Name: Greek Chicken Souvlaki
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: PT-485772H49M43S
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: greek
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 3 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp lemon juice; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 red onion, cut into chunks; 1 bell pepper (optional), cut into chunks; 4 pita breads; 1 cup tzatziki sauce; 1/2 cucumber, diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional), crumbled; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; Wooden or metal skewers

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Short Description

Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a classic Mediterranean dish featuring marinated and grilled chicken skewers bursting with flavors of garlic, lemon, and herbs. Served with warm pita, fresh vegetables, and a tangy tzatziki sauce, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a flavorful cookout.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic Mediterranean flavors – This dish captures the essence of Greek cuisine with fresh herbs, citrus, and garlic.
Easy to prepare – A simple marinade does most of the work, leaving just the grilling or pan-searing.
Healthy and nutritious – Packed with lean protein and fresh ingredients, it’s a great option for a balanced meal.
Customizable – Can be served in pita wraps, over salads, or as a plated dish with rice and veggies.
Meal-prep friendly – The marinated chicken can be prepped in advance for an easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

chicken breast or thighs
olive oil
lemon juice
garlic
dried oregano
salt
black pepper
red onion
bell peppers (optional)
pita bread
tzatziki sauce
cucumber
tomatoes
feta cheese (optional)
fresh parsley
wooden or metal skewers

Directions

Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss them in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably a few hours for best flavor.
Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, alternating with chunks of red onion and bell peppers if using.
Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks.
Warm the Pita: While the chicken is grilling, warm the pita bread on the grill or in a pan for a few seconds on each side.
Prepare the Toppings: Dice cucumbers, tomatoes, and fresh parsley. Crumble feta cheese if using.
Assemble and Serve: Serve the chicken souvlaki skewers with warm pita, fresh veggies, tzatziki sauce, and crumbled feta. Alternatively, remove the chicken from the skewers and make a pita wrap.

Variations

Chicken Alternative: Try lamb, beef, or shrimp for a different take on souvlaki.
Vegetarian Option: Use marinated tofu or halloumi cheese instead of chicken.
Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or paprika to the marinade for extra heat.
Low-Carb Version: Serve the grilled chicken over a Greek salad instead of in a pita.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marination Time: 30 minutes – 2 hours
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: ~50 minutes
Servings: 4

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Marinated raw chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before grilling.
Reheating: Warm cooked chicken in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes or microwave for 30-40 seconds.

FAQs

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Marinate it well and avoid overcooking. Using chicken thighs instead of breasts can also help keep it juicy.

Can I cook souvlaki without a grill?

Yes! You can use a grill pan, broil it in the oven, or cook the skewers in an air fryer.

What can I serve with chicken souvlaki?

Greek salad, rice, roasted vegetables, or a side of hummus and olives make great accompaniments.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for deeper flavor.

What’s the best way to keep skewers from burning?

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The chicken souvlaki itself is gluten-free, but use gluten-free pita or serve with a salad if needed.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for souvlaki?

Freshly grilled chicken is best, but you can repurpose leftover grilled chicken for an easy wrap or salad.

What’s the difference between souvlaki and gyro?

Souvlaki is grilled meat on skewers, while gyros are typically made from sliced, seasoned meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie.

Can I add yogurt to the marinade?

Yes! Adding Greek yogurt makes the chicken even more tender and flavorful.

What’s the best way to make homemade tzatziki sauce?

Mix Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, and olive oil for an easy homemade tzatziki.

Conclusion

Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings the taste of the Mediterranean to your kitchen. Whether grilled for a barbecue or prepared indoors for a quick meal, it’s a delicious and versatile recipe that everyone will love. Try it today and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of Greek cuisine!

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