Description
A classic Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe featuring tender marinated chicken breast pieces grilled to perfection and served with traditional Tzatziki sauce, fresh veggies, and pita bread. This vibrant dish offers a delightful combination of smoky grilled flavors and zesty Mediterranean accompaniments, perfect for a flavorful, easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
Marinade and Chicken
- 10 garlic cloves, peeled
- 2 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup Greek extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, fat removed, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
For Serving
- Greek pita bread
- Tzatziki Sauce (prepared according to the classic recipe)
- Sliced tomato
- Sliced cucumber
- Sliced onions
- Kalamata olives
- Greek salad
- Roasted garlic hummus
- Mezze platter items
- Watermelon and cucumber salad
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small food processor, combine the garlic, dried oregano, rosemary, sweet paprika, Kosher salt, black pepper, olive oil, dry white wine, and lemon juice. Pulse until the mixture is well combined and forms a smooth marinade. Do not add the bay leaves at this stage.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the cut chicken pieces into a large bowl and add the bay leaves. Pour the marinade over the chicken, tossing well to ensure all pieces are fully coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight for deeper flavor. For a quicker option, marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare Skewers and Sides: Soak 10 to 12 wooden skewers in water for 30 to 45 minutes to prevent burning during grilling. While soaking, prepare the Tzatziki sauce and other side dishes such as Greek salad, roasted garlic hummus, etc., or have these ready in advance.
- Thread the Chicken: Once marinated, thread the chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers evenly.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat an outdoor grill or griddle to medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates lightly with oil. Place the chicken skewers onto the grill and cook, turning frequently, until the chicken is well browned and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) on an instant-read thermometer. This typically takes about 5 minutes total. Brush the chicken lightly with leftover marinade during cooking but discard any marinade left afterward. The chicken will continue cooking to 165°F as it rests.
- Rest and Warm Pita: Transfer the cooked chicken skewers to a serving platter and allow them to rest for 3 minutes. Meanwhile, briefly grill the pita bread just until warm and slightly toasted.
- Assemble Souvlaki Pitas: Remove the chicken from the skewers. Spread a generous amount of Tzatziki sauce onto each pita. Add the grilled chicken pieces, then top with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and Kalamata olives as desired.
- Optional Serving Ideas: Enhance your meal by serving with additional sides like Greek salad, watermelon and cucumber salad, roasted garlic hummus, or a Mezze platter for a vibrant Mediterranean spread.
Notes
- For a quicker marinade, reduce marinating time to 30 minutes, though longer marination (2 hours to overnight) improves flavor and tenderness.
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F by resting after reaching 160°F during grilling.
- Extra marinade should not be used as a sauce unless boiled first for food safety.
- You can use a grill pan indoors if outdoor grilling is not available.