Chicken Souvlaki

Chicken Souvlaki is a classic Greek dish that is simple, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. With tender marinated chicken, fresh lemon, garlic, and oregano, this recipe delivers a burst of Mediterranean flavor in every bite. It’s quick to prepare, easy to cook on the grill, and makes a healthy and delicious meal when paired with pita bread, fresh salad, or rice.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed into 1-inch cubes (about 1 ½ lbs)
• ½ onion (optional)

For the Marinade

• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl or freezer bag, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken (and onion if using) and toss well to coat.
3. Refrigerate and allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
4. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
5. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and discard the marinade. Thread chicken and onion onto skewers.
6. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook skewers, turning often, for 10 to 15 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked and reaches 165°F.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Chicken souvlaki tastes best hot off the grill, served with warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a fresh Greek salad. You can also serve it over rice, couscous, or roasted potatoes for a hearty meal. Garnish with lemon wedges for extra brightness.
• Meal prep: Cooked souvlaki can be portioned into meal prep containers with rice and vegetables for a balanced lunch or dinner.
• Storage: Store leftover chicken souvlaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the marinated raw chicken (before grilling) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
• Reheating: Reheat on a skillet, in the oven at 350°F until warm, or lightly grill again to maintain tenderness. Avoid overcooking in the microwave, as it may dry out the chicken.

Variations

1. Lemon-Herb Souvlaki – Increase the lemon juice in the marinade and add zest for extra brightness. Fresh parsley or dill can be added for a refreshing twist.
2. Garlic-Lovers Souvlaki – Double the garlic in the marinade for bold, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with creamy tzatziki.
3. Honey-Lemon Souvlaki – Add 1 tablespoon of honey to the marinade for a slightly sweet glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
4. Mediterranean Veggie & Chicken Combo – Alternate chicken with eggplant, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini on skewers for a colorful Greek-inspired feast.
5. Cheesy Souvlaki Wraps – Once grilled, serve the chicken in pita bread with melted feta or halloumi for a cheesy Mediterranean sandwich.
6. Smoky Paprika Souvlaki – Add smoked paprika to the marinade for a deep, smoky flavor that complements grilled meat.
7. Wine-Marinated Souvlaki – Replace part of the lemon juice with a splash of white wine for a gourmet-style marinade.
8. Turmeric & Cumin Souvlaki – Add turmeric and cumin to the marinade for a warm, earthy flavor profile with a golden color.
9. Citrus Twist Souvlaki – Use a blend of lemon, lime, and orange juice in the marinade for a bright, zesty variation.
10. Low-Carb Souvlaki Bowls – Skip the pita and serve chicken skewers over cauliflower rice with fresh veggies for a lighter, keto-friendly version.
11. Stuffed Pita Souvlaki – Slice grilled chicken souvlaki and stuff it inside pita pockets with lettuce, cucumber, tomato, and tzatziki for an easy on-the-go meal.
12. Souvlaki Platter for Parties – Make a large batch of skewers and serve with small bowls of hummus, baba ganoush, olives, and feta for a Mediterranean party spread.
13. Herbed Yogurt Souvlaki – Mix Greek yogurt, mint, dill, and lemon juice into the marinade for a creamy and herb-packed chicken dish.
14. Kids-Friendly Souvlaki – Cut chicken into smaller cubes, season lightly, and serve with mild yogurt sauce and rice for a child-approved meal.
15. Air-Fryer Crispy Souvlaki – For a faster option, cook marinated chicken in the air fryer at 380°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway for even cooking.

FAQs

1. Can I make chicken souvlaki without a grill?
   Yes, you can cook the skewers in a grill pan on the stovetop, bake them in the oven, or use an air fryer.
2. What’s the difference between souvlaki and gyro?
   Souvlaki uses marinated meat pieces grilled on skewers, while gyro is typically made from seasoned meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie and sliced thin.
3. Can I make chicken souvlaki ahead of time for parties?
   Yes, you can marinate and skewer the chicken the day before, then keep it refrigerated until grilling.
4. Do I have to use skewers for souvlaki?
   Not at all! You can grill or pan-fry the marinated chicken pieces without skewers.
5. Is chicken souvlaki gluten-free?
   Yes, the recipe itself is gluten-free. Just be mindful if serving with pita bread—choose a gluten-free option if needed.
6. What oil is best for the marinade?
   Olive oil is traditional and recommended, but you can substitute avocado oil or another mild-flavored oil.
7. Can I make chicken souvlaki dairy-free?
   Yes, the base recipe has no dairy. Just avoid serving with yogurt-based sauces if you want to keep it dairy-free.
8. Can I grill souvlaki indoors?
   Yes, a stovetop grill pan or even a broiler in your oven works well when outdoor grilling isn’t possible.
9. What type of onion works best for souvlaki?
   Red onions are popular for their sweetness and color, but white or yellow onions can also be used.
10. Can I meal prep chicken souvlaki?
    Yes, grilled souvlaki keeps well in the fridge for 3 days and can be portioned into containers with rice, salad, or roasted veggies for easy lunches.

Chicken Souvlaki is a flavorful and versatile dish that’s both easy to prepare and impressive to serve. With its zesty lemon-garlic marinade and smoky grilled flavor, it’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or backyard barbecues. Serve it with pita, fresh veggies, and tzatziki for a complete Greek-inspired feast that everyone will love.

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