Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki and Grilled Vegetables Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Souvlaki is a classic Greek dish featuring tender, marinated chicken grilled to perfection. Served with warm pita, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki, it’s a simple yet flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken breasts (about 4)
• 1/2 cup canola or olive oil
• 3 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 2 lemons – juice only (3 if lemons are not very juicy)
• 6 garlic cloves (smashed)
• 3 tbsp fresh minced dill weed
• 3 tbsp fresh minced parsley
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 – 1.5 tsp coarse salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 6-8 Greek pita bread, warmed
• 2 tomatoes, sliced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce (more or less)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together canola or olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, smashed garlic, minced dill, minced parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Taste the marinade and adjust salt if needed before adding chicken.
2. Step 2: Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and place them in a large zip-top bag or a glass container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal, and mix well to coat thoroughly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to 12 hours.
3. Step 3: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 45 minutes to prevent burning. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ideally with two temperature zones.
4. Step 4: Thread 4-5 pieces of marinated chicken onto each skewer, then place the skewers on the grill.
5. Step 5: Grill chicken kebabs for 4-5 minutes per side, turning a quarter turn each time. Total grilling time should be 16-20 minutes depending on chicken thickness.
6. Step 6: While the chicken cooks, brush pita bread lightly with olive oil and warm them on the grill. Slice tomatoes and red onion to serve.
7. Step 7: To assemble, place grilled chicken on warm pita, top with sliced tomatoes, onions, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce.
8. Alternate Step: To cook chicken souvlaki in a pan, heat oil in a skillet over medium to medium-low heat. Arrange skewers in a single layer without overlapping. Cook, turning a quarter every 3-4 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked through.

Tips & Variations

• For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken overnight but no longer than 12 hours to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Use fresh herbs whenever possible for the best taste, but dried can be substituted if needed.
• Vegetarian option: replace chicken with large portobello mushrooms or halloumi cheese cubes.
• Serve with extra lemon wedges for added brightness.

Storage

Store leftover cooked chicken souvlaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving. Pita and fresh vegetables are best served fresh but can be stored separately for up to 2 days.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used for juicier souvlaki, but adjust the cooking time as they may take a bit longer to cook through.

What can I serve instead of pita?

You can serve chicken souvlaki with rice, salad, or inside a wrap if pita is not available.

Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki and Grilled Vegetables Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 637 reviews

This Chicken Souvlaki recipe offers tender, juicy grilled chicken cubes marinated in a bright and herbaceous mixture of lemon juice, garlic, fresh dill, parsley, and oregano. Perfectly cooked on the grill or stovetop, these flavorful kebabs are served with warm Greek pita bread, fresh tomatoes, red onion slices, and creamy tzatziki sauce for an authentic Mediterranean meal experience.

• Author: rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Marinade and Chicken

• 2 lbs chicken breasts (about 4, cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 1/2 cup canola or olive oil
• 3 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 2 lemons – juice only (use 3 if lemons are not very juicy)
• 6 garlic cloves (smashed)
• 3 tbsp fresh minced dill weed
• 3 tbsp fresh minced parsley
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 – 1.5 tsp coarse salt (more or less to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

To Serve

• 6–8 Greek pita bread (warmed)
• 2 tomatoes (sliced)
• 1/2 red onion (sliced thin)
• 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce (more or less, to taste)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the olive or canola oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, smashed garlic, minced dill, parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Taste to ensure proper seasoning before adding chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the 1-inch cubed chicken breasts into a large zip-top bag or glass container. Pour the marinade over the chicken and mix well to coat all pieces. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 12 hours for best flavor absorption.
3. Preheat the Grill: Soak wooden skewers in water for 45 minutes to prevent burning. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat with two temperature zones if possible.
4. Skewer the Chicken: Thread 4-5 pieces of marinated chicken onto each soaked skewer, spacing pieces evenly.
5. Grill the Chicken: Place skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning 90 degrees every turn, for even grilling, about 16-20 minutes total, ensuring the chicken is cooked through and nicely charred.
6. Heat the Pita Bread: While the chicken cooks, lightly brush Greek pita bread with olive oil and warm on the grill until pliable and slightly toasted.
7. Prepare the Vegetables: Slice tomatoes and thinly slice red onion. Arrange these on a serving platter.
8. Serve: Remove chicken from skewers and build sandwiches by topping warm pita bread with grilled chicken, sliced tomato, red onion, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce.
9. Alternative Stove-top Cooking: If not grilling, preheat a skillet on the stove with a little oil. Arrange skewers evenly without overlap. Cook over medium to medium-low heat, turning chicken every 3-4 minutes to achieve golden-brown edges and cook through, about 16-20 minutes total.

Notes

• Do not marinate the chicken for more than 12 hours as the acid from lemon juice can break down the meat excessively.
• Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Tzatziki sauce can be homemade or store-bought based on preference.
• If grilling is not an option, cooking the skewers in a skillet is a perfect alternative.
• Adjust salt based on your taste, especially if using store-bought tzatziki as it may contain salt.

Keywords: Chicken Souvlaki, Greek Chicken Skewers, Mediterranean Chicken, Grilled Chicken Kebabs, Tzatziki Chicken, Greek Pita Sandwich