Irresistible Chicken Souvlaki: A Greek Flavor Delight

The tantalizing aroma of grilled chicken souvlaki wafts through the air, teasing your senses with its smoky, savory goodness. Each bite bursts with flavor, perfectly seasoned to transport you straight to a sun-soaked Greek island. Imagine sinking your teeth into tender chunks of marinated chicken, paired flawlessly with warm pita and a dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce—pure bliss!

This dish has always held a special place in my heart and stomach. I remember the first time I made chicken souvlaki for friends at a summer BBQ; they were so impressed that they started calling me “The Souvlaki Queen.” It was an unforgettable evening filled with laughter and delicious food that brought everyone together. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself on a Tuesday night, this recipe promises an explosion of flavor that will make any occasion feel like a celebration.

I vividly recall one memorable summer evening when my friends devoured every last piece, leaving nothing behind but empty plates and happy hearts.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.

• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor; it’s the little things that make a big difference!

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright acidity; bottled just won’t cut it here.

• Dried Oregano: This herb is essential for that Mediterranean flair; don’t skip it if you want authentic flavor.

• Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for marinating; it enhances both taste and tenderness.

• Pita Bread: Soft and warm pita is perfect for wrapping around your souvlaki; feel free to get creative with toppings!

• Tzatziki Sauce: A refreshing yogurt-based sauce that complements the chicken beautifully; store-bought is fine, but homemade is even better.

For the Sauce:

• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness while still packing in flavor.

• Paprika: Smoked paprika adds depth; trust me, it’s worth keeping some in your spice cabinet!

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors—season well for a tasty result!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Marinate Your Chicken: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended. Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes and add them to the marinade. Cover and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for maximum flavor.

Prepare Your Grill or Oven: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or set your oven to broil if you’re opting for indoor cooking. If grilling, lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Skewer the Chicken**: Once marinated, thread the chicken onto skewers. Leave some space between pieces to ensure even cooking—nobody likes unevenly cooked souvlaki!

Grill or Bake Your Skewers**: Place skewers on the grill or in the oven. Grill each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through—or until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached.

Warm Up Your Pitas**: While your chicken finishes cooking, warm pitas on the grill or in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 1 minute each side until pliable.

Serve with Toppings**: Once everything is ready, assemble your souvlaki by placing skewered chicken onto warm pita bread. Top with tzatziki sauce and any additional toppings like lettuce or tomatoes.

Enjoy these delicious bites immediately—you won’t be able to resist going back for seconds!

You Must Know

• This amazing Greek chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
• You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
• The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
• Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing

Perfecting the Cooking Process

First, marinate the chicken for at least an hour. Then, grill it over medium-high heat for about 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through, ensuring juicy perfection.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the spices based on your preferences. Add feta cheese or fresh herbs for extra flavor while keeping the essence of chicken souvlaki intact.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to retain moisture without drying out.

Chef's Helpful Tips

• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for more juiciness and flavor
• Soak wooden skewers in water before grilling to prevent burning
• Marinating overnight enhances the flavor profile significantly, giving you a delicious result

Sharing this dish with friends turned into an unforgettable evening filled with laughter and compliments, reminding me how good food brings people together.

FAQ

What is the best type of chicken for chicken souvlaki?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs provide juicy and flavorful results for chicken souvlaki.

Can I bake chicken souvlaki instead of grilling?

Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until cooked through.

What can I serve with chicken souvlaki?

Pair it with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, or a Greek salad for a complete meal.

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Chicken Souvlaki

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Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Greek cuisine with this easy-to-make chicken souvlaki recipe. Marinated in a zesty blend of fresh ingredients, each juicy bite is perfect for grilling or baking. Enjoy tender chunks of chicken wrapped in warm pita, topped with creamy tzatziki sauce, and bursting with Mediterranean flair. Ideal for summer BBQs or cozy dinners, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus marination time)
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling/Baking
• Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 4 pita breads
• 1 cup tzatziki sauce
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, soy sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes and add to the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
2. Preheat grill to medium-high heat or set oven to broil. Lightly oil grill grates if grilling.
3. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving space between pieces.
4. Grill or bake skewers for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
5. While chicken cooks, warm pita breads on the grill or in a skillet for about 1 minute per side.
6. Place grilled chicken on warm pita bread and top with tzatziki sauce; add any additional toppings like lettuce or tomatoes as desired.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 skewer with pita (approximately 200g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg