Chicken Souvlaki
**Introduction**
The scent of lemon, oregano, and garlic sizzling over an open flame is the unmistakable signature of Chicken Souvlaki. This classic Greek street food transforms simple chicken into something extraordinary, delivering a taste of the Mediterranean sun with every bite. Tender, marinated pieces of chicken are skewered and grilled to smoky, juicy perfection, creating a dish that is both light and incredibly satisfying. It’s a versatile culinary star, perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for entertaining guests. The magic of souvlaki lies in its vibrant, herbaceous marinade and the interactive, fun experience of building your own pita wrap or plate. If you’re looking for a recipe that is bursting with fresh flavor and guaranteed to become a regular in your meal rotation, this is it.
**Perfect for:**
* Quick & Healthy Weeknight Dinners
* Summer Grilling & Backyard BBQs
* Meal Prepping for Lunches
* Interactive Dinner Parties
* A Taste of Vacation at Home
**Why You’ll Love This Chicken Souvlaki Recipe**
**Incredibly Flavorful:** The secret is in the marinade. A simple blend of extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs like oregano and thyme penetrates the chicken deeply, ensuring every morsel is packed with zesty, aromatic flavor.
**Surprisingly Simple:** Despite its impressive taste, Chicken Souvlaki is remarkably easy to make. The preparation is straightforward, requiring no advanced techniques, and the cooking time is swift.
**Versatile & Customizable:** Enjoy it tucked into warm pita bread with tzatziki, served over a bed of lemon rice, or arranged on a vibrant salad. It’s a perfect base for building a meal to your exact preference.
**Great for Meal Prep:** The marinated chicken can be prepared ahead of time, and the cooked souvlaki holds up beautifully in the refrigerator, making it an excellent protein option for quick, gourmet-style lunches throughout the week.
**Preparation and Cooking Time**
Total Time: 45 minutes (plus 2 hours marinating)
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 280-320 calories (chicken only, without pita or sauces)
**Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Estimate):**
**Calories:** 280-320 kcal
**Protein:** 35g
**Carbohydrates:** 3g
**Fat:** 14g
**Fiber:** 0g
**Sugar:** 0g
**Nutritional Disclaimer**
aileenrecipes is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
**Ingredients**
*For the Chicken and Marinade:*
* 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
* 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon dried oregano (preferably Greek)
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
*For Serving (Optional):*
* 4-6 warm pita breads
* 1 cup tzatziki sauce
* 1 large tomato, diced
* 1 red onion, thinly sliced
* Fresh parsley, chopped
* Lemon wedges
**Step-by-Step Instructions**
1. **Prepare the Marinade:** In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
2. **Marinate the Chicken:** Place the cubed chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor.
3. **Preheat the Grill or Skillet:** If using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat. If using a stovetop, heat a grill pan or large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or pan to prevent sticking.
4. **Thread the Chicken:** While the cooking surface heats, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
5. **Cook the Souvlaki:** Place the skewers on the hot grill or skillet. Cook for 4-7 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nicely browned, slightly charred exterior. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. **Rest the Chicken:** Once cooked, transfer the chicken souvlaki skewers to a clean plate and let them rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
**How to Serve Chicken Souvlaki**
* **The Classic Pita Wrap:** Serve the chicken tucked into warm, fluffy pita bread with a generous dollop of cool tzatziki, fresh tomato, sliced red onion, and a sprinkle of parsley.
* **As a Hearty Platter:** Create a “Souvlaki Plate” by serving the skewers over a bed of lemon rice or crispy Greek-style potatoes, with a side Greek salad and pita bread.
* **On a Fresh Salad:** Slice the cooked chicken from the skewers and arrange it on top of a vibrant salad made with romaine lettuce, cucumbers, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese.
* **As an Appetizer:** Serve the skewers whole as a finger food for a party, with a bowl of tzatziki for dipping.
**Additional Tips for Chicken Souvlaki**
* For the most tender result, use chicken thighs. They have a higher fat content and remain incredibly juicy after grilling.
* Do not skip the marinating time. This is the most critical step for developing the authentic, deep flavor characteristic of souvlaki.
* Avoid overcrowding the skewers. Leave a little space between the chicken pieces to ensure they cook evenly and get a good sear on all sides.
* If you don’t have skewers, you can cook the marinated chicken pieces directly in a hot skillet. They will be just as delicious.
**Recipe Variations of Chicken Souvlaki**
* **Lemon-Herb Version:** Add the zest of one lemon to the marinade and use a combination of fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, dill, and mint along with the oregano.
* **Spicy Version:** Introduce 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a subtle, warming heat.
* **Pork Souvlaki:** Substitute the chicken with an equal amount of pork loin, cut into 1-inch cubes. The marinade and cooking instructions remain the same.
**Freezing and Storage for Chicken Souvlaki**
**Storage:** Store any leftover cooked chicken souvlaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.
**Freezing:** You can freeze the uncooked, marinated chicken in its marinade in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before skewering and cooking. Cooked souvlaki can also be frozen, though the texture may be slightly less juicy upon reheating.
**FAQ Section about Chicken Souvlaki**
**Can I bake the chicken souvlaki instead of grilling it?**
Yes. Arrange the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until cooked through. For a crisper exterior, finish under the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes.
**What can I use instead of tzatziki sauce?**
A good alternative is a simple yogurt sauce made with plain Greek yogurt, a squeeze of lemon, minced garlic, and chopped dill or mint. Hummus also makes a delicious spread for a pita wrap.
**How can I tell when the chicken is done?**
The safest method is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest piece of chicken; it should read 165°F (74°C). Visually, the chicken should be opaque throughout with clear juices running out when pierced.
**Conclusion of Chicken Souvlaki Recipe**
Chicken Souvlaki is more than just a meal; it’s a vibrant, flavorful experience that brings the essence of Greek cuisine to your table. With its perfect balance of zesty lemon, fragrant herbs, and succulent grilled chicken, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its simplicity makes it an accessible weeknight hero, while its impressive presentation secures its place as a go-to for entertaining. This is a dish you will master on the first try and return to again and again, each time customizing it with your favorite sides and sauces. Fire up the grill or heat up the pan, and get ready to enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean that is both effortlessly delicious and deeply satisfying.