Chicken souvlaki is a beloved Greek dish featuring marinated chicken skewers, grilled until tender and flavorful. Served with warm pita, fresh vegetables, and tzatziki sauce, it’s a dish that’s perfect for a casual dinner or a summer barbecue. With its tangy marinade and smoky char, this recipe delivers authentic Mediterranean flavors in every bite.
Equipment:
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Skewers (soaked if wooden)
- Grill or grill pan
- Tongs
Ingredients:
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4–6 wooden or metal skewers
For the Marinade:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin (optional for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Warm pita bread
- Sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions
- Tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, vinegar, oregano, paprika, cumin (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, toss to coat, and cover. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
- Prepare the Skewers:
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a slight char.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Serve the chicken skewers hot with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. Garnish with parsley or dill if desired.
Tips:
- For a smoky flavor, add a touch of smoked paprika to the marinade.
- Pair with a side of Greek salad or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be used in wraps, salads, or rice bowls the next day.
Chicken souvlaki is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine at home. The vibrant marinade, juicy chicken, and refreshing accompaniments make it a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Opa!
Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Bring the flavors of Greece to your table with this chicken souvlaki recipe. Juicy marinated chicken, grilled to perfection, served with pita, fresh veggies, and creamy tzatziki sauce.
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Skewers (soaked if wooden)
- Grill or grill pan
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 –6 wooden or metal skewers
- For the Marinade:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin optional for extra flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Serving:
- Warm pita bread
- Sliced tomatoes cucumbers, and red onions
- Tzatziki sauce store-bought or homemade
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, vinegar, oregano, paprika, cumin (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, toss to coat, and cover. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
- Prepare the Skewers:
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a slight char.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Serve the chicken skewers hot with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. Garnish with parsley or dill if desired.
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