Chicken souvlaki is a fun and tasty dish featuring marinated chicken pieces skewered and grilled to perfection. It’s packed with flavor from herbs and spices!
These little bites are great for summer barbecues or a quick weeknight meal. I love serving them with warm pita bread and fresh veggies—who can resist that? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: The star of this dish! I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breast for easy grilling. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work great too and add more flavor.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances the chicken’s flavor. If you’re out, feel free to use light olive oil or another neutral oil like canola for cooking. I often experiment with infused oils for added taste!
Greek Yogurt: This creamy base is perfect for the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter version, swap it with low-fat yogurt or even a dairy-free yogurt like coconut yogurt for a different twist.
Herbs and Spices: Oregano and paprika create Mediterranean flair. If you’re missing oregano, dried thyme or basil can work well instead. For spice lovers, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper!
How Do I Get Juicy, Flavorful Chicken Souvlaki?
The key to juicy chicken souvlaki is all about the marinade and grilling technique. Marinating the chicken allows the flavors to infuse deeply, enhancing taste and tenderness. For best results, use the following steps:
- Mix the marinade ingredients in a bowl and let the chicken soak for a minimum of 1 hour; 8 hours is even better. This patience pays off!
- When grilling, make sure your grill or pan is properly preheated. This ensures nice grill marks and helps to lock in moisture; medium-high heat is ideal.
- Rotate the skewers occasionally to cook the chicken evenly and check for doneness; it should reach an internal temp of 165°F.
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Pita bread
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (for yogurt sauce)
- 1 small cucumber, grated (for yogurt sauce)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (for yogurt sauce)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for yogurt sauce)
- Fresh vegetables (like tomatoes, cucumber, red onion)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Souvlaki recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep, plus at least 1 hour to marinate (up to 8 hours if you want it extra flavorful). For grilling, set aside about 15 minutes. So, in total, allow for around 1 hour and 25 minutes, mostly for marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. This will be your marinade that gives the chicken all its yummy flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours if you have more time.
3. Prepare the Grill:
Once you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning!
4. Skewer the Chicken:
Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge. Thread the chicken cubes onto the skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
5. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken skewers on the hot grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes. Turn the skewers occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks, which means it’s perfectly done!
6. Make the Yogurt Sauce:
While the chicken is grilling, let’s whip up the yogurt sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend everything well and set it aside; you’ll love this refreshing sauce!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken is grilled to perfection, it’s time to serve! Enjoy it with warm pita bread, fresh veggies like sliced tomatoes and cucumbers, and don’t forget a generous dollop of your yogurt sauce. Dig in and savor the flavors!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and moisture to your souvlaki. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a few extra minutes to cook through compared to breasts.
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt in the Sauce?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, you can substitute it with sour cream or regular plain yogurt. Just remember, if using regular yogurt, you may want to drain some excess liquid to achieve a thicker consistency similar to Greek yogurt.
How Can I Store Leftover Chicken Souvlaki?
Store any leftover chicken souvlaki in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it gently on a grill or in a skillet over medium heat to avoid drying it out.
Can I Make the Marinade in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day ahead! Just mix all the marinade ingredients and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready, add the chicken cubes and marinate for at least an hour for the best flavor!
