Chicken souvlaki is a tasty dish made with marinated chicken skewers, grilled to perfection. The juicy meat pairs wonderfully with fresh veggies and tangy sauces!
These skewers are not just fun to eat, but also super easy to make! I love throwing them on the grill during summer—everyone loves a good chicken skewer at a BBQ! 🍗✨
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is great for this dish, but you can also use chicken thighs for a juicier option. If you prefer a meat-free version, try marinating tofu or mushrooms instead.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a nice flavor, but feel free to substitute with avocado oil if you want a neutral taste or less strong olive flavor. You could even use sesame oil for an interesting twist.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is ideal, but lime juice works too! In a pinch, bottled lemon juice can suffice. Remember, fresh gives the best zing!
Dried Oregano: If you don’t have oregano, Italian seasoning or dried thyme can work well too. Some people even enjoy adding a touch of cumin for extra flavor.
Greek Yogurt: For tzatziki, you can use plain regular yogurt if Greek isn’t available. Also, dairy-free yogurt alternatives are great for a vegan option!
How Can I Ensure My Chicken is Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but with a few simple steps, you can get perfectly cooked and flavorful skewers every time!
- Marinate for at least an hour—this tenderizes and flavors the meat. Four hours is even better!
- Preheat your grill to medium-high; this helps with nice grill marks and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skewers; this ensures even cooking.
- Keep an eye on the chicken as it grills, turning it every few minutes. Look for those lovely grill marks!
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness—160°F is your target temperature, and then it can rest off the heat.
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 4 pita bread
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill or mint, chopped
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Souvlaki recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and at least 1 hour for marinating. After that, the cooking on the grill will take about 15 minutes. So, you’re looking at approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes total, including some chilling time for the tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinating the Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, stirring well to coat each piece. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour, but you can leave it for up to 4 hours for even more flavor.
2. Making the Tzatziki Sauce:
While your chicken is soaking up those delicious flavors, let’s prepare the tzatziki sauce! In a separate bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill or mint, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until well combined, then cover and chill in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
3. Grilling the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge and thread the cubes onto skewers. Grill the chicken skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are cooked through and have beautiful grill marks. Make sure they are fully cooked—check that the center is no longer pink!
4. Toasting the Pita and Serving:
As the chicken finishes grilling, place the pita bread on the grill for about a minute or two on each side or until they are slightly toasted and warm. Now it’s time to assemble your delicious meal! On a plate, arrange the grilled chicken skewers alongside the toasted pita, diced cucumbers, diced tomatoes, and sliced red onions. Don’t forget to add a generous dollop of the refreshing tzatziki sauce. Enjoy this Mediterranean delight!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken Instead of Boneless Breasts?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces, but the cooking time will be longer! Make sure to grill them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). It’s advisable to remove the skin before marinating for better flavor absorption and to keep it healthier.
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt in Tzatziki?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can substitute it with sour cream or regular plain yogurt. Just make sure to drain regular yogurt to remove excess moisture for the right consistency. Adding a little bit of lemon juice can help with the tangy flavor.
How to Store Leftover Chicken Souvlaki?
Store any leftover chicken and tzatziki in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken is best eaten within 3 days, while the tzatziki can last up to a week. Reheat the chicken on the grill or in the oven to keep it juicy!
Can I Grill the Chicken Souvlaki in the Oven?
Absolutely! If you don’t have access to a grill, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through. You can broil for the last 2-3 minutes to get a nice char!
