Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to bring authentic Greek flavors to your home? If so, look no further! This Greek chicken souvlaki recipe is the perfect way to celebrate the unique and fresh flavors of the Mediterranean without spending too much time in the kitchen. Filled with juicy, grilled chicken, tangy tzatziki sauce, and crunchy, herby pita chips this dish is the perfect choice for a flavorful meal without much fuss.
What is Chicken Souvlaki?
Chicken souvlaki is a traditional Greek dish that is incredibly quick and easy to make. It’s essentially grilled chunks of marinated chicken, typically served with pita bread, tomato, red onions, and topped with a garlicky, creamy tzatziki sauce. The result is a dish that is highly flavorful and pairs perfectly well with all of the other elements. This version even includes a crispy and crunchy herby pita chips, for a bit of extra texture.
Ingredients in Chicken Souvlaki
This Greek chicken souvlaki recipe comes together fairly easily. You will need a few basic ingredients to prepare, most of which are likely already in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to make the delicious Greek chicken souvlaki recipe:
Chicken Souvlaki:
– 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1½-inch pieces
– 1 medium red onion, sliced
– 2 green bell peppers, cut into thick slices
– 2-3 Roma tomatoes, cut into thick slices
– 4-6 pita bread
Marinade:
– ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
– ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tbsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Tzatziki Sauce:
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 1 medium cucumber, grated and drained
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp white vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Herby Pita Chips:
– 2 pita bread, cut into wedges
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki
Begin by preparing the marinated. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and coat them evenly with the marinade. Set aside and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes.
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the tzatziki sauce and pita chips. In a small bowl, gently whisk together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Set it aside in the fridge until ready to use. Next, preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the pita wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Set aside to cool.
Once the chicken has finished marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan on medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto wooden or metal skewers, alternating with slices of onion and bell pepper. Grill the chicken for 4-6 minutes on each side, until fully cooked through and lightly charred. Once the chicken is cooked, take it off the grill and set it aside to cool slightly.
To serve, lay the grilled chicken skewers onto a large platter. Arrange the pita bread, tomato, and red onions around the platter. Serve with the tzatziki sauce and herby pita chips on the side. Enjoy!
Variations of Chicken Souvlaki
This delicious Greek chicken souvlaki recipe can be easily adapted to fit your tastes. For a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken with your favorite vegetables and tofu. Alternatively, you can add more vegetables to the marinated mixture to increase the flavors. For a low-carb version, skip the pita bread and pita chips.
We hope you enjoy this delicious Greek chicken souvlaki recipe – it’s the perfect way to bring the distinct flavors of the Mediterranean to your kitchen. Don’t hesitate to share it with friends and family and let us know how you’ve adapted the recipe to your own tastes!
