Chicken souvlaki is a classic Greek dish that’s loved for its juicy, flavorful grilled chicken skewers. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a summer BBQ, or anytime you want to bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. Making chicken souvlaki at home is easier than you might think, and with a few simple ingredients, you can create tender, aromatic skewers that everyone will enjoy.
What Is Chicken Souvlaki?
Souvlaki means “small skewer” in Greek, and it typically refers to bite-sized pieces of meat grilled on skewers. Chicken souvlaki uses marinated chicken chunks that are threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection. It’s often served with pita bread, fresh vegetables, and a cool tzatziki sauce, making it a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a basic list of ingredients for making delicious chicken souvlaki:
– Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1 to 1.5-inch cubes
– Olive oil
– Fresh lemon juice (and sometimes lemon zest)
– Garlic, minced or grated
– Dried oregano (a key Greek herb)
– Fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper
– Optional: red wine vinegar or honey for a subtle tang and sweetness
For serving, you might want:
– Tzatziki sauce (Greek yogurt with cucumber, garlic, lemon, and dill)
– Pita bread
– Fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Souvlaki
1. Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Some recipes add red wine vinegar or a touch of honey for extra flavor. Whisk everything together until well mixed.
2. Marinate the Chicken
Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours. This step is crucial for tender, flavorful chicken.
3. Thread the Chicken onto Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking.
4. Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until the chicken is cooked through and nicely charred on the edges. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your chicken souvlaki hot with warm pita bread, a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce, and fresh vegetables like sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and kalamata olives. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh oregano or parsley for an authentic touch.
Tips for the Best Chicken Souvlaki
– Use chicken thighs for juicier meat if you prefer a richer flavor; breasts are leaner but can dry out if overcooked.
– Don’t skip the marinade—it’s what infuses the chicken with those signature bright, herbaceous flavors.
– Cook on a hot grill to get those beautiful grill marks and a slightly smoky flavor.
– Let the chicken rest a few minutes after grilling to keep it juicy.
– Try different cooking methods: if you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or even an air fryer works well to get tender, flavorful chicken souvlaki.
Making Tzatziki Sauce at Home
Tzatziki is the perfect cooling sauce to accompany your souvlaki. Here’s a quick way to make it:
– Combine plain Greek yogurt with grated cucumber (squeeze out excess water), minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh dill, salt, and pepper.
– Mix well and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Variations to Try
– Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or Greek yogurt to your marinade for extra tang and creaminess.
– Serve souvlaki in pita wraps with lettuce, tomato, onions, and a drizzle of tzatziki for a delicious Greek-style sandwich.
– Experiment with spices like smoked paprika or a pinch of cumin for a twist on the classic flavor.
Chicken souvlaki is a versatile, healthy, and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your cooking rotation. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy this Greek classic anytime at home. Give it a try and bring a little Mediterranean sunshine to your table!