Chicken Souvlaki is a tasty Greek dish made of juicy, marinated chicken chunks grilled to perfection. They’re usually served on skewers, perfect for easy munching!
These little pieces of heaven are great for parties or a cozy dinner. I love popping them in a pita with some veggies and tzatziki. So good, you might just dance a little! 💃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well because they cook evenly. If you’re looking for a change, chicken thighs can add more flavor and moisture. For a vegetarian option, consider using cubed halloumi cheese or firm tofu.
Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps with marinating the chicken. If you don’t have olive oil, avocado oil or canola oil can work as alternatives. Each has its own lovely taste, so pick what you enjoy!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for flavor. You could swap in garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh gives the best taste. If you’re not a fan of garlic, you can skip it altogether or use shallots instead.
Herbs: Oregano and thyme contribute wonderful Mediterranean flavors. Dried herbs are great, but fresh ones give a burst of taste! If you have fresh herbs, double the amount you’d use for dried; or try basil or dill for a twist.
How Do I Properly Marinate Chicken for Souvlaki?
Marinating your chicken is essential to get a burst of flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk well to blend.
- Add chicken cubes and toss until they’re evenly coated in the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate. Allowing it to marinate for at least 30 minutes helps enhance the flavor, but 2 hours takes it up a notch!
Remember, not to over-marinate; the acidity from the lemon can start to cook the chicken if left too long. Trust me, the flavor will be amazing!
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Pita bread
- Fresh vegetables: tomato, cucumber, red onion (for salad)
- Tzatziki sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Souvlaki recipe requires about 10 minutes for preparation and at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken, making a total of around 40 minutes. If you prefer more depth of flavor, you can let it marinate for up to 2 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. This mix will coat the chicken beautifully and add lots of flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and gently toss everything together until the chicken is well-coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you want even tastier chicken.
3. Preheat the Grill:
Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to cook! Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This will ensure that your chicken gets those delicious char marks!
4. Skewer the Chicken:
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between each cube to allow the heat to cook them evenly.
5. Grill the Chicken:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes. Turn the skewers occasionally so the chicken cooks evenly and gets nice char marks. You’ll know it’s done when it’s no longer pink inside.
6. Prepare the Salad:
While the chicken is grilling, chop up some fresh vegetables for your salad. Dice the tomatoes, slice the cucumbers, and thinly slice the red onion. Mix them together in a bowl—fresh and tasty!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to enjoy your hard work! Serve the grilled chicken souvlaki with warm pita bread, a refreshing vegetable salad, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce on the side. Dig in and savor the flavors!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give your souvlaki even more flavor and stay juicy during grilling. Just cut them into 1-inch cubes as you would with the breasts. The cooking time may be slightly longer, so make sure they’re fully cooked.
What Can I Use Instead of Tzatziki Sauce?
If you don’t have tzatziki, you can substitute it with a yogurt-based sauce. Mix plain Greek yogurt with minced garlic, lemon juice, and dill or cucumber for a quick alternative. You could also try a hummus dip for a different flavor profile!
How Can I Store Leftover Souvlaki?
Store any leftover chicken souvlaki in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in a pan over medium heat until warmed through, or use the microwave. It’s great in wraps or salads!
Can I Use Wooden Skewers Without Soaking Them?
It’s best to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning on the grill. If you forgot, you can still use them, but keep an eye on them while grilling to avoid charring!
