Why You’ll Love This Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and easy to prepare, you’ll absolutely love this Chicken Souvlaki recipe.
It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting friends or just enjoying a cozy night in. The marinated chicken skewers are incredibly juicy and tender, while the grilled pitas add a delightful crunch.
Plus, the homemade tzatziki sauce elevates the whole dish with its invigorating taste. I can’t get enough of the combination of spices and fresh ingredients.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding this recipe to your regular rotation. You won’t regret it!
Ingredients of Chicken Souvlaki
When it comes to whipping up a delicious Chicken Souvlaki, the ingredients are key to achieving that authentic Mediterranean flavor. You’ll be amazed at how simple yet fresh these ingredients are, making your dish not only tasty but also wholesome.
So, gather your supplies and get ready to plunge into a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to Greece. Trust me, your family and friends will be begging for seconds!
Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouth-watering Chicken Souvlaki:
- 2 cups plain yogurt
- 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and grated
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Fresh ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 1 1/3 lbs)
- 4 pocketless pitas
- 6 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
- 1 small onion, cut into thin wedges
- 2 tomatoes, cut into thin wedges
- 1/3 cup pitted black olives, halved
Now, as you gather these ingredients, it’s good to keep a few things in mind. Freshness matters, especially for the chicken and vegetables. If you can, opt for organic or free-range chicken for an even better flavor.
And don’t skimp on the seasoning! The marinade is what brings all those yummy flavors together. While the tzatziki sauce is a breeze to make, it can also be customized. Feel free to adjust the garlic and dill based on your preferences.
Maybe you love garlic? Toss in a little extra. Or perhaps dill isn’t your jam? No problem—just skip it! Cooking should be fun, so let your taste buds guide you.
And hey, if you accidentally buy regular pitas instead of pocketless, just roll with it. It’ll still be delicious, and you can always make a little sandwich out of it. No culinary disasters here, just happy accidents!
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki
Alright, let’s plunge into the delightful process of making Chicken Souvlaki. First things first, grab that 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1 1/2 teaspoons of lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of dried oregano. In a glass bowl, combine these ingredients, then sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. This is your marinade, so give it a good mix.
Now, toss in those 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes—about 1 1/3 pounds of chicken goodness. Make sure each piece is coated well with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it hang out in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This is where the magic happens—the chicken will soak up all those zesty flavors.
While the chicken is marinating, let’s make the tzatziki sauce. Grab your 2 cups of plain yogurt and a cucumber. Peel, seed, and grate that cucumber, then sprinkle it with 1 teaspoon of salt. Set it aside for a bit to draw out some moisture.
In the meantime, line a large strainer or colander with a paper towel, place it over a bowl, and fill it with the yogurt. Pop it in the fridge for about 15 minutes to let it drain. After that, squeeze the cucumber to get rid of excess liquid and mix it into the yogurt along with a minced garlic clove, a pinch of black pepper (about 1/8 teaspoon), and 1/4 teaspoon of dried dill. Stir it all together and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
Now, it’s grilling time! Fire up your grill and prepare to thread that marinated chicken onto skewers. Grill them over high heat for about 5-6 minutes, turning once until they’re cooked through and have those lovely grill marks.
While the chicken is grilling, don’t forget about the pitas. Butter both sides of the 4 pocketless pitas and grill them until they’re golden and slightly crispy—about 4 minutes should do the trick.
Once everything is done, cut the pitas into quarters, place them on plates, and top with the grilled chicken skewers, thin wedges of onion, and tomatoes. Serve it all up with a side of tzatziki and halved black olives.
And voilà—your Chicken Souvlaki is ready to impress! Just remember, if things get messy, don’t stress. It’s all part of the cooking adventure, and I’m pretty sure the flavor will more than make up for any kitchen chaos.
Chicken Souvlaki Substitutions & Variations
While traditional Chicken Souvlaki is delicious as is, I love experimenting with substitutions and variations to keep things new and exciting.
For a lighter option, I sometimes swap chicken for shrimp or tofu, which adds a unique twist. You can also try marinating the chicken in different spices, like smoked paprika or cumin, for a flavor boost.
If you’re short on time, using store-bought tzatziki works great too. Instead of pitas, I occasionally serve the skewers over a bed of rice or in a salad for a revitalizing change.
Get creative and find what works best for your taste!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Chicken Souvlaki turns out perfectly, I recommend paying attention to the marinating time; the longer you let the chicken soak up those flavors, the better it’ll taste.
If you’re short on time, an hour will do, but overnight is ideal. Don’t skip the tzatziki—it adds a rejuvenating contrast to the savory chicken.
When grilling, make sure your grill is hot to achieve those beautiful char marks. For a bit of heat, add some sliced jalapeños to your pitas.
Finally, serve it all with a fresh Greek salad for a balanced meal that’s truly satisfying. Enjoy!