Chicken souvlaki is a tasty dish where juicy chicken pieces are marinated in herbs and spices, then grilled to perfection. It’s usually served on a stick, making it fun to eat!
I love serving it with warm pita and a side of tzatziki sauce. It’s great for dinner or a backyard BBQ. And trust me, everyone will want to grab a few skewers! 🍢
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean protein. You can substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier bite, or even use tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
Marinade: Olive oil and lemon juice are key for flavor. If you need a substitute, avocado oil works well, and lime juice can replace lemon juice for a different twist. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can replace dried oregano and thyme.
Skewers: Metal skewers can be used instead of wooden ones, which don’t require soaking. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them; it prevents burning and keeps the chicken juicy.
Pita and Tzatziki: Pita bread is great for serving, but you can swap it for flatbreads or wraps. For tzatziki, Greek yogurt with crushed cucumber, garlic, and dill will do the trick, or you can use store-bought for convenience.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken is Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling chicken souvlaki correctly is crucial for great flavor and texture. Here are some tips to make sure your chicken comes out perfectly cooked:
- Marinating: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour. Overnight is even better for maximum flavor.
- Even Cooking: When threading chicken onto skewers, leave some space between each cube. This helps them cook evenly and brown nicely.
- Grilling Technique: Preheat your grill properly. A hot grill ensures a good sear. Grill the chicken for about 10-12 minutes, turning every few minutes for even cooking.
- Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) internally. This ensures it’s safe to eat and not dry.
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Grilling:
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Pita bread and tzatziki sauce, for serving (optional)
- Rice or salad, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Souvlaki recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time, 1 hour to marinate (or longer for more flavor), and around 12 minutes to grill. So, overall, you should set aside about 1 hour and 30 minutes, including grilling time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined. This marinade will give your chicken that fresh and zesty flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken breasts to the marinade and toss them around until each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you want even more flavor.
3. Get Ready to Grill:
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. This step is important for keeping your skewers intact!
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece so they can cook evenly. Don’t pack them too tightly!
5. Grill the Chicken Souvlaki:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally. You’re looking for a nice golden-brown color and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken is cooked, take the skewers off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. To serve, arrange the chicken souvlaki on a platter, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and enjoy with warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and some rice or salad on the side. It’s a delicious Mediterranean feast!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a richer flavor and remain juicy while grilling. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized cubes for even cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Olive Oil?
No problem! You can substitute olive oil with another oil like avocado oil or canola oil. Each will provide a slightly different flavor, but they’ll all work well for marinating and grilling.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
If you like some heat, consider adding a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade. You can also serve with a spicy sauce on the side for an extra kick!
How to Store Leftover Chicken Souvlaki?
Store any leftover chicken souvlaki in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on a grill pan or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 10 minutes.
