Chicken souvlaki is a tasty dish made from marinated chicken pieces grilled to perfection. It’s often served with warm pita bread and fresh veggies. Yum!
Add a little tzatziki sauce, and you’re in for a treat! I love how quick it is to whip these up, perfect for a fun dinner or a tasty lunch. You can feel like a chef in no time! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Chicken breast is great for this recipe due to its quick cooking time. If you want a different taste or texture, you can use chicken thighs instead—they’re juicier and more flavorful.
Olive Oil: This adds healthy fat and flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, avocado oil can be a perfect substitute as it also has a high smoke point.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is best for a bright flavor, but you can use bottled juice in a pinch. Lime juice works too for a zesty spin!
Dried Herbs: Oregano and thyme are classic choices. If you have fresh herbs, feel free to use them. Generally, 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs equals about 1 teaspoon of dried.
Pita Bread: Pita is ideal for serving, but you can also use flatbreads or tortillas if you prefer. It still gives a great way to wrap and enjoy the chicken.
Tzatziki Sauce: While a store-bought tzatziki is convenient, homemade tastes fresher. You can make it with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs. If you’re dairy-free, try using a plant-based yogurt alternative.
How Do You Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating chicken is crucial for flavor. The marinade not only adds taste but also helps tenderize the chicken. Here’s how to effectively marinate your chicken:
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a large bowl or zip-top bag, ensuring everything mixes well.
- Add your chicken to the marinade and coat the pieces thoroughly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results), allowing the flavors to soak in.
- Remember to take the chicken out of the fridge 30 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking!
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes total. You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep work to make the marinade, plus at least 1 hour for the chicken to marinate. The grilling will take about 15 minutes. Perfect for a delightful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a good-sized bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well to create a flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade in the bowl. Toss them around until all pieces are nicely coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and put it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or better yet, overnight for even more flavor!
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Carefully thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each piece. This helps them cook evenly. Grill the skewers for about 12-15 minutes, turning them occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has beautiful grill marks.
4. Warm the Pita and Serve:
While the chicken is grilling, place the pita bread on the grill for a few minutes to warm and slightly toast it. Once the chicken is done, arrange the skewers on a serving platter alongside the warm pita bread, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion. Don’t forget to serve the tzatziki sauce on the side for a yummy dip!
Enjoy your delicious Chicken Souvlaki!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken for Souvlaki?
Absolutely! While chicken breast is a classic choice, you can also use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a little longer to cook through than breasts.
What Can I Substitute for Tzatziki Sauce?
If you don’t have tzatziki sauce on hand, you can easily make a quick version using Greek yogurt, minced cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Alternatively, a yogurt-based dressing or hummus can also work well as a dip!
Can I Make Souvlaki Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, which allows the flavors to develop even more. Once the chicken is grilled, you can store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Souvlaki?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months; just thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
