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a short grilling time, you’ll have a delicious dinner ready in no time.
What You’ll Need for Greek Chicken Souvlaki
To make the perfect Greek Chicken Souvlaki, you’ll need a few essential ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
For the Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (Greek oregano is ideal, but any variety works)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Pita bread or flatbread (optional)
- Tzatziki sauce (Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs)
- Fresh veggies: cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and parsley
- Lemon wedges for garnish
How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until well-combined. This marinade is the key to infusing your chicken with bold, zesty flavors.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bowl with the marinade, ensuring the chicken is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour, but if you have the time, marinate it for 4–6 hours (or overnight) for even more flavor.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Grill the chicken for about 5–7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is cooked through.
If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken in a hot skillet on the stovetop. Just make sure to use a little bit of olive oil to prevent sticking, and cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked.
Step 4: Rest the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. This helps retain the juices, making the chicken more tender and flavorful.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Slice the grilled chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Serve it in warm pita bread with a drizzle of tzatziki sauce and a sprinkle of fresh veggies such as cucumber, tomatoes, onions, and parsley. You can also serve it on a plate with a side of roasted vegetables, rice, or a Greek salad.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki
There are so many delicious ways to serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki, and you can customize it based on your preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- In Pita Wraps: This is the classic way to serve souvlaki. Simply fill a warm pita with the grilled chicken, drizzle with tzatziki sauce, and top with fresh veggies.
- Over a Salad: If you prefer a lighter option, serve the grilled chicken over a bed of mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and Kalamata olives. Top with feta cheese and a dressing made of olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano.
- With Rice and Vegetables: For a hearty meal, serve the chicken alongside a bed of rice (try lemon rice or pilaf for extra flavor) and roasted or grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant.
- As a Party Appetizer: Cut the chicken into small cubes and serve as an appetizer with a side of tzatziki for dipping.
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Why This Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe Works
What makes this recipe truly stand out is the combination of fresh, bold ingredients. The chicken soaks up the tangy lemon, earthy oregano, and savory garlic in the marinade, creating a depth of flavor that’s truly irresistible. Grilling the chicken adds a smoky char that enhances the taste, while the creamy, cool tzatziki sauce provides a refreshing balance to the warm, seasoned chicken. The fresh vegetables and the squeeze of lemon make each bite even more satisfying and bright.
Tips for Success
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Both cuts work wonderfully, but thighs can add a bit more juiciness. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out easily.
- Don’t skip the marinating step: Marinating the chicken for at least an hour (or overnight, if possible) makes a huge difference in flavor.
- Grill or pan-sear: You can cook the chicken on a grill or grill pan, but if you don’t have one, a skillet works perfectly.
- Make extra tzatziki: It’s a great sauce for dipping, and you’ll likely want extra to go with the chicken.
Conclusion
This Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe is a delicious and satisfying way to bring the flavors of Greece into your kitchen. With its simple yet flavorful marinade, easy grilling method, and endless serving possibilities, it’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, preparing a weeknight dinner, or craving something fresh and healthy. Once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a family favorite you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy the Mediterranean magic with every bite!