Easy Chicken Souvlaki Recipe – Grill This Greek Classic
Chicken souvlaki is an absolute revelation for your taste buds, a true taste of the Mediterranean that’s surprisingly easy to bring to your own kitchen. There’s something inherently magical about perfectly marinated chicken, grilled until tender and kissed with char, then served with vibrant accompaniments. It’s a dish that evokes sunshine, lively gatherings, and the simple joy of good food shared. What makes chicken souvlaki so universally loved? It’s the incredible balance of flavors: the zesty, herbaceous marinade, the succulent chicken, and the cool, creamy tzatziki sauce. This isn’t just grilled chicken; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a casual weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for entertaining friends. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this fantastic chicken souvlaki recipe!
Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
There’s something incredibly satisfying about grilling succulent, marinated chicken skewers, and Chicken Souvlaki is one of my all-time favorites. This classic Greek dish is bursting with fresh, zesty flavors and is perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a lively backyard barbecue. The magic lies in the simple yet powerful marinade, which tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with bright citrus, aromatic herbs, and a hint of garlic. Serving it with warm pita bread, fresh tomatoes, red onion, and creamy tzatziki sauce completes the experience, transporting you straight to a sunny Greek island. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
Marinating the Chicken
The foundation of any great souvlaki is the marinade. This is where the chicken absorbs all those wonderful Mediterranean flavors and becomes incredibly tender.
Grilling or Pan-Frying the Souvlaki
Once the chicken has had ample time to soak up the delicious marinade, it’s time to cook it to perfection. Grilling is the traditional and most flavorful method, but pan-frying is a great alternative if you don’t have a grill.
- Skewering (Optional but Recommended): If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before skewering the chicken. This prevents them from burning on the grill. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece to allow for even cooking. If you’re not using skewers, don’t worry, you can cook the chicken pieces directly in the pan or on the grill.
- Cook the Souvlaki:
- Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the skewers (or individual chicken pieces) on the hot grill. Cook for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Turn the skewers frequently to ensure even browning and cooking on all sides.
- Pan-Frying: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. You may need to cook in batches.
- Warm the Pita Bread: While the chicken is cooking or resting, gently warm your Greek pita bread. You can do this on a dry skillet over low heat for a minute or two per side, or wrap them in foil and place them in a warm oven for a few minutes. Warm pita is soft and pliable, perfect for wrapping.
- Assemble Your Souvlaki Wraps: Lay a warm pita bread flat. Spread a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce in the center. Top with a few pieces of the cooked chicken souvlaki. Add slices of fresh tomato and thin slices of red onion. You can add extra tzatziki on top if you like! Fold the bottom of the pita up slightly and then fold in the sides to create a wrap that holds everything together.
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2 lbs chicken breasts (about 4)
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1/2 cup canola or olive oil
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3 tbsp white grape juice vinegar
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2 lemons – juice only (3 if lemons are not very juicy)
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6 garlic cloves (smashed)
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3 tbsp fresh minced dill weed
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3 tbsp fresh minced parsley
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2 tsp dried oregano
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1 – 1.5 tsp coarse salt (more or less to taste)
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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6-8 Greek pita bread (warmed)
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2 tomatoes (sliced)
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1/2 red onion (sliced thin)
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1/2 cup tzatziki sauce (more or less)
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Step 1
Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. In a large bowl, whisk together canola or olive oil, white grape juice vinegar, lemon juice, smashed garlic cloves, minced dill, minced parsley, dried oregano, coarse salt, and black pepper. Add chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. -
Step 2
If using skewers, thread the marinated chicken onto them. If not, you can cook the chicken pieces directly. -
Step 3
Preheat grill to medium-high heat or heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil. -
Step 4
Grill or pan-fry the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely browned. -
Step 5
While the chicken is cooking, warm the Greek pita bread. -
Step 6
Assemble the souvlaki by filling warmed pita bread with cooked chicken, sliced tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce.
Resist the urge to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry. The marinade will help keep it moist, but timing is key.
Assembling and Serving
The final step is to bring all the delicious components together to create those perfect souvlaki wraps.
Serve your homemade Chicken Souvlaki immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors of Greece. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and you’ll be making it again and again. Don’t forget to have extra tzatziki on hand – it’s addictive!
Conclusion:
There you have it – a straightforward and incredibly delicious Chicken Souvlaki recipe that’s perfect for any occasion! I find this recipe truly shines because of its vibrant marinade, which infuses the chicken with incredible flavor and ensures it stays wonderfully juicy. The char from grilling or pan-searing adds that authentic, irresistible touch. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner, a backyard barbecue, or even a festive gathering, this Chicken Souvlaki is guaranteed to be a hit. Don’t hesitate to serve it with warm pita bread, a fresh Greek salad, cooling tzatziki sauce, or a side of lemon-roasted potatoes for a complete Mediterranean feast. For those who love to experiment, consider adding a sprinkle of oregano to your marinade, or even marinating chicken thighs for an extra tender result. I truly encourage you to give this a try; I’m confident you’ll love the results!
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the best way to marinate the chicken for souvlaki?
For the best flavor, I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but ideally for 2 to 4 hours. You can even marinate it overnight in the refrigerator for a more intense flavor. Ensure the chicken pieces are fully coated in the marinade for even distribution.
Can I make Chicken Souvlaki indoors if I don’t have a grill?
Absolutely! While grilling provides a fantastic char, you can achieve delicious results indoors. Pan-searing the chicken in a hot skillet with a little olive oil is a great alternative. You can also use your oven’s broiler to get a nice browning and slightly charred exterior.
What are some popular serving suggestions for Chicken Souvlaki?
My favorite way to serve Chicken Souvlaki is in warm pita bread with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. It also pairs beautifully with a classic Greek salad, lemon-herb rice, or grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. It’s incredibly versatile!
Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
A flavorful and easy recipe for classic Greek chicken souvlaki, perfect for grilling or pan-frying.
Ingredients
Instructions
Important Information
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
