– **Title**: Chicken Souvlaki
– **Ingredients**:
– 1.5 pounds chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 2 teaspoons dried oregano
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well blended.
2. Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to overnight for more flavor.
3. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
5. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
6. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes.
7. Serve the chicken souvlaki with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and fresh vegetables such as tomatoes and cucumbers. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: The star of this dish! Chicken breast is lean and cooks quickly. If you prefer dark meat, feel free to use chicken thighs for more flavor. They stay juicy and tender on the grill.
Olive Oil: This adds healthy fats and richness. Instead of olive oil, you can use avocado oil or even a light sesame oil for a different twist.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives great flavor. If you are out of fresh garlic, garlic powder will work in a pinch; use about 1/4 teaspoon per clove.
Oregano: The dried oregano brings authentic Mediterranean flavor. You could substitute it with dried thyme or Italian seasoning if oregano isn’t available.
Tzatziki Sauce: A must-have side! If you want a healthier option, swap traditional tzatziki with Greek yogurt mixed with diced cucumbers and a splash of lemon juice.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken is Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll get it just right. First, marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes. This adds flavor and keeps it moist. The longer, the better!
- Preheat your grill to medium-high. If it’s too hot, the outside will char while the inside stays raw.
- Use soaked wooden skewers to prevent burning. Just soak them in water for 30 minutes.
- Cook the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally. Look for clear juices and an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Let them rest for a few minutes after grilling to keep them juicy.
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Souvlaki recipe will take about 40 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the marinade and chicken, and then allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes (you can go up to 2 hours for more flavor!). Grilling will take another 12 minutes, and you’ll have everything ready to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and looks smooth.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure every piece is coated well. Once coated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes—if you have the time, marinating for up to 2 hours will give it even more flavor!
3. Prepare the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill or outdoor barbecue to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning while grilling.
4. Thread the Chicken onto Skewers:
After the chicken has marinated, take it out of the fridge. Thread the chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
5. Grill the Chicken:
Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Be sure to turn the skewers occasionally so that the chicken gets those nice grill marks and cooks evenly until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink inside.
6. Warm the Pita Bread:
While the chicken is grilling, warm the pita breads. You can do this on the grill for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or in a pan on the stove until they’re lightly toasted and warm.
7. Assemble Your Meal:
Once the chicken is grilled, take it off the skewers and place the skewers on a plate alongside the warmed pita breads, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and tzatziki sauce.
8. Enjoy!
Your Chicken Souvlaki is now ready to enjoy! Wrap the grilled chicken and fresh veggies in a warm pita with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. Delicious!
Can I Use Thighs Instead of Chicken Breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice for souvlaki as they’re juicier and tend to be more flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a minute or two longer to cook through than breasts.
What if I Don’t Have Tzatziki Sauce?
No problem! If you don’t have tzatziki, you can make a quick substitute by mixing plain yogurt with some diced cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. This will give you a similar fresh taste!
How to Store Leftover Chicken Souvlaki?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply grill or pan-sear on low heat for a few minutes until warmed through. You can enjoy them with fresh pita or as a salad topping!
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just add the chicken to the marinade when you’re ready to grill for even better flavor!
