Imagine biting into a warm, grilled piece of chicken, marinated in a mix of Greek spices, lemon, and olive oil. This is chicken souvlaki, a popular Greek street food, savored for its incredible flavors and simplicity. Making it at home is an adventure that brings the spirit of the Mediterranean straight into your kitchen.
Ideal for BBQs, family dinners, or just a cozy night in, this easy-to-follow recipe ensures everyone can enjoy the mouthwatering combination of tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and tangy tzatziki sauce. So, let's embark on this culinary journey and create our own delectable chicken souvlaki!
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this Chicken Souvlaki recipe lies in its simplicity and the interplay of its distinct flavors. First, the chicken is marinated in a zesty lemon, garlic, and herb marinade, which imparts a rich, tangy flavor that permeates deep into the meat. This marinade not only tenderizes the chicken but also enhances its taste, creating a meal that is as flavorful as it is tender.
What sets this recipe apart is its versatility. Whether you're grilling outdoors during the summer or broiling in your oven during cooler months, Chicken Souvlaki is a year-round delight. Moreover, it can be served in various ways - over a fresh Greek salad, tucked into a pita, or alongside some roasted vegetables and rice. Its adaptability makes it an excellent choice for any meal, any time. The added bonus is the traditional tzatziki sauce, a garlicky, cucumber-yogurt dip that complements the grilled chicken perfectly, rounding out a meal that's full of flavor, texture, and a taste of Greek sunshine.
Ingredients
Chicken - Usually boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used, which offer a lean, flavorful meat that grills well. If you prefer a more moist, tender bite, chicken thighs can also be a good option.
Olive Oil- This is used as a marinade and to prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill. Olive oil adds a subtle depth of flavor, but you could also use canola oil or sunflower oil if you'd like.
Garlic- Freshly minced garlic adds a strong, pungent flavor to the marinade. If you don't have fresh garlic, garlic powder can be a good substitute.
Lemon- The juice of fresh lemons adds a citrusy tang and helps tenderize the chicken. If fresh lemons aren't available, lemon juice concentrate can work in a pinch.
Greek Seasoning- A mix of dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary, Greek seasoning gives the chicken its distinct Mediterranean flavor. If you don't have a premixed Greek seasoning, simply use these individual herbs.
Tips
- Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the grill or grill pan before you begin cooking. This ensures the chicken gets a nice sear and doesn't stick to the grill.
- Don't overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more moist and flavorful.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
How to Serve
Chicken souvlaki can be served in a number of ways, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. It's commonly enjoyed as a Dinner accompanied by a side of Greek salad or tzatziki sauce. The skewered pieces of flavorful chicken make a great focal point on any plate.
- Pita Wrap: One popular way to serve chicken souvlaki is wrapped in a warm pita bread with some fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions, along with tzatziki sauce. This creates a delicious, handheld meal that's perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
- Rice Plate: Another way to serve chicken souvlaki is on a plate with a side of lemon-infused rice or Greek-style roasted potatoes. Top it off with a dollop of tzatziki and a sprinkling of fresh herbs for a hearty, satisfying meal.
- Salad Topping: Finally, you can use the grilled chicken souvlaki to top a fresh Greek salad. This combines all the flavors of a classic Greek meal in one delicious, healthful dish.
Need more ideas? Check out What To Serve With Chicken Souvlaki for 15 delicious recipes.
Similar Recipes
Chicken Souvlaki
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 teaspoons Greek seasoning
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes.
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and Greek seasoning.
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss until fully coated. Marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight.
- Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Thread the chicken cubes onto skewers.
- Grill the chicken skewers for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the grill or grill pan before you begin cooking. This ensures the chicken gets a nice sear and doesn't stick to the grill.
- Don't overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more moist and flavorful.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
What's the greek seasoning recipe?