Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that captures the essence of Greek street food. It’s made with tender pieces of chicken marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and aromatic Greek seasonings. Whether grilled outdoors or cooked on a stovetop, this dish offers juicy, charred perfection that pairs wonderfully with pita bread, tzatziki, or a fresh Greek salad. Perfect for family dinners or backyard gatherings, this recipe brings the warmth and taste of the Mediterranean straight to your table.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 4 large garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons Greek seasoning
• 1 large lemon, juiced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. In a large ziplock bag, combine olive oil, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, Greek seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the bag, seal it, and shake well to ensure the marinade evenly coats the chicken.
3. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight for best flavor.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the remaining liquid.
5. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
6. Grill on an outdoor grill or stovetop grill pan until fully cooked and slightly charred, turning occasionally.
7. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.
8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, wrapped in foil, to lock in juices.
9. Serve hot with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a side of salad or rice.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki hot off the grill with warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a side of Greek salad or roasted potatoes.
• For wraps: Slice the grilled chicken and stuff into pita pockets with tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and a dollop of tzatziki.
• For rice bowls: Serve over a bed of rice or quinoa topped with feta cheese, olives, and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Appetizer style: Serve skewers with a side of hummus and fresh veggies for a light appetizer.
• Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
• Freezing: Freeze the marinated raw chicken in a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling.

Variations

1. Beef Souvlaki: Use cubed sirloin steak and marinate for 8 hours for richer flavor.
2. Lamb Souvlaki: Perfect for special occasions; lamb adds a deep Mediterranean flavor.
3. Vegetarian Souvlaki: Replace meat with mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a plant-based version.
4. Spicy Souvlaki: Add red pepper flakes or a touch of hot paprika to the marinade for heat.
5. Yogurt-Marinated Souvlaki: Mix Greek yogurt into the marinade for extra tenderness and tang.
6. Herb Souvlaki: Add fresh oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a fragrant, herb-packed flavor.
7. Honey-Lemon Souvlaki: Add 1 tablespoon of honey to the marinade for a sweet-citrus balance.
8. Garlic-Lovers Souvlaki: Double the garlic for an intense, aromatic experience.
9. Mediterranean Veggie Souvlaki: Alternate chicken with cherry tomatoes, onions, and peppers on skewers.
10. Sheet Pan Souvlaki: Bake everything on a single sheet pan for an easy, no-grill dinner.
11. Air Fryer Souvlaki: Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway for crispy edges.
12. Souvlaki Pita Pockets: Wrap grilled chicken, tzatziki, lettuce, and tomatoes in pita for a quick lunch.
13. Lemon-Dill Souvlaki: Add chopped fresh dill and extra lemon juice for a zesty, herbaceous flavor.
14. Tzatziki Bowl Souvlaki: Serve over couscous or rice with a generous drizzle of tzatziki and chopped veggies.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Yes, thighs stay juicier and are full of flavor, making them perfect for grilling.
2. Can I cook souvlaki in the oven?
   Yes, bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. How long should I marinate the chicken?
   For best flavor, marinate at least 6 hours or overnight.
4. Can I make it ahead of time?
   Yes, marinate the chicken the night before and grill when ready to serve.
5. What sides go best with souvlaki?
   Tzatziki, pita, Greek salad, rice pilaf, or roasted potatoes complement it beautifully.
6. How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
   Don’t overcook—remove from heat once internal temperature reaches 165°F and let rest.
7. Can I grill it indoors?
   Yes, use a stovetop grill pan for great results.
8. Can I freeze cooked souvlaki?
   Yes, freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
9. What is Greek seasoning made of?
   Typically a blend of oregano, thyme, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, and marjoram.
10. Is Greek Chicken Souvlaki healthy?
    Yes, it’s high in protein, low in fat, and made with wholesome Mediterranean ingredients.

This Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe is an easy way to enjoy the bold and vibrant flavors of Greece in your own kitchen. With a simple marinade and quick grilling, the chicken turns out perfectly tender and packed with Mediterranean goodness. Ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or summer barbecues, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Serve it with your favorite Greek sides for a complete and satisfying meal that’s both healthy and delicious.

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