Quick & Zesty Chicken Souvlaki Recipe for Summer Feasts

Savoring a classic Mediterranean chicken souvlaki brings instant comfort to your dinner table.

Marinated chunks of tender meat promise a delightful culinary adventure.

Grecian flavors dance through this simple yet remarkable dish.

Lean protein meets zesty herbs in a combination that feels both familiar and exciting.

Minimal ingredients create maximum satisfaction with each delectable bite.

Crisp vegetables and warm pita complement the perfectly seasoned chicken.

You’ll find this recipe becomes an instant favorite that connects you to traditional Greek cooking.

Prepare to fall in love with a meal that’s both wholesome and incredibly delicious.

Easy Chicken Souvlaki Deserves a Spot in Your Dinner Lineup

• Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this chicken souvlaki a breeze to whip up, perfect for busy home cooks wanting delicious meals without complicated techniques.
• Infusing chicken with zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, and aromatic oregano creates a mouthwatering profile that transforms ordinary poultry into an extraordinary Greek-inspired dish.
• Easily adaptable for different occasions, from casual weeknight dinners to summer barbecues, this recipe offers flexibility with serving suggestions like pita wraps, salads, or standalone skewers.
• Lean chicken combined with fresh herbs and minimal oil provides a nutritious meal that satisfies hunger while delivering incredible taste without excessive calories.

Ingredients That Bring Easy Chicken Souvlaki to Life

• Chicken: Tender cubes of meat that will be marinated and grilled for a delicious main dish.

• Olive Oil, Lemon Juice: Combination provides moisture and bright, tangy flavor to the chicken.
• Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic punch to the marinade.
• Oregano: Classic Greek herb that brings authentic Mediterranean seasoning.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Tzatziki Sauce: Cool and creamy yogurt-based sauce that complements the grilled chicken.
• Pita Bread: Soft flatbread perfect for wrapping or serving alongside the souvlaki.
• Fresh Vegetables: Adds crunch, nutrition, and color to the meal.

• Skewers: Metal or wooden sticks used to thread and grill the chicken pieces.
• Grill or Grill Pan: Cooking surface that provides those desirable char marks and smoky flavor.

Simple Cooking Method for Easy Chicken Souvlaki

Step 1: Whip Up a Zesty Flavor Bath

Create a tantalizing marinade by combining – olive oil – fresh lemon juice – crushed garlic – dried oregano – salt – black pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.

Blend these ingredients until they dance together into a harmonious mixture.

Step 2: Bathe the Chicken

Tumble chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring every morsel gets a luxurious coating.

Seal the container and let it chill in the refrigerator for a flavor-infusing session between 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Step 3: Fire Up the Cooking Surface

Heat your grill or grill pan to a sizzling medium-high temperature.

You want the surface hot and ready for some serious cooking action.

Step 4: Build Tasty Skewer Towers

Carefully thread marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving tiny gaps between pieces to guarantee even, gorgeous cooking.

This helps each chunk get perfectly grilled.

Step 5: Grill to Golden Perfection

Place skewers on the hot surface.

Cook for 10-12 minutes, rotating periodically to achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 75°C or 165°F.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow skewers to rest briefly after grilling.

Plate with creamy tzatziki, warm pita bread, and crisp fresh vegetables for a complete Mediterranean feast.

Tips That Add a Boost to Your Easy Chicken Souvlaki

• Let chicken soak longer for deeper, more intense Mediterranean flavors – up to 2 hours transforms ordinary meat into a taste sensation.
• Space chicken pieces evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent any undercooked sections, guaranteeing perfectly grilled bites every time.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches safe 75°C (165°F), eliminating guesswork and ensuring delicious, juicy results.
• Allow grilled souvlaki to rest 2-3 minutes after cooking, letting juices redistribute for maximum tenderness and preventing dry meat.
• Replace traditional pita with lettuce wraps or serve over salad for a low-carb, celiac-friendly alternative that doesn't compromise on flavor.

Best Practices for Saving and Reheating Easy Chicken Souvlaki

• Store leftover chicken souvlaki in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual skewers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months to maintain best quality and taste.
• Place chicken on microwave-safe plate, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warm throughout.
• Preheat oven to 175C, arrange souvlaki on baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent moisture loss. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 74C, ensuring juicy and tender chicken.

Sides and Sauces That Work with Easy Chicken Souvlaki

• Savor Complementary Flavors: Pair chicken souvlaki with crisp, zesty accompaniments that enhance its Mediterranean essence.
• Refresh with Greek White Wine: Select a chilled Assyrtiko or Moschofilero to cut through the marinade's richness and complement the herb-infused chicken.
• Match with Cooling Tzatziki: Create a perfect balance by serving the grilled souvlaki alongside homemade tzatziki, whose creamy yogurt and cucumber notes soften the meat's char and provide a cooling counterpoint.
• Complete the Plate with Greek Salad: Add a vibrant Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and feta cheese to bring bright, fresh flavors that harmonize with the grilled chicken's smoky profile.

Flavor Adjustments to Try with Easy Chicken Souvlaki

• Vegetarian Souvlaki: Replace chicken with firm tofu or seitan, marinating in the same flavorful mixture for a plant-based alternative that maintains the classic Greek seasoning profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pita or serve over cauliflower rice, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy the dish without compromising taste.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Skip the pita and serve chicken skewers over a crisp salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and a dollop of Greek yogurt for a lighter meal that keeps the traditional flavors intact.
• Mediterranean Fish Swap: Substitute chicken with firm white fish like cod or halibut, adjusting grilling time to prevent overcooking while preserving the herb-infused marinade's essence.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?

Use well-oiled grates or a clean grill pan. Brush the grill with olive oil before adding the skewers and ensure the grates are hot before placing the chicken.

• Can I use wooden skewers instead of metal ones?

Yes, but soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning during grilling.

• What's the best way to check if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas.

• Is it okay to marinate the chicken longer than 2 hours?

Avoid marinating longer than 2 hours, as the acid in lemon juice can start to break down the meat’s texture and make it mushy.

Easy Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Greek street food magic comes alive with this chicken souvlaki recipe that delivers Mediterranean flavors in minutes. Simple marinated chicken skewers grill quickly, promising a delicious meal you can enjoy with warm pita and cool tzatziki sauce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 500 grams (1.1 pounds) chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon

Seasoning and Aromatics:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Equipment:

• Wooden or metal skewers

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Instructions

1. Create a vibrant marinade by whisking olive oil, lemon juice, crushed garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
2. Immerse chicken cubes thoroughly in the aromatic marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Seal and refrigerate for 30-120 minutes to intensify flavor profiles.
3. Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature, allowing surface to reach optimal cooking conditions.
4. Carefully skewer marinated chicken pieces, maintaining slight gaps between chunks to promote uniform heat distribution and consistent browning.
5. Position skewers on heated grill, rotating periodically to achieve golden exterior and perfectly cooked interior. Cook approximately 10-12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 75°C/165°F.
6. Allow skewered chicken to rest momentarily after grilling, enabling juices to redistribute and enhance overall tenderness.
7. Plate souvlaki alongside traditional accompaniments like tangy tzatziki, warm pita bread, and crisp fresh vegetables for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Notes

• Marinate longer for deeper flavor infusion, allowing chicken to absorb more Mediterranean herbs and citrus notes.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and potential fire hazards.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender, juicy results that cook evenly and quickly.
• Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a delicious vegetarian version that maintains the classic Greek seasoning profile.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 405
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 590 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg