Chicken souvlaki is tender, marinated chicken grilled to perfection, served on skewers. It’s full of yummy flavors and makes for a great meal any day of the week!
I love how easy it is to whip this up. Just marinate, grill, and enjoy with some pita and veggies. It’s like a mini party on a plate! 🌯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Fresh chicken breast provides a juicy texture, perfect for skewering. You can swap it with chicken thighs for a more tender and flavorful option. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a little longer.
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the marinade. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, avocado oil works well, or you can even use a mix of olive oil and a dash of flavored oil, like garlic or chili oil.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dish. If you don’t have lemons, try bottled lemon juice or even vinegar like white wine vinegar for a different tang.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic enhances flavor. If you want a milder taste, you can use garlic powder—about 1/4 tsp—but fresh really packs a punch!
Oregano: Dried oregano gives that classic Greek flavor. For variation, you can use Italian seasoning or fresh oregano—just double the amount of fresh since it’s less potent.
What’s the Best Way to Grill Chicken Souvlaki?
To get perfectly grilled chicken souvlaki, focus on marinating the chicken and grilling it correctly. Marinating not only enhances flavor but also helps keep the chicken juicy. Here’s how to do it:
- Ensure the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour and up to overnight. This makes a big difference!
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. You want it hot, but not super high, so the chicken cooks properly without burning.
- When skewering, leave some space between pieces. This helps the chicken cook evenly and develop those lovely grill marks.
- Grill the chicken for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally. You want it to be golden brown and just cooked through. Use a meat thermometer if you have one; chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
Let it rest for a couple of minutes after grilling. This step allows juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist! Enjoy with your favorite pita, salad, and tzatziki on the side.
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers
For Serving:
- Pita bread
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- Tzatziki sauce, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Souvlaki recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 1 hour to marinate the chicken (you can marinate it overnight for even better flavor). Once you start grilling, it will only take about 12 minutes to cook. So, plan for roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This marinade is key for adding flavor to your chicken. Once it’s well combined, add the cubed chicken to the bowl and toss everything together until the chicken is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you can wait!
2. Preheat the Grill:
Before you start cooking, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and gets those nice grill marks that make every bite tasty.
3. Skewer the Chicken:
Once the chicken is marinated and your grill is ready, take the chicken out of the refrigerator. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto your skewers, making sure to leave a bit of space between each piece so that they cook evenly. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally. You want the chicken to be golden brown and fully cooked through—an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) is perfect.
5. Prepare the Side Salad:
While the chicken is grilling, chop up your cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion in a separate bowl. If you like, drizzle some olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper on the salad for extra flavor. Give it a gentle toss!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken is done grilling, carefully remove the skewers and let them rest for a couple of minutes. To serve, lay out the warm pita bread, place the chicken souvlaki, and the refreshing side salad alongside it. Don’t forget the tzatziki sauce for dipping—enjoy your delicious homemade chicken souvlaki!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat for Souvlaki?
Absolutely! While chicken is a classic choice, you can use lamb, beef, or even shrimp for a tasty twist. Just adjust the marinating time based on the type of meat—lamb and beef typically need a bit longer to soak up the flavors, about 2 hours or even overnight.
How to Make Souvlaki Without Skewers?
No problem! If you don’t have skewers, you can cook the marinated chicken directly on the grill or in a grill pan. Simply cook the chicken pieces for the same amount of time, turning occasionally until they’re cooked through. You could also sauté the chicken in a skillet for a quicker option.
Can I Prepare the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just add the chicken cubes when you’re ready to cook. This extra time will deepen the flavor, making the souvlaki even more delicious!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Souvlaki?
Leftover souvlaki can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the chicken in a skillet or microwave until heated through. You can enjoy it in a pita or over a salad for a quick meal!
