If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and quick to make, then look no further than the Grilled Chicken Souvlaki: Your New Favorite Weeknight Delight Recipe. This classic Greek-inspired dish brings together tender chicken marinated in zesty lemon, garlic, and oregano, grilled to perfection, and paired with creamy tzatziki and crisp vegetables. It’s a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and refreshing flavors that will make your dinner table buzz with delight. Whether you’re cooking for busy weeknights or casual weekend gatherings, this recipe is guaranteed to become your go-to favorite for effortless, mouthwatering meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role in creating that iconic Greek flavor. From the bright acidity of lemon to the earthiness of oregano, each element brings the chicken souvlaki to life with vibrant taste and texture.
- 1 pound Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and juicy bites.
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors of the chicken and marinade.
- 1/2 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle spicy note that balances the brightness of lemon.
- 3 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist while grilling and adds richness.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Provides that essential citrus punch that brightens the marinade.
- 6 cloves Garlic (smashed): Infuses the chicken with aromatic depth and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Dried oregano: The signature herb in traditional Greek cooking, giving the souvlaki its unmistakable earthly aroma.
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (whole fat preferred): Forms the creamy base for the homemade tzatziki sauce.
- Juice of 1/2 lemon: Added to the tzatziki for a fresh, zesty finish.
- 1/3 cup Finely chopped cucumber: Adds cooling crunch and a refreshing texture contrast.
- 1 clove Minced garlic: Gives the tzatziki its gentle pungency and flavor depth.
- 1 tablespoon Freshly chopped dill: Lifts the tzatziki with its bright, herbal notes.
- 1 pinch Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little kiss of heat.
- 4 pieces Pita (warmed): Soft, warm, and perfect for wrapping or scooping up the souvlaki and toppings.
- 1 cup Thinly sliced tomatoes: Adds juicy sweetness and beautiful color.
- 2 cups Chopped romaine: Provides crisp, fresh greens to round out the plate.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Souvlaki: Your New Favorite Weeknight Delight Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining the olive oil, lemon juice, smashed garlic, dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a bowl. Toss the 1-inch chicken pieces into this marinade, making sure every piece is well coated. Cover and let the flavors soak in for at least 30 minutes to an hour—this step is what infuses your chicken with all those vibrant, Mediterranean notes.
Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
While your chicken marinates, get a head start on the cooling tzatziki. Mix the Greek yogurt, finely chopped cucumber, minced garlic, freshly chopped dill, lemon juice, and a pinch of red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and refrigerate to let the flavors meld perfectly—you’ll want this sauce to be a creamy, tangy counterpoint to the grilled chicken.
Step 3: Skewer the Chicken
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, packing them snugly but not too tight—this helps in even cooking and easy flipping on the grill. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 15 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
Step 4: Grill the Souvlaki
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to get those beautiful grill marks and to ensure even cooking. The chicken should be juicy inside with a slight char on the outside when done.
Step 5: Prepare the Pita and Veggies
Warm the pita breads briefly on the grill or in a dry skillet; soft and warm pita is essential for wrapping everything together. Slice tomatoes and chop romaine lettuce while the chicken finishes cooking to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Souvlaki: Your New Favorite Weeknight Delight Recipe
Garnishes
Adding some fresh garnishes takes this dish to the next level. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or extra dill over the top to brighten it further. A wedge of lemon on the side allows everyone to squeeze in extra citrus zing whenever they like. Crumbled feta cheese makes a fabulous salty finish if you want an extra layer of indulgence.
Side Dishes
This grilled chicken souvlaki shines beautifully alongside classic Greek sides. Try serving it with a simple Greek salad bursting with olives and red onion or a side of warm lemon potatoes roasted with oregano. Lightly charred vegetables like zucchini or eggplant also pair wonderfully without overpowering the souvlaki.
