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Chicken Souvlaki 10.png

Chicken Souvlaki

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πŸ— Experience authentic Greek flavors with tender, marinated chicken skewers that transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean
πŸ₯’ Create a complete meal with creamy tzatziki sauce and fresh vegetables wrapped in warm pita bread

  • Total Time: 25 minutes plus marinating
  • Yield: 10-12 skewers

Ingredients

– 10 garlic cloves for bold garlic flavor in the marinade

– 2 tablespoons dried oregano for flavoring the chicken

– 1 teaspoon rosemary for adding depth

– 1 teaspoon sweet paprika for color and mild smoky sweetness

– 1 teaspoon kosher salt for seasoning the meat and marinade

– 1 teaspoon black pepper for a touch of heat

– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil for richness and to help carry flavors

– 1/4 cup dry white wine for acid and flavor

– Juice of 1 lemon for bright acidity to tenderize and flavor

– 2 bay leaves for aromatic layer in the marinade

– 2 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast for main protein for skewers

– Greek pita bread for serving

– tzatziki sauce as essential cooling sauce

– sliced tomato for freshness and acidity

– cucumber for crunch

– onions

– Kalamata olives for briny finish

– Greek salad

– lemon potatoes

– tabouli

– mezze platter

Instructions

1-First Step: Mise en place and marinade Gather and measure all ingredients before you start. Peel 10 garlic cloves. Trim fat from chicken breasts and cut into uniform 1 1/2-inch pieces so they cook evenly. Place the following in a food processor: 10 garlic cloves (peeled), 2 tablespoons dried oregano, 1 teaspoon rosemary, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup dry white wine, and juice of 1 lemon. Exclude the 2 bay leaves from the processor.

2-Second Step: Blend the marinade Pulse the food processor until the mixture becomes a smooth paste. The oil and lemon juice will emulsify with the herbs, creating a thick, clingy marinade that will coat the chicken pieces and help them brown on the grill.

3-Third Step: Marinate the chicken Place the cut chicken in a large bowl and tuck the 2 bay leaves among the pieces. Pour the blended marinade over the chicken, toss thoroughly so every piece is coated, cover, and refrigerate. Marinate for at least 2 hours for best flavor, or overnight for deeper taste. If you are short on time, you can marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes; this gives some flavor but is not as pronounced as a longer soak.

4-Fourth Step: Prepare skewers and grill If using wooden skewers, soak 10 to 12 skewers in water for 30 to 45 minutes so they do not burn on the grill. Preheat a grill or large griddle to medium-high heat. Oil the grates lightly using an oiled paper towel held with tongs to prevent sticking.

5-Fifth Step: Thread and cook Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between pieces so heat circulates. Place skewers on the hot grill. Cook, turning every 2 to 3 minutes to get even browning. Brush lightly with additional marinade while grilling, but discard any leftover marinade that touched raw chicken. Grill until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160Β°F. Carryover heat will raise it to a safe 165Β°F as it rests.

6-Sixth Step: Rest and warm the pita Remove the skewers and let the chicken rest for 3 minutes to lock in juices. While resting, briefly grill pita bread on each side until warm with light char marks; keep the pita covered in a clean towel to stay soft.

7-Final Step: Assemble and serve Slide the chicken off the skewers and build pita sandwiches. Spread tzatziki sauce on the pita, add chicken, top with sliced tomato, cucumber, onions, and Kalamata olives. Serve with optional sides such as Greek salad, lemon potatoes, or tabouli for a fuller plate.

Notes

πŸ• Marinate overnight for the best flavor penetration – minimum 30 minutes but longer is better
πŸ— Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness and flavor
πŸ”₯ Grill pita bread just before serving to achieve the perfect warm, slightly charred texture

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Marinating time: 2 hours to overnight
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Greek
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 skewer with pita
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 3
  • Sodium: 450
  • Fat: 14
  • Saturated Fat: 3
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 8
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 32
  • Cholesterol: 85