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 the perfect blend of bright Mediterranean flavors, ideal for a quick meal or summer grilling night.

Why You’ll Love This Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Greek Chicken Souvlaki is not just a meal; it’s an experience packed with flavor and convenience.

• Quick to Prepare: Marinate the chicken in just 45 minutes and grill or bake in under 20 minutes.
• Bursting with Flavor: The marinade combines olive oil, lemon, garlic, and oregano for a zesty taste that shines through.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue, this dish fits right in.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the fun of eating skewers, making it great for family meals.
• Customizable: Adjust toppings like veggies and sauces to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the deliciousness of Greek Chicken Souvlaki, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or oven
• Skewers (metal or soaked wooden)
• Zip-top bag or mixing bowl
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or oven: Provides versatility for cooking methods—grill for smoky flavor or oven for convenience.
• Skewers: Essential for threading chicken pieces; metal ones are reusable while wooden ones need soaking.
• Zip-top bag or mixing bowl: Ideal for marinating the chicken thoroughly without mess.
• Whisk: Ensures even blending of marinade ingredients.

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

How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Place the cubed chicken in a large zip-top bag or bowl.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag (removing excess air) and toss to coat.
4. Refrigerate for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Step 2: Prepare Skewers

1. Remove chicken from the marinade.
2. Thread onto skewers, leaving space between each piece.
3. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.

Step 3: Grill Method

1. Preheat grill to medium-high temperature.
2. Clean and oil the grates before placing skewers on them.
3. Grill skewers for about 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 163°F.
4. Baste once with reserved marinade while grilling (discard any leftover marinade).
5. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling (it will continue cooking to 165°F). Optionally warm pita on grill.

Step 4: Oven Method

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Place marinated chicken cubes on a greased baking sheet.
3. Bake on the top oven rack for about 5–7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 163°F.
4. 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 juice for extra zing!

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Serving Greek Chicken Souvlaki is all about enhancing the flavors and creating a delightful experience. Here are some suggestions to enjoy this tasty dish.

Pita Sandwiches

• Warm Pita: Serve the grilled chicken in warm pita bread for a soft, flavorful base.
• Toppings Galore: Add sliced tomatoes, red onions, and fresh herbs for extra crunch and flavor.

Salad Bowls

• Greek Salad Base: Place the chicken on a bed of mixed greens with cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese for a refreshing meal.
• Dressing Options: Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice dressing to elevate the taste.

Skewers Platter

• Variety of Skewers: Serve the chicken skewers alongside other grilled vegetables or meats for a colorful platter.
• Dipping Sauces: Offer tzatziki sauce and hummus for dipping to enhance the flavors even further.

Tzatziki Dipping Experience

• Extra Tzatziki: Provide additional tzatziki sauce on the side for those who love to dip their food.
• Herbed Variations: Try adding dill or mint to your tzatziki for a refreshing twist.

How to Perfect Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Perfecting your Greek Chicken Souvlaki can make all the difference in flavor and texture. Here are some tips to get it just right.

• Marinate Longer: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least an hour or up to overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh herbs and quality olive oil to enhance the marinade’s taste profile.
• Preheat Properly: Make sure your grill or oven is preheated adequately to achieve that perfect char on the chicken.
• Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest after cooking; this helps retain juices and improves tenderness.
• Experiment with Marinades: Try different spices or citrus juices in your marinade for unique flavor variations.

Best Side Dishes for Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Pairing side dishes with Greek Chicken Souvlaki can enhance your meal beautifully. Here are some great options.

1. Greek Salad: A classic mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese dressed with olive oil and oregano.
2. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes seasoned with lemon juice and herbs make an excellent complement.
3. Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant grilled until tender add color and nutrition.
4. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked with herbs provides a simple yet satisfying side option.
5. Chickpea Salad: A nutritious blend of chickpeas, parsley, onion, and lemon dressing adds protein and flavor.
6. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas): These flavorful bites filled with rice and herbs are a delicious Mediterranean treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Greek Chicken Souvlaki, avoiding common mistakes can enhance the final dish. Here are some key pitfalls to watch out for:

• Boldly Over-marinating: Marinating for too long can make the chicken mushy. Stick to the recommended 45 minutes to 1 hour for best results.
• Boldly Ignoring Skewer Preparation: Not soaking wooden skewers can lead to them burning on the grill. Soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before use.
• Boldly Overcrowding Skewers: Placing too much chicken on a skewer prevents even cooking. Leave space between pieces for optimal grilling.
• Boldly Skipping Temperature Checks: Not checking the internal temperature can result in undercooked chicken. Ensure it reaches at least 163°F for safety.
• Boldly Forgetting to Rest: Serving immediately after grilling can result in dry chicken. Let it rest for 5 minutes to retain moisture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3–4 days for best flavor and quality.

Freezing Instructions

• Place cooled chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm the chicken on a baking sheet for about 10–15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 1–2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Cook the chicken pieces until warmed through, about 3–5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Greek Chicken Souvlaki?

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

Can I use other meats for Souvlaki?

Yes! While this recipe focuses on chicken, you can also use lamb, pork, or beef as alternatives.

How do I make Greek Chicken Souvlaki more flavorful?

You can enhance flavor by adding spices like paprika or cumin to the marinade or by using fresh herbs like parsley or mint.

What should I serve with Greek Chicken Souvlaki?

Consider serving Greek Chicken Souvlaki with sides like a Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or fries for a complete meal.

How do I store leftover Greek Chicken Souvlaki?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Greek Chicken Souvlaki is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with various toppings and sides to suit your taste. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or part of a barbecue feast, this recipe brings Mediterranean flavors right to your table!