Chicken Souvlaki is a tasty dish featuring juicy grilled chicken pieces seasoned with zesty herbs. It’s like a mini party on a stick that’s perfect for sharing!
It’s so easy to make! I love marinating the chicken the night before, then just grilling it up. Serve it with some fresh veggies, and you have a lovely meal that everyone will enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: This is the star of the dish! You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier flavor. If you’re looking for a plant-based option, cubed tofu or tempeh works well too.
Olive Oil: It adds richness and helps the marinade stick. Avocado oil or another neutral oil could be a good alternative if you don’t have olive oil on hand.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is best for brightness. If you’re out of lemons, lime juice can work as a nice substitute for a different flavor twist.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives an amazing flavor. But if you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder (1/4 tsp per clove) instead.
Tzatziki Sauce: This sauce adds creaminess and tang. You can skip it if dairy-free, or make a vegan version using coconut yogurt or cashew cream combined with cucumbers and spices!
How Do I Get My Chicken Souvlaki Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinating the chicken is key to achieving flavor and juiciness. By letting it sit in the marinade for at least an hour (or overnight!), the chicken absorbs all the tasty ingredients.
- Mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Add the chicken cubes, ensuring they’re well coated. Cover and refrigerate.
- Grilling the chicken on medium-high heat is essential—this ensures the outside gets a nice char while keeping the inside tender.
Remember to not overcrowd the skewers; this allows the chicken to cook evenly. Enjoy cooking and serving these flavorful skewers!
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Serving:
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (optional for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Souvlaki recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus at least 1 hour for marinating the chicken (or overnight for richer flavor). Grilling will take about 12 minutes. Overall, you’ll need a little patience, but the result is so worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Start by combining the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Give it a good mix until everything is well blended. This flavorful mixture will make your chicken taste amazing!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken breast to the bowl with the marinade. Toss the chicken pieces around until they are fully coated in the marinade. Once they’re all dressed up, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or if you have the time, overnight for even more flavor!
3. Preheat and Prepare to Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. While it’s warming up, take the marinated chicken out of the fridge. Thread the chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking. This step is key for that perfect grilled texture!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken skewers on the grill. Grill them for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly and develop those lovely grill marks. You want the chicken to be fully cooked and juicy!
5. Warm the Pita and Serve:
While the chicken is grilling, you can warm the pita breads. Place them on the grill for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they become soft and slightly toasted. Once everything is ready, serve the grilled chicken skewers on a plate alongside the warm pita, diced cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and tzatziki sauce if you like. Enjoy your fresh and flavor-packed Chicken Souvlaki!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add extra flavor to your souvlaki. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time a bit; thighs may take a minute or two longer than breasts to cook through.
What Can I Substitute for Tzatziki Sauce?
If you don’t have tzatziki sauce, consider using a yogurt-based sauce or even hummus for dipping. You can mix plain yogurt with diced cucumbers, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice for a quick substitute!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken souvlaki in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the grill or in the microwave. It’s also great cold or in a salad!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for more flavor, and pre-chop your veggies to save time on cooking day. Just keep everything covered in the fridge until you’re ready to grill!
