Chicken Souvlaki is a tasty Greek dish featuring juicy chicken pieces grilled to perfection on skewers. It’s often paired with fresh veggies and a delightful tzatziki sauce!
It’s like a mini party on a stick! 🌟 I love serving it with warm pita bread and some extra sauce for dipping—who doesn’t like a little extra flavor, right?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: This recipe calls for chicken breast, but you can use thighs for a juicier option. If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, try grilled bell peppers or eggplant chunks instead.
Olive Oil: Olive oil provides a great flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, avocado oil works well too. Just remember, it might alter the taste slightly.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is ideal for brightness. In a pinch, bottled lemon juice can work, but fresh is always better. Lime juice can also be a zesty substitute!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic really shines in this recipe. If you’re out of fresh garlic, garlic powder can be used, but use less since it’s more concentrated.
Tzatziki Sauce: You can buy pre-made tzatziki, but homemade is super easy! Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill create a fresh taste. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut yogurt instead.
How Do I Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating is key for tasty chicken souvlaki. To ensure your chicken absorbs all those delicious flavors, follow these steps:
- Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Cut your chicken into even 1-inch cubes for consistent cooking.
- Mix the chicken into the marinade, ensuring every piece is well coated.
- Cover and refrigerate. For best results, let it marinate overnight, but at least 1 hour is fine too!
This soaking time allows the chicken to soak up the flavors, making each bite incredible.
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Pita bread
- Tzatziki sauce
- Fresh vegetables (cucumber, tomato, and red onion, chopped)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, with a marinating time of at least 1 hour—overnight is best for great flavor! Grilling will take another 10-15 minutes. So, set aside around 1 hour and 20 minutes to fully enjoy your Chicken Souvlaki!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well to create a flavorful marinade that will really make your chicken sing!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken to the marinade. Make sure all pieces are well coated in the delicious mixture. Once 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, overnight is even better!
3. Prepare for Grilling:
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. While it heats up, thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Try to leave a little space between each piece so they cook evenly.
4. Grill the Chicken Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes. Be sure to turn them occasionally so that each side gets those nice grill marks and cooks through completely. You’ll know the chicken is done when it’s no longer pink in the center!
5. Prepare Your Sides:
While the chicken is grilling, chop up your fresh vegetables like cucumber, tomato, and red onion. This will make a delicious salad to go along with your Chicken Souvlaki.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken is grilled to perfection, serve it on a plate with warmed pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and your fresh vegetable salad on the side. Dive in and enjoy your homemade Chicken Souvlaki!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with pork or lamb if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of meat; lamb typically cooks faster than chicken, while pork may require a bit more time on the grill.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour. However, you can marinate it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just be cautious not to exceed this time, as the acidity from the lemon juice can start to break down the meat too much, affecting the texture.
What Should I Do if I Don’t Have Skewers?
No worries! If you don’t have skewers, you can grill the chicken pieces directly on the grill or grill pan. Just ensure the heat is even and turn the chicken pieces regularly for even cooking. Alternatively, you can use a grilling basket to keep them contained!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken up to a day in advance. Also, you can cook the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, just reheat the skewers in a pan or the oven to warm them through before serving.
