Chicken souvlaki is a tasty dish that features juicy chicken pieces marinated in lemon and herbs, then grilled to perfection. It’s super flavorful and great for a summer meal!
Pair it with warm pita and a dollop of tzatziki for a fun experience. I love how easy they are to make; throwing everything on skewers makes me feel like a grilling pro! 🍗✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is perfect for this recipe as it cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. You can substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier option or even beef or tofu for a different twist.
Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps the marinade adhere. If you don’t have olive oil, avocado oil or canola oil are good alternatives that won’t mask the flavor.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is best for a bright taste. If you can’t find lemons, use lime juice, or a splash of vinegar (like red wine vinegar) to add acidity.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key for flavor. Alternatively, garlic powder can work in a pinch, though fresh is so much tastier!
Oregano: Dried oregano gives a Mediterranean flavor. You can substitute with Italian seasoning or fresh oregano if you have it—just use more since fresh is milder.
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling chicken skewers can be tricky, but with these tips, it’ll be a breeze! First, make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat for even cooking. Too high and your chicken will burn on the outside before it’s done inside!
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Leave space between chicken pieces on the skewers. This helps them cook evenly and get those nice grill marks.
- Don’t rush! Turn the skewers every few minutes for even cooking. Check for doneness—chicken should be 165°F (75°C) internally.
- If using metal skewers, there’s no soaking needed, and they retain heat, which can help in getting a nice crust.
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 pounds chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For Grilling:
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
For Serving:
- Pita bread
- Fresh vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions) for side salad
- Tzatziki sauce for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 1 hour for preparing and marinating the chicken, plus 10-12 minutes for grilling. If you can, letting the chicken marinate for 2-4 hours will give it even more flavor. So, in total, it’s about 1 hour of active time plus extra waiting time for marinating!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and paprika. This will create a flavorful marinade for your chicken. Make sure it’s well mixed!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken to the marinade and toss it all together until the chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, but if you have time, letting it sit for 2-4 hours is best for a richer flavor.
3. Get the Grill Ready:
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures your chicken will cook evenly and get those nice grill marks!
4. Skewer the Chicken:
Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge. Thread the chicken cubes onto the skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each piece. This helps them to cook evenly on the grill.
5. Grill the Chicken Skewers:
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill the chicken for about 10-12 minutes, turning the skewers occasionally so they cook evenly. You’re looking for the chicken to be fully cooked (no pink inside) and have beautiful grill marks.
6. Prepare the Side Salad:
While the chicken is grilling, prepare your fresh vegetable side salad. Chop your tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. If you’d like, drizzle a little olive oil and sprinkle some salt over the salad for extra flavor.
7. Warm the Pita Bread:
Once the chicken is almost done, place the pita bread on the grill for about a minute on each side or until it’s warm and soft. This adds a nice touch!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is ready, serve the chicken souvlaki hot off the grill with warm pita bread, your fresh side salad, and tzatziki sauce for dipping. Enjoy this delicious meal with family and friends!
Can I Use Thighs Instead of Chicken Breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative as they tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through compared to chicken breasts.
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Yes, marinating the chicken overnight is a wonderful way to enhance the flavors even more! Just be sure to keep it in the refrigerator, and if you’re using metal skewers, it’s a good idea to thread the chicken onto the skewers after marinating to keep them from becoming too cold on the grill.
How to Store Leftover Souvlaki?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This will help keep the chicken from drying out.
What Are Some Good Substitutes for Tzatziki Sauce?
If you don’t have tzatziki sauce on hand, you can use yogurt mixed with chopped cucumbers, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice as a quick substitute. Alternatively, a simple ranch dressing can be a delicious dip, though it will change the flavor profile a bit!
