Chicken souvlaki is a juicy, flavorful dish that’s quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a healthy, family-friendly meal that everyone will love, making it an ideal choice for dinner. You’ll find this recipe is special because it brings the taste of the Mediterranean right to your table!
Table of Contents
Easy Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Souvlaki
This chicken souvlaki recipe is not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly simple. With a marinade of olive oil, garlic, lemon, and herbs, your chicken will be tender and aromatic. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite sides, making it versatile for any palate.
Ingredients for Authentic Chicken Souvlaki
To make this savory chicken souvlaki, gather the following ingredients:
- Chicken (breast or tenders)
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Lemon
- Oregano (fresh or dried)
- Parsley
- Chili flakes
- Cumin powder
- Salt
- Oil (for pita)
Preparing the Flavorful Chicken Souvlaki Marinade
Begin by preparing your marinade. Combine olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, oregano, parsley, chili flakes, and cumin in a bowl or a sealable bag. This mixture is where all the magic happens, infusing the chicken with vibrant flavors!
How to Marinate Chicken for Souvlaki
Next, prepare your chicken. Slice chicken breast into 1-2 inch pieces or pound chicken tenders into flat strips. Once cut, coat the chicken in your marinade. Refrigerate it for at least 20-30 minutes or ideally, overnight. This step allows the flavors to penetrate deeply.
Skewering Your Chicken Souvlaki
Now it’s time to skewer the marinated chicken. Thread around 4-5 pieces of chicken onto each skewer, leaving a little space near the handle for easy handling. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning on the grill.
Cooking Methods for Perfect Chicken Souvlaki
Time to cook! You can grill or broil the skewers for a deliciously charred finish. Let’s look at both methods.
Grilling Your Chicken Souvlaki
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked and has those beautiful char marks. For extra moisture, brush the chicken with a mixture of lemon juice, oil, and salt while cooking.
Oven-Broiled Chicken Souvlaki
If grilling isn’t an option, you can broil the chicken in your oven. Preheat the oven to broil and place the skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil for 5-7 minutes per side until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
Tips for Perfect Souvlaki Every Time
To ensure your chicken souvlaki is perfect every time, remember to use fresh ingredients. Dried oregano is more potent than fresh, so if substituting, use less. For a gluten-free or carb-free version, omit the pita and serve with rice or a fresh salad.
Making Grilled Pita Bread
If you’d like to add some grilled pita to your meal, brush it lightly with oil and grill for 30 seconds to 1 minute on each side until marked and warm. It pairs beautifully with the juicy chicken!
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Souvlaki
Serve your chicken souvlaki hot off the grill or broiler. It goes wonderfully with grilled pita, fluffy rice, or a crisp salad. Don’t forget to serve it with a side of homemade Tzatziki sauce for that extra zing!
Best Sauces and Sides for Souvlaki
For an authentic experience, pair your chicken souvlaki with Tzatziki sauce, fresh vegetables, or a light salad. You can also explore other delicious chicken recipes like Yummy Honey Chicken Kabobs or Honey Mustard Chicken And Potatoes.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Chicken Souvlaki
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can be reheated in the oven or a stovetop pan. Leftover chicken makes a great addition to salads or wraps, giving you a quick meal option!
FAQs
What ingredients do I need for chicken souvlaki?
To make chicken souvlaki, you need chicken, olive oil, garlic, lemon, oregano, parsley, chili flakes, cumin powder, and salt.
How do I make chicken souvlaki step by step?
Start by marinating the chicken, then skewer it, and cook it on the grill or in the oven until thoroughly cooked.
Can I make chicken souvlaki ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook.
How should I store leftover chicken souvlaki?
Store leftover chicken souvlaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Related Recipes to try
- Yummy Honey Chicken Kabobs
- Honey Mustard Chicken And Potatoes
- Maple Balsamic Chicken Marinade
- Sheet Pan Chicken
- Herb Roasted Chicken
- Roasted Chicken Two Ways
Conclusion
Making chicken souvlaki brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your home with minimal effort. This dish is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep, ensuring that you have a healthy option on hand. For more inspiration, visit Pinterest where you can find many delicious recipes to enhance your culinary journey.
Easy Chicken Souvlaki Recipe for Everyone
Equipment
- grill
- oven
- baking sheet
- foil
- parchment paper
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
- Bowl or Sealable Bag
- Cast Iron Grill Pan (optional)
- Aluminum Foil (for wooden skewers)
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken breast or tenders
- ¼ cup Olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tbsp Oregano fresh or dried
- 2 tbsp Parsley chopped fresh
- ¼ tsp Chili flakes
- ½ tsp Cumin powder
- to taste Salt
- Oil for pita
Chicken Preparation
- Chicken sliced into 1-2 inch pieces or pounded flat
Instructions
- Combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, parsley, chili flakes, and cumin powder in a bowl or sealable bag to prepare the marinade.
- Slice chicken breast into 1-2 inch pieces or pound chicken tenders into flat strips.
- Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 20-30 minutes, or up to overnight.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, placing about 4-5 pieces per skewer, leaving space near the handle.
Cooking Options
- For grilling: Preheat your grill and cook the skewers until the chicken is fully cooked and charred. You can brush with a lemon-oil-salt mixture to prevent burning.
- For oven broiling: Preheat your oven to broil. Place skewers on a foil or parchment-lined baking sheet and broil for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
Serving
- Optional: Lightly oil and grill pita bread for 30 seconds to 1 minute per side until marked. Serve the chicken souvlaki with the grilled pita, rice, or salad and Tzatziki sauce.
