souvlaki gluten free, serve it on gluten free pita bread or alternative gluten free bread.
• Using Dried Herbs: You can substitute fresh herbs with dried ones by using half the amount called for in the recipe.
• Storing: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Keywords: Chicken Souvlaki, Greek grilled chicken, chicken skewers, souvlaki recipe, Mediterranean chicken marinade, grilled chicken, Greek pita chicken, healthy grilled chicken