Description
Sizzling Greek chicken souvlaki brings Mediterranean flavors right to your kitchen with tender marinated meat and zesty herbs. Grilled to perfection and served with warm pita, this classic dish offers a delightful journey through authentic Greek cuisine you won’t want to miss.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Liquid and Oil Ingredients:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
Accompaniments and Garnishes:
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 plum tomatoes, sliced
- Tzatziki sauce
- Pita bread (khubz)
- Lemon slices for squeezing
Instructions
- Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a mixing container to create a vibrant marinade.
- Submerge chicken cubes completely in the marinade, ensuring thorough coating. Refrigerate for 45-60 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Prepare wooden skewers by soaking in water for 30 minutes to prevent charring during cooking.
- Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, maintaining slight spacing between pieces for even heat distribution.
- Heat grill to medium-high (around 400°F), thoroughly cleaning and lightly oiling cooking grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill chicken skewers for 8-10 minutes, rotating periodically to achieve golden-brown exterior and consistent cooking.
- Monitor internal chicken temperature, aiming for 163°F. Carefully baste once with reserved marinade during grilling.
- Remove skewers from grill and allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes, which helps internal temperature reach 165°F.
- Optional alternative cooking method: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake chicken on a greased baking sheet for 5-7 minutes per side.
- Serve hot chicken skewers atop warm pita bread, accompanied by fresh tomatoes, sliced red onions, tzatziki sauce, and a zesty lemon squeeze.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for maximum flavor by letting it sit in the refrigerator for at least 45 minutes, allowing the herbs and lemon to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Prevent wooden skewers from burning by soaking them in water for 30 minutes before threading the chicken, ensuring even cooking and preventing charring.
- Maintain food safety by using a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, which kills harmful bacteria and keeps the meat juicy.
- Customize the dish for different diets by substituting chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version, or using gluten-free pita for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (including marinade preparation and threading skewers)
- Cook Time: 8–10 minutes grilling or 10–14 minutes baking
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 311 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 215 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg