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Chicken Souvlaki

Chicken Souvlaki

A simple and flavorful Greek dish made with marinated chicken skewers, perfect for a quick dinner or gathering.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Souvlaki
  • 700 g chicken thighs or breasts, cut into cubes Thighs are preferred for their juiciness.
  • 3 tbsp olive oil Use extra virgin if possible.
  • 1 Juice of 1 lemon (fresh) Fresh lemon juice is key for brightness.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Garlic is an essential flavor.
  • 1 tsp dried oregano Brings authentic Greek flavor.
  • 1 tsp paprika Adds depth and color.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste Be generous with seasoning.
For the Tzatziki
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt Thick and tangy.
  • ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry Squeeze out excess water.
  • 1 clove garlic, minced More garlic for flavor.
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice Fresh lemon juice.
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped Dill gives a classic taste, mint offers a twist.
  • 1 tsp olive oil (optional) For a silken texture.
Little Extras
  • Warm pita bread For wrapping.
  • Tomatoes, onions, feta For additional flavor and garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  2. Add chicken pieces and mix until everything’s coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best flavor.
  3. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  4. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving tiny gaps between pieces for even cooking. Alternate directions of chicken cubes for a better presentation.
Cooking
  1. Preheat grill or pan to medium-high heat.
  2. Grill skewers for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Alternatively, bake at 220°C (425°F) for 15–20 minutes.
  3. While cooking, mix yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill to create tzatziki. Chill until serving.
Serving
  1. Serve chicken in warm pita with tzatziki, tomatoes, onions, and feta.

Notes

Prep your marinade in the morning for a quick flavorful dinner. Use metal skewers for best results and don’t rush resting time after grilling.