Name: Juicy and Tender Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 40 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken breasts (about 4 breasts); 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 (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 to taste)

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken breasts (about 4)

1/2 cup canola or olive oil

3 tbsp white wine vinegar

Juice of 2 lemons (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 (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

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together canola or olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, smashed garlic, dill, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the marinade. Taste and adjust salt as needed before adding chicken.

Step 2: Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Place them in a large zip-top bag or glass container. Pour in the marinade and toss to coat all pieces evenly. Seal and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to 12 hours.

Step 3: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 45 minutes. Preheat grill to medium-high heat, setting up two temperature zones if possible.

Step 4: Thread 4-5 pieces of marinated chicken onto each skewer. Grill chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, turning a quarter turn each time, for a total of 16-20 minutes until cooked through.

Step 5: While grilling chicken, brush pita bread lightly with olive oil and warm them on the grill until heated through.

Step 6: Arrange sliced tomatoes and red onions on a serving plate. To serve, place grilled chicken on warm pita bread, topped with sliced vegetables and a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce.

Step 7 (Alternative cooking): To cook on the stove, heat oil in a skillet over medium to medium-low heat. Add chicken skewers in a single layer without overlapping. Cook, turning a quarter every 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free meal, serve chicken souvlaki with gluten-free pita or alternative bread.

If fresh herbs aren’t available, use half the amount of dried herbs called for in the marinade.

Adjust salt and lemon juice for taste before marinating to suit your preference.

Soak wooden skewers thoroughly to prevent burning during grilling.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, more flavorful souvlaki. Just cut into similar-sized pieces and marinate as directed.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate. You can marinate overnight but avoid exceeding 12 hours to prevent the lemon juice from breaking down the chicken too much.