Hey friend! If you’re looking for something fresh, zesty, and totally irresistible, then you’ve got to try this Greek Chicken Souvlaki! Picture this: perfectly seasoned chicken skewers, grilled to juicy perfection, and served with a creamy tzatziki sauce on the side. It’s a light, flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor. Whether you’re grilling for a summer barbecue or just craving something a little different, this recipe is about to become your new go-to. Let’s get started, shall we?
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Why You’ll Love Greek Chicken Souvlaki
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual family dinner, hosting a fun get-together, or treating yourself to a flavorful meal, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Flavorsome and Fresh: It’s all about that incredible Mediterranean flavor! The chicken is marinated in a blend of olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs, making it so juicy and aromatic. Plus, the creamy tzatziki sauce adds that cool, refreshing touch.
Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a grilling expert to master this recipe. The chicken marinates in a simple mix of ingredients, and then it’s just a matter of skewering and grilling it to perfection. Easy, right?
Healthy and Light: Lean chicken breast, fresh veggies, and a yogurt-based sauce make this a lighter yet satisfying meal. It’s full of protein and good-for-you ingredients!
Perfect for Meal Prep: Whether you’re making a big batch for dinner or prepping ahead for the week, Greek Chicken Souvlaki stores really well and tastes just as good the next day.
Ingredients
Here’s the beauty of Greek Chicken Souvlaki—it’s made with fresh, simple ingredients that pack a punch. Let’s break it down:
- Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish. Chicken breasts are marinated in a delicious mixture that makes them juicy and tender when grilled.
- Olive Oil: Rich and fragrant, this is the base of the marinade that helps lock in moisture and flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for that perfect burst of citrus to brighten up the chicken.
- Garlic: Aromatic and flavorful, garlic is a must for this marinade.
- Dried Oregano: This herb gives the dish that classic Mediterranean vibe—earthy, fresh, and savory.
- Cumin: A touch of cumin adds warmth and depth to the marinade.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Wooden Skewers: These help you grill the chicken into perfectly portioned bites (don’t forget to soak them in water if you’re using wooden skewers to prevent burning).
- For the Tzatziki Sauce: Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, and a pinch of salt.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this Greek Chicken Souvlaki masterpiece:
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and toss to coat. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for even more flavor.
Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: While the chicken marinates, make the tzatziki sauce by mixing Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Set aside in the fridge to chill.
Skewer the Chicken: After the chicken has marinated, slice it into bite-sized pieces. Thread the pieces onto wooden skewers, making sure not to overcrowd them.
Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken skewers for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove the chicken from the skewers and serve with the tzatziki sauce on the side. You can also serve it with warm pita, a simple salad, or some roasted veggies.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 320
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki
Greek Chicken Souvlaki is perfect on its own, or you can pair it with some of these tasty options to complete your meal:
- Pita Bread: Soft, warm pita is perfect for wrapping up pieces of chicken and dipping into the tzatziki sauce.
- Greek Salad: Fresh, crisp veggies like cucumber, tomato, red onion, and Kalamata olives, topped with feta cheese and a simple dressing, would complement this dish beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers are the perfect side to bring in even more Mediterranean flavors.
- Fries: For a fun twist, serve with crispy fries (or even sweet potato fries) for that satisfying crunch.
- Rice or Couscous: Serve it alongside a fluffy bed of rice or couscous for a complete, filling meal.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Marinate Longer: If you have time, let the chicken marinate for a few hours or even overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it becomes.
- Grill Indoors: If you don’t have an outdoor grill, use a grill pan indoors. Just make sure to get that sear on the chicken for the best flavor.
- Try Lamb: If you’re feeling adventurous, swap the chicken for lamb for a more authentic Greek souvlaki experience.
- Make it a Wrap: For a more casual meal, make souvlaki wraps by wrapping the grilled chicken, tzatziki, and salad in a warm pita.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days, so it’s perfect for preparing in advance.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A1: Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative! They’re a bit juicier and will still work wonderfully with the marinade.
Q2: Can I make this without a grill?
A2: Absolutely! You can cook the chicken in a grill pan or a regular skillet on the stove. Just make sure the heat is medium-high to get a nice sear.
Q3: Can I use store-bought tzatziki sauce?
A3: While homemade is always best, store-bought tzatziki can work in a pinch. Just be sure to check the ingredients for authenticity!
Q4: Can I make this ahead of time?
A4: Yes! Marinate the chicken ahead of time and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to grill. You can also make the tzatziki sauce in advance and store it in the fridge.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store any leftover chicken and tzatziki sauce in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q6: Can I freeze the chicken after marinating?
A6: Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before grilling.
Q7: What else can I serve with Greek Chicken Souvlaki?
A7: You can also serve it with a side of hummus, tabbouleh, or roasted potatoes to round out the meal.
Q8: How do I make this spicy?
A8: If you like some heat, try adding red pepper flakes or a little cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Q9: Can I use a different type of yogurt for the tzatziki sauce?
A9: Greek yogurt is best for its thick consistency, but you can substitute it with regular yogurt if needed—just strain it a bit to remove excess liquid.
Q10: How long can I marinate the chicken?
A10: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but if you can leave it for up to 4 hours, even better!
Conclusion
Greek Chicken Souvlaki is fresh, flavorful, and super easy to make. Whether you’re grilling up a meal for the family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is perfect for any occasion. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the tastes of the Mediterranean—trust me, you’ll love every bite! Happy cooking!
Print
Greek Chicken Souvlaki
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This flavorful chicken souvlaki recipe brings the vibrant taste of Greece to your table! Marinated in a delicious mixture of garlic, oregano, lemon, and olive oil, this grilled chicken is perfectly paired with homemade tzatziki sauce, fresh vegetables, and warm pita.
Ingredients
For the Souvlaki Marinade:
- 10 garlic cloves, peeled
- 2 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup Private Reserve Greek extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 bay leaves
For the Chicken:
- 2 1/2 lb organic boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
For the Pita Fixings:
- Greek pita bread
- Tzatziki Sauce (made according to this recipe)
- Sliced tomato, cucumber, onions, and Kalamata olives
Optional Sides to Serve Along:
- Greek salad
- Roasted garlic hummus
- Mezze platter
- Watermelon and cucumber salad
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a small food processor, combine garlic, oregano, rosemary, paprika, salt, pepper, olive oil, white wine, and lemon juice (do NOT add the bay leaves yet). Pulse until well combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to a large bowl, toss with the bay leaves, and pour over the marinade. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Prepare the skewers: Soak 10-12 wooden skewers in water for 30-45 minutes.
- Prepare sides and tzatziki sauce: While the chicken is marinating, prepare the tzatziki sauce and any sides you’d like to serve with your souvlaki.
- Grill the chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers. Heat the grill or griddle over medium-high heat, brushing the grates with oil. Grill the chicken skewers for about 5 minutes, turning to cook evenly, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (it will rise to 165°F as it rests).
- Grill the pitas: While the chicken is resting, briefly grill the pitas to warm them.
- Assemble the souvlaki pitas: Spread tzatziki sauce on each pita, add the grilled chicken pieces (remove from the skewers), and top with sliced vegetables and olives.
- Serve: Optionally, serve with Greek salad, hummus, or a Mezze platter.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- This dish pairs well with a side of Greek salad or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg