When you think of a summer BBQ or a cozy family dinner, nothing quite hits the spot like the sizzling aroma of Greek chicken souvlaki wafting through the air. Imagine tender chunks of marinated chicken skewered and grilled to perfection, kissed by the flames and infused with zesty lemon and fragrant herbs. Each bite bursts with flavor as it dances on your palate, making every meal feel like a mini-vacation to the sun-soaked shores of Greece.
I still remember the first time I tried making Greek chicken souvlaki; it was a culinary adventure filled with laughter and a few smoke alarms—oops! My friends loved it so much that they convinced me to host a backyard feast. That day turned into an unforgettable celebration filled with delicious food and even better company. Trust me, this dish is ideal for those sunny days or anytime you want to impress your guests without breaking a sweat in the kitchen!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This amazing Greek chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing
Family and friends were blown away when I served them this delightful dish for the first time.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust depending on how many people you’re feeding.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: For that tangy zing! Freshly squeezed juice elevates the flavor significantly.
- Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil; it adds richness and helps keep the chicken moist.
- Garlic Cloves: Choose firm cloves for the best flavor; nothing beats fresh garlic in marinades.
- Dried Oregano: This herb brings that classic Mediterranean flavor; dried works well but fresh is even better if available.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple yet essential! Season generously for enhanced flavor throughout.
- Pita Bread or Skewers: Choose pitas for wrap-style servings or skewers for grill-friendly portions—both are tasty!
- Vegetables (Bell Peppers, Onions): These add color and crunch; grill them alongside your souvlaki for extra delight!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prepare yourself for an adventure in flavor as we guide you through each step of creating this delightful dish!
Marinate Your Chicken: In a large bowl, combine diced chicken breasts with lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well until every piece is coated in that zesty goodness.
Let It Soak Up Flavor: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer everything into a ziplock bag. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—or overnight if you’re feeling patient—to allow those flavors to mingle beautifully.
Prep Your Grill or Oven: If you’re grilling outdoors, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F/190°C). For indoor cooking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Skewer It Up!: Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers along with bell peppers and onions. Aim for colorful combinations that will look fantastic once grilled!
Cook Until Perfection: Grill skewers for about 10-12 minutes total, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C) and slightly browned.
Savor Every Bite!: Serve hot off the grill wrapped in warm pita bread or alongside rice—don’t forget some tzatziki sauce if you’re feeling fancy! Enjoy your homemade Greek chicken souvlaki!
And there you have it! Your own platter of scrumptious Greek chicken souvlaki ready to impress family and friends alike. With its vibrant flavors and juicy pieces of grilled goodness, this dish will surely be your go-to crowd-pleaser at gatherings or quiet dinners at home!
You Must Know
- This amazing Greek chicken souvlaki marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least an hour to lock in flavors, then skewer and grill until perfectly charred.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chicken with tofu or veggies for a vegetarian option, adding your favorite spices for more flair.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover souvlaki in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh herbs like oregano and thyme for an authentic taste; dried herbs can lack flavor depth
- Always let your chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy
- Cutting against the grain ensures tenderness in every bite
Sharing this recipe always brings smiles from my friends, especially when they realize how easy it is to recreate these delicious bites at home.
FAQ
What is Greek chicken souvlaki?
Greek chicken souvlaki is grilled marinated chicken skewers, often served with pita and sauce.
Can I make Greek chicken souvlaki ahead of time?
Absolutely! Marinate the chicken a day before grilling for enhanced flavor.
What do I serve with Greek chicken souvlaki?
Pair it with tzatziki, pita bread, and a fresh Greek salad for a complete meal.
Greek Chicken Souvlaki
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a flavor-packed dish featuring marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection. Perfect for summer gatherings or cozy dinners, this recipe is sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3–4 pieces)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Pita bread or skewers for serving
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup onions, chopped
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix chicken with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Coat well.
- Cover and let marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375°F).
- Thread marinated chicken onto skewers with bell peppers and onions.
- Cook skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Enjoy hot with pita bread and your favorite sauces.
Notes
- For vegetarian options, replace chicken with tofu or a mix of vegetables.
- Let chicken rest after cooking for maximum juiciness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (approximately 145g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 70mg