Easy Chicken Souvlaki Recipe-Grill or Pan-Sear

ByQuinn

Chicken souvlaki is an undisputed cbeef hampion of grilled delights, and for good reason! This classic Greek dish, featuring succulent marinated chicken pieces grilled to perfection, evokes images of sun-drenched tavernas and lively Mediterranean evenings. What is it about this simple yet sensational recipe that captures our hearts? It’s the perfect harmony of tender chicken, infused with a vibrant marinade of lemon, garlic, oregano, and olive oil, offering an explosion of fresh, herbaceous flavors with every bite. Unlike heavier dishes, chicken souvlaki feels wonderfully light and satisfying, making it ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner or an impressive backyard barbecue. This chicken souvlaki recipe is designed to bring that authentic taste of Greece right into your kitchen, ensuring you can recreate this beloved street food classic with ease and confidence.

Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about perfectly grilled chicken, especially when it’s infused with bright, fresh Mediterranean flavors. Chicken souvlaki is a classic for a reason: it’s simple, incredibly flavorful, and versatile. Whether you serve it on skewers, tucked into warm pita bread with a dollop of cool tzatziki, or alongside a crisp Greek salad, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The key to fantastic souvlaki lies in a good marinade that tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with aromatic herbs and zesty citrus. This recipe focuses on creating a balanced marinade that will have your chicken tasting like it was just plucked from a taverna in Greece. Let’s get started on creating this delicious meal!

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs chicken breasts (about 4)
  • 1/2 cup canola or olive oil
  • 3 tbsp white grape juice vinegar
  • 2 lemons – juice only (3 if lemons are not very juicy)
  • 6 garlic cloves (smashed)
  • 3 tbsp fresh minced dill weed**
  • 3 tbsp fresh minced parsley**
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 – 1.5 tsp coarse salt (more or less to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 6-8 Greek pita bread* (warmed)
  • 2 tomatoes (sliced)
  • 1/2 red onion (sliced thin)
  • 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce (more or less)

    • Cooking Instructions:

    Marinating the Chicken

  • First, we need to prepare our chicken. For the best results, trim any excess fat from your chicken breasts and then cut them into roughly 1-inch cubes. This ensures that all the pieces will cook evenly and absorb the marinade beautifully. Place the cubed chicken into a large resealable plastic bag or a non-reactive bowl.
  • Now, let’s create our vibrant marinade. In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the canola or olive oil, white grape juice vinegar, and the fresh juice from your lemons. If your lemons aren’t very juicy, don’t hesitate to use three. The acidity from the lemon juice is crucial for tenderizing the chicken and adding that signature tang.
  • Next, add the smashed garlic cloves to the marinade. Smashed garlic releases its flavor more readily than minced garlic, so this simple step makes a big difference. Follow this with the fresh minced dill weed and parsley. Fresh herbs are always best for souvlaki, as they contribute a brighter, more vibrant flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute dried herbs, but you’ll need to adjust the quantity and the flavor profile will be different. Add the dried oregano, coarse salt, and black pepper to the mixture. Stir everything together until well combined.
  • Pour this aromatic marinade over the chicken cubes in the bag or bowl. Ensure that each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag tightly (if using) or cover the bowl. For the most impactful flavor, refrigerate the chicken and let it marinate for at least 2 hours, but for truly exceptional souvlaki, aim for 4-6 hours, or even overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more tender and flavorful it will become.

    • Grilling the Souvlaki

  • Once your chicken has had ample time to marinate, it’s time to cook. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This prevents them from burning on the grill. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece to ensure even cooking. Don’t pack them too tightly. If you don’t have skewers, you can also grill the chicken pieces directly on the grill grates.
  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. A well-heated grill is key to achieving those beautiful grill marks and a slight char on the chicken without overcooking it. Brush your grill grates with a little oil to prevent sticking. Carefully place the skewers (or individual chicken pieces) onto the hot grill.
  • Grill the souvlaki for approximately 4-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has developed a lovely golden-brown color with nice char marks. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken pieces and the heat of your grill. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcooking, as this can lead to dry chicken. It’s better to err on the side of slightly underdone and let it finish cooking as it rests.

    • Serving Your Delicious Souvlaki

  • While the chicken is grilling, gently warm your Greek pita bread. You can do this on a separate part of the grill, in a dry skillet on the stovetop, or even briefly in the oven or microwave. A warm, pliable pita is essential for a great souvlaki experience.
  • Once the chicken is cooked and has rested for a few minutes (this allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender meat), it’s time to assemble your souvlaki. Take a warm pita bread and spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on the inside.
  • Next, place a few skewers of chicken onto the pita. If you grilled the chicken pieces directly, simply arrange them onto the pita. Top with sliced tomatoes and thinly sliced red onion. You can also add extra tzatziki if you like! Fold the pita in half or roll it up, and your delicious homemade chicken souvlaki is ready to be enjoyed. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal that transports you straight to the Mediterranean. Enjoy every flavorful bite!

    • Conclusion:

    I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this delicious Chicken Souvlaki recipe! It truly is a winner because it delivers incredible flavor with relatively simple steps, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekend entertaining. The marinade is the key here, infusing tender chicken pieces with zesty lemon, garlic, and fragrant oregano. You’ll love how the chicken gets beautifully charred and juicy when grilled or pan-seared.

    Serving suggestions abound! This Chicken Souvlaki is fantastic served in warm pita bread with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce, fresh tomatoes, and crisp lettuce. You can also serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside a vibrant Greek salad for a more substantial meal. Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations either! Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a hint of heat, or swap out chicken thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

    This recipe is so versatile and satisfying, I truly encourage you to give it a go. It’s a taste of the Mediterranean right in your own kitchen!

    Frequently Asked Questions:

    Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

    Absolutely! The Chicken Souvlaki marinade can be made up to 24 hours in advance. In fact, letting the chicken marinate for longer (within reason, of course) can really deepen the flavors. Just ensure you refrigerate the marinating chicken.

    What if I don’t have a grill?

    No problem at all! You can easily cook the souvlaki in a hot skillet on the stovetop or under the broiler in your oven. Just make sure your pan or broiler rack is well-oiled to prevent sticking, and cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, ensuring each piece gets nicely browned.

    Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

    A classic and flavorful Greek chicken souvlaki recipe, perfect for grilling or pan-frying. Served with warm pita, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki.

    Prep Time
    20 Minutes

    Cook Time
    15 Minutes

    Total Time
    35 Minutes

    Servings
    6-8 servings

    Ingredients

    • 2 lbs chicken breasts (about 4)
    • 1/2 cup canola or olive oil
    • 3 tbsp white grape juice vinegar
    • 2 lemons – juice only (3 is lemons are not very juicy)
    • 6 garlic cloves (smashed)
    • 3 tbsp fresh minced dill weed
    • 3 tbsp fresh minced parsley
    • 2 tsp dried oregano
    • 1 – 1.5 tsp coarse salt (more or less to taste)
    • 1/2 tsp black pepper
    • 6-8 Greek pita bread (warmed)
    • 2 tomatoes (sliced)
    • 1/2 red onion (sliced thin)
    • 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce (more or less)

    Instructions

    1. Step 1
      Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and place in a large bowl or resealable bag.
    2. Step 2
      In a separate 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.
    3. Step 3
      Pour marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
    4. Step 4
      Preheat grill to medium-high heat or heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil. Thread chicken onto skewers if desired for grilling.
    5. Step 5
      Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly browned. If using skewers, turn them frequently.
    6. Step 6
      Warm the Greek pita bread. Assemble souvlaki by filling 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.

    Similar Posts

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *