Easy Chicken Souvlaki Recipe – Grilled Skewers
Chicken souvlaki, oh chicken souvlaki! There’s something undeniably magical about these marinated and grilled skewers that transports me straight to a sunny Greek island with every bite. It’s a dish that embodies simple, fresh flavors and a vibrant zest for life, which is precisely why it has captured hearts (and taste buds!) around the globe. What makes this Greek classic so utterly irresistible? It’s the perfect marriage of tender, juicy chicken, infused with a zesty lemon-herb marinade, kissed by the smoky char of the grill. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water! This isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience. Get ready to elevate your grilling game and bring a taste of authentic Greece to your own backyard with this straightforward yet incredibly rewarding chicken souvlaki recipe.
Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
There’s something incredibly satisfying about perfectly marinated, tender chicken skewers grilled to juicy perfection. Chicken souvlaki, a classic Greek dish, delivers just that. It’s a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner or a backyard barbecue, offering bright, fresh flavors that transport you straight to the Mediterranean. The beauty of souvlaki lies in its simplicity and the power of a good marinade. We’re going to create a marinade that infuses the chicken with lemon, garlic, and fragrant herbs, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
This recipe focuses on achieving that signature tender texture and delightful char that’s characteristic of authentic souvlaki. Whether you’re grilling outdoors, using an indoor grill pan, or even baking them in the oven, the result will be a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both healthy and delicious. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
Marinating the Chicken
The first and most crucial step to incredible souvlaki is the marinade. This is where all the magic happens, tenderizing the chicken and infusing it with vibrant flavors.
1. Prepare the marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the canola or olive oil, white grape juice vinegar, and the fresh lemon juice. If your lemons are small or feel dry, don’t hesitate to squeeze a third one to ensure you get enough liquid. Add the smashed or finely minced garlic cloves. The goal with the garlic is to release its pungent oils into the marinade; smashing them gently with the flat side of your knife or a mortar and pestle works beautifully. Stir in the freshly minced dill weed and parsley. The fresh herbs are essential for that authentic, bright taste. If you can only find dried dill or parsley, use about 1 tablespoon of each, but the fresh is truly superior here. Next, add the dried oregano, coarse salt, and black pepper. Give everything a thorough whisk until well combined.
2. Cut and marinate the chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and then cut them into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1-inch cubes. Aim for uniform sizing so that the chicken cooks evenly. Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable bag or a shallow glass dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring that every piece is coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly. For the best flavor and tenderness, let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. However, for an even more intense flavor, you can marinate it for up to 4 hours. Avoid marinating for too much longer than 4 hours, as the acidity in the lemon juice can start to break down the chicken’s texture too much, making it mushy.
Cooking the Souvlaki
Once your chicken has had ample time to soak up all those delicious flavors, it’s time to cook it. I love grilling for that smoky char, but pan-searing or even baking are great alternatives.
3. Skewer the chicken (optional but recommended): If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to threading the chicken. This prevents them from burning on the grill. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers or metal skewers, leaving a small space between each piece to allow for even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the skewers, as this can lead to steaming rather than grilling, and the chicken won’t get that nice caramelization. Discard any excess marinade left in the bag or dish.
4. Grill or cook the souvlaki:
Serving Your Delicious Souvlaki
The final step is assembling your souvlaki meal. The combination of warm pita, tender chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy tzatziki is pure bliss.
5. Assemble and serve: While the chicken is cooking, warm your Greek pita bread. You can do this on a dry skillet over medium heat, in the oven for a few minutes, or even briefly on the grill. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a minute or two. To serve, spread a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce onto a warm pita bread. Top with a few pieces of the freshly cooked chicken souvlaki, followed by slices of tomato and thinly sliced red onion. You can also add other toppings like feta cheese, olives, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Fold the pita in half or roll it up, and enjoy your homemade Chicken Souvlaki!
This recipe is so adaptable. Don’t have Greek pita? Regular pita bread works wonderfully. Not a fan of dill? Increase the parsley or add a bit of mint. The key is the good quality chicken and that bright, zesty marinade. Enjoy making and eating this fantastic Greek classic!
Conclusion:
And there you have it! Our simple yet incredibly flavorful Chicken Souvlaki recipe is ready to transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean. What makes this recipe truly fantastic is its perfect balance of zesty marinade, tender chicken, and vibrant herbs. It’s a dish that’s both impressive enough for a dinner party yet wonderfully straightforward for a weeknight meal. I encourage you all to give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Serve your delicious chicken souvlaki skewers hot off the grill or pan. They are absolutely divine tucked into warm pita bread with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce, a sprinkle of fresh tomatoes, red onions, and perhaps some crisp lettuce. For a more substantial meal, pair them with a refreshing Greek salad, fluffy rice pilaf, or roasted lemon potatoes. The versatility is truly a joy!
Feeling adventurous? Don’t hesitate to explore variations! Marinate chicken thighs for an even more succulent texture, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a touch of heat. You can also easily adapt this recipe for beef or even halloumi cheese if you’re looking for a vegetarian option. The possibilities are endless!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I marinate the chicken souvlaki overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating the chicken overnight will infuse it with even more flavor and ensure maximum tenderness. Just ensure it’s stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What’s the best way to cook chicken souvlaki indoors?
If grilling isn’t an option, you can achieve fantastic results pan-frying your chicken souvlaki skewers in a hot, oiled skillet over medium-high heat. Alternatively, you can broil them in the oven for that lovely char.
How long does the chicken souvlaki last in the refrigerator?
Cooked chicken souvlaki can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s perfect for delicious leftovers!
Chicken Souvlaki
A flavorful and easy recipe for classic Greek Chicken Souvlaki, perfect for grilling or pan-searing. Served with warm pita, fresh vegetables, and cool tzatziki.
Ingredients
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2 lbs chicken breasts (about 4)
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1/2 cup canola or olive oil
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3 tbsp white grape juice vinegar
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2 lemons – juice only (3 is lemons are not very juicy)
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6 garlic cloves (smashed)
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3 tbsp fresh minced dill weed
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3 tbsp fresh minced parsley
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2 tsp dried oregano
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1 – 1.5 tsp coarse salt (more or less to taste)
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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6-8 Greek pita bread (warmed)
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2 tomatoes (sliced)
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1/2 red onion (sliced thin)
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1/2 cup tzatziki sauce (more or less)
Instructions
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Step 1
Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. In a large bowl, whisk together canola or olive oil, white grape juice vinegar, lemon juice, smashed garlic, minced dill, minced parsley, dried oregano, coarse salt, and black pepper. -
Step 2
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. -
Step 3
If using skewers, thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece. -
Step 4
Preheat grill to medium-high heat or heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken skewers for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred. If not using skewers, cook chicken pieces in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. -
Step 5
Warm the Greek pita bread according to package directions. -
Step 6
Assemble the souvlaki by filling warmed pita bread with cooked chicken, sliced tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce.
Important Information
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
