Chicken Souvlaki is a tasty dish made with marinated, grilled chicken pieces on skewers. It’s full of flavor from lemon and herbs, making it perfect for a summer meal!
Cooking these skewers is a lot of fun! I love serving them with warm pita bread and a side of tzatziki. It’s like a mini party on a plate! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect as they are tender and grill nicely. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs can be a great substitute for more flavor and juiciness!
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the marinade. You can swap it out for avocado oil or even a flavored oil, like garlic-infused, for an extra kick.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the chicken’s flavor. If you don’t have lemons, lime juice can work in a pinch. Just be careful with the acidity!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives great flavor. If you’re out, garlic powder is a quick alternative, but use less—about 1/4 teaspoon for this recipe.
Oregano: Dried oregano is classic in Greek dishes. If you want a different taste, try Italian seasoning or fresh oregano which can give a more vibrant flavor if you have it on hand.
How Do You Ensure Your Chicken Stays Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinating is key to infusing flavor and ensuring your chicken is juicy. The marinade should have oil, acid, and herbs, which help tenderize the meat while adding taste. Here’s how to do it right:
- Cube the chicken into even pieces for uniform cooking.
- Mix your marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or even better, up to 2 hours in the fridge to soak in all the flavors.
- Don’t skip the space between the chicken pieces on the skewers; it helps them cook evenly!
When grilling, keep an eye on the time. Aim for a golden brown exterior and always use a meat thermometer to ensure they hit 165°F (75°C).
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 4 wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
For Serving:
- Pita bread
- Fresh vegetables (such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion)
- Tzatziki sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Souvlaki recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and at least 30 minutes to marinate in the refrigerator for optimal flavor. After marinating, you’ll need about 15-20 minutes for grilling. So, plan for about an hour total, allowing time for marination and grilling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Place these pieces in a large mixing bowl. This way, they will soak up all the delicious flavors from the marinade!
2. Make the Marinade:
In a small bowl, add the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, black pepper, and paprika (if you’re using it). Whisk everything together until well combined. This marinade is going to be packed with flavor!
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Pour the marinade over the chicken pieces in the bowl. Make sure each piece is nicely coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours if you have the time.
4. Get the Grill Ready:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Make sure it’s nice and hot before you start grilling the chicken!
5. Assemble the Skewers:
Once the chicken is marinated, take it out of the fridge. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking. This step will help them grill perfectly!
6. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken skewers on the hot grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Warm the Pita Bread:
While the chicken is grilling, you can warm the pita bread. Just place it on the grill for about a minute on each side until it’s heated through. This makes it soft and easy to wrap around your chicken!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to eat! Place the grilled chicken souvlaki on a plate with warm pita bread, a generous serving of fresh vegetables, and some tzatziki sauce on the side. Enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken Souvlaki!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with pork, beef, or lamb for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the type of meat used. Ensure that the meat reaches the appropriate internal temperature: 160°F (71°C) for pork and beef, and 145°F (63°C) for lamb.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
The chicken can marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes, but for maximum flavor, it’s best to let it sit for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. If you’re short on time, even a quick 15-minute marinade will add some flavor, but the longer, the better!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Skewers?
No worries! If you don’t have skewers, you can grill the chicken pieces directly on the grill or grill pan. Just keep an eye on them and turn frequently to ensure even cooking. Alternatively, you can cook them in a grill basket or on a baking sheet in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep the chicken and marinate it a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply follow the grilling instructions. You can also grill the chicken in advance and reheat it on the grill or in a pan before serving.
