Chicken souvlaki is a tasty Greek dish made of marinated chicken pieces, grilled to perfection on skewers. It’s flavorful, juicy, and perfect for a fun meal!
Who wouldn’t love juicy chicken kissed by the grill? I like to serve it with warm pita bread and a tangy sauce. It’s just finger-licking good and always makes me smile!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: This recipe calls for chicken breast, cut into cubes. If you’re looking for a leaner option, chicken thighs work well too. They stay juicy during cooking.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is essential for marinating. If you don’t have it, avocado oil or even canola oil can be good substitutes. Just make sure to choose a flavor profile that you enjoy!
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds brightness. In a pinch, you can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh is always best. Lime juice works as another alternative if you like a zesty twist.
Garlic: Fresh garlic boosts flavor in the marinade. If you’re short on time, garlic powder can replace fresh garlic, but reduce the quantity to avoid overpowering the dish.
Spices: Dried oregano and paprika are key flavors here. If you don’t have oregano, try Italian seasoning. For an extra kick, you might add some cumin or red pepper flakes.
How Do You Properly Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating your chicken is crucial for depth of flavor. The longer you let it sit, the better it gets! Aim for at least an hour but overnight is ideal.
- Mix marinade ingredients in a bowl.
- Add chicken pieces, cover, and refrigerate. Make sure all pieces are coated well.
- For best results, marinate in a non-reactive container like glass or plastic, not metal.
Don’t forget to soak your wooden skewers before grilling to prevent them from burning. This small step makes a big difference in your grilling experience!
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 6 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
For Serving:
- Pita bread
- Tzatziki sauce
- Fresh vegetables (e.g., tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Souvlaki recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time. You’ll want to marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, or overnight for even more flavor. After that, it takes about 12 minutes to grill. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 30 minutes, mostly waiting for the chicken to absorb all those yummy flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, paprika, and onion powder. Whisk everything together until well mixed. This mix will be full of flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the bowl with the marinade. Make sure all the chicken pieces are covered in the mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, and if you can, overnight is even better!
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, take the soaked wooden skewers and thread the marinated chicken cubes onto them. Make sure not to pack them too tightly; you want them to cook evenly.
4. Cooking on the Grill:
Carefully place the chicken skewers on the grill. Grill them for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally so they get those lovely grill marks and cook through completely. You’ll know they’re done when they’re no longer pink in the middle!
5. Warm Up the Pita:
While the chicken is grilling, you can warm the pita bread on the grill for about a minute on each side. This will make them nice and soft for serving!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken is cooked and the pita is warm, it’s time to serve! Place the grilled chicken souvlaki on a plate alongside warm pita, a generous scoop of tzatziki sauce, and your favorite fresh vegetables. Dig in and enjoy your tasty meal!
Can I Use Thighs Instead of Breasts for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor to your souvlaki. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a few minutes longer to grill than breasts. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 1 hour for good flavor, but if you have the time, letting it marinate overnight is best! Just make sure to keep it covered and refrigerate to prevent any risk of contamination.
What If I Don’t Have Wooden Skewers?
No worries! You can also use metal skewers if you have them. If you prefer to skip skewers altogether, simply grill the chicken in a grill basket or as individual pieces directly on the grill, just keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
How Should I Store Leftover Chicken Souvlaki?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or back on the grill until heated through. Enjoy it in a salad or a wrap for a delicious next-day meal!
