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This Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe is a popular Mediterranean classic that is incredibly delicious and easy to make. Featuring tender chicken breast marinated to perfection and then grilled to smoky, charred goodness, this dish is bound to become a family favorite!
What Is Chicken Souvlaki
Meet your new favorite grilled chicken recipe! Chicken Souvlaki is a Mediterranean masterpiece and a perfect example of Greek cuisine’s vibrant flavors and easy-going charm. It consists of tender chunks of chicken breast infused with the aromatic magic of garlic, lemon, and oregano, all grilled to savory perfection, and then nestled into warm pita bread with crisp veggies and creamy tzatziki sauce.
But what makes this dish truly special is its ability to deliver a burst of Mediterranean flavors with minimal effort. After you marinate the chicken, the recipe comes together in mere minutes, which makes it a fantastic option for family meal planning as well as parties. Not to mention, it gives you a reason to make some hummus and a Greek salad to pair with this classic!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Souvlaki
- Effortless Recipe! With just very basic ingredients and a few simple steps, you can easily recreate this Mediterranean dish that tastes like it came right out of a Greek restaurant.
- Authentic Greek Flavor! The flavorful marinade, featuring aromatic garlic, zesty lemon, rich olive oil, and fragrant oregano, infuses the chicken with a burst of classic Greek flavors.
- Versatile Dish! Chicken souvlaki is so much more than a simple sandwich! Not only can you add any toppings you like, but you can omit the pita and serve it with an array of sides instead.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Chicken
- Chicken Breast: I used boneless skinless chicken breast, but you could also use boneless skinless chicken thighs.
- Garlic: Adds a pungent flavor to the marinade. Always use freshly minced garlic cloves for the most intense taste.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a zesty brightness that complements the chicken and tenderizes it a bit.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Provides a subtle tang and a distinctive Greek flavor.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is the heart of the marinade, infusing the chicken with a rich and fruity undertone.
- Dried Oregano: Adds a herby aromatic note. You can use fresh oregano if you prefer.
- Salt and Pepper: These pantry staples bring out all the natural flavors.
For Serving
- Pita Bread: Used as the serving vessel for your chicken souvlaki. You can also serve souvlaki with rice or quinoa.
- Tzatziki Sauce: Enhances the dish with a refreshing and tangy twist. You can use store-bought or homemade tzatziki sauce.
- Veggies: Tomato, cucumber, and red onion add both flavor and freshness. Feel free to add additional veggies like bell peppers and Kalamata olives.
This Greek favorite shows you how simple it is to transform ordinary chicken breast into a delicious Mediterranean meal with very little effort. The key is in properly marinating the chicken!
Marinate The Chicken
Begin by mixing the minced garlic, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper together in a large bowl. Then add the chicken pieces and toss them in the marinade until fully coated. Now, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the chicken for a minimum of 2 hours and up to 24 hours.
Prep For Grilling
Once you’ve finished marinating the chicken, preheat up your outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, now is also the time to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning.
Grill The Chicken
First, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto your skewers. Now, place the skewers on the grill and cook them for about 6 to 8 minutes on each side. When done, the chicken should be slightly charred and fully cooked. Then remove the skewers from the grill and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Assemble And Serve
To serve, place the chicken souvlaki inside warm pita bread. Then top it with some tomato, cucumber, red onion, and a generous dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other proteins?
Yes! The marinade’s flavors also work well with pork, beef, lamb, and tofu.
Can you bake chicken souvlaki?
Yes! To do this, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then place the marinated chicken pieces on a baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish and bake for approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
What is the difference between gyros and souvlaki and kebabs?
Gyros feature thinly sliced, seasoned meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, served in a pita wrap. Souvlaki, like this recipe, uses marinated meat chunks skewered and grilled, often served in a pita or on a plate with tzatziki and veggies. Kebabs encompass a wider range, involving skewered and grilled meat pieces, sometimes with veggies, found in various cuisines globally. The key difference lies in their preparation and ingredients.
Expert Tips
-
- Don’t rush the marinating process. You need to let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours, but 24 hours will produce even more flavorful results.
- Cut the chicken into uniform-sized cubes. This ensures even cooking, which leads to a perfectly charred exterior while remaining juicy inside.
- Don’t flip too soon. Let the chicken sear and release naturally from the grill grates. This is how to achieve those yummy char marks.
- Check the doneness. Use an instant-read digital meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
Storage
You can store leftover chicken souvlaki in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. If frozen, simply allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Discover More Chicken Recipes
- Crispy Chicken Cutlets
- Kung Pao Chicken
- Chicken Kiev Pasta
- Pizza Stuffed Chicken Breast {Air Fryer}
- Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders
- Chicken Shawarma
Chicken Souvlaki
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds chicken breast boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- pita bread
- tzatziki sauce
- tomato sliced
- cucumber sliced
- red onions sliced
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade. Mix well to ensure that all the chicken is coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours for more flavor.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using.
- Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers.
- Grill the skewers for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a slight char. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the chicken souvlaki in pita bread, topped with tzatziki sauce, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions.
Tips & Notes:
- Marination Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours. You can also prepare the marinade the night before for a fuss-free dinner the next day.
- Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
- Serving Suggestions: This chicken souvlaki is best served in pita bread and topped with homemade or store-bought tzatziki sauce. Don’t forget the sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions for that extra crunch and flavor!
- Storage: Leftover grilled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian twist, you can use tofu or halloumi cheese instead of chicken. Adjust grilling time as needed.