Creative Ways to Present
You can plate this in so many fun ways—as a souvlaki wrap stuffed with tzatziki and fresh veggies, or served on a platter family-style with pita on the side to allow everyone to build their own bites. Alternatively, arrange the grilled chicken over a bed of romaine with dollops of tzatziki for a souvlaki salad that’s just as satisfying and perfect for a low-carb option. Kids and adults alike will love the hands-on aspect of this vibrant dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Grilled chicken souvlaki keeps nicely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the grilled chicken skewers separately from the pita and tzatziki to maintain their texture and freshness.
Freezing
If you want to make a bigger batch, the marinated chicken can be frozen before grilling. Place it in a freezer-safe bag and thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to cook. As for cooked souvlaki, freezing is possible but may slightly affect the texture, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated within a few days.
Reheating
To reheat, remove the chicken from the skewers and warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven set at 350°F until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible as it can dry out the chicken. Warm pita separately to keep it soft and pliable.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving when cooked, lending even more flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs might take a bit longer to cook through.
Is it necessary to soak the skewers?
Yes, if you’re using wooden or bamboo skewers, soaking them in water for at least 15 minutes prevents them from burning on the grill, keeping your souvlaki safe and tasty.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While this particular recipe centers on chicken, you can easily substitute firm tofu or halloumi cheese for a vegetarian-friendly version that still pairs beautifully with the same marinades and toppings.
What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?
Greek yogurt is key for the creamy texture of the tzatziki, but if you don’t have it, thick plain yogurt strained through a cheesecloth works well. Avoid flavored or low-fat versions to keep the sauce rich and authentic.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
The chicken marinates best between 30 minutes and 2 hours. Marinating longer can deepen the flavor, but avoid exceeding 6 hours as the acid in the lemon juice can start breaking down the chicken too much, affecting texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Grilled Chicken Souvlaki: Your New Favorite Weeknight Delight Recipe enough. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy yet is incredibly simple and quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy evenings when you still want to enjoy something special. Next time you find yourself wondering what to cook for dinner, grab the ingredients, fire up the grill, and watch this recipe quickly become a beloved staple in your meal rotation. Happy grilling!
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Grilled Chicken Souvlaki: Your New Favorite Weeknight Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (4 skewers)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
Grilled Chicken Souvlaki is a flavorful and easy-to-make Greek-inspired weeknight dinner, featuring tender marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection, served with a refreshing cucumber yogurt sauce, fresh vegetables, and warm pita bread. This meal combines zesty lemon, garlic, and oregano with wholesome ingredients for a delicious and wholesome experience.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound Boneless skinless chicken breasts (Cut into 1” pieces)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt (Adjust quantity to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 6 cloves Garlic (Smashed)
- 1 tablespoon Dried oregano
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (Whole fat preferred)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/3 cup Finely chopped cucumber
- 1 clove Minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Freshly chopped dill
- 1 pinch Red pepper flakes (Optional)
For Serving
- 4 pieces Pita (Warmed)
- 1 cup Thinly sliced tomatoes
- 2 cups Chopped romaine
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, smashed garlic cloves, dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to create the marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the cut chicken breast pieces to the marinade, stirring until all pieces are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with lemon juice, finely chopped cucumber, minced garlic, freshly chopped dill, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers evenly, ensuring they are securely in place for grilling.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat, ensuring the grates are clean and lightly oiled.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for approximately 12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.
- Warm the Pita: While the chicken is grilling, warm the pita bread on the grill or in a pan until soft and pliable.
- Assemble and Serve: Serve the chicken souvlaki on warm pita bread with sliced tomatoes, chopped romaine, and a generous dollop of the tzatziki sauce. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- You can soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Adjust garlic and lemon according to your taste preferences for a milder or more intense flavor.
- The tzatziki sauce can be prepared a day ahead to enhance the flavors.
- For a low-fat option, use low-fat Greek yogurt in the tzatziki.
- Serve with a side of lemon wedges for an extra zesty touch.
